On the north coast of Hawai'i towards Hilo, a small forest reserve is home to an incredible natural wonder. Akaka falls is a 442 foot waterfall bursting with runoff from Mauna Kea, the tallest volcano on the island. On this trip to Hawai'i in February of 2022, I was fortunate enough to explore much of what the island had to offer, but nothing stood out to me like Akaka falls. The descending walkway to the falls truly provides a feeling of awe as you approach the view. Tropical birds fly overhead, wildflowers and lavish plants sway in the breeze, and waves of humidity immerse you into the scene. I remember vividly as I walked down these stairs the soothing white noise that seemed to fill the entirety of the valley.