Konoko Falls, Saint Ann, Ocho Rios

Konoko Falls is a tourist attraction nestled in the hilly outskirts of popular resort town Ocho Rios. The Arawakan word for the rainforest, konoko, lends its name to this 600-feet cascading waterfall and garden, formerly known as the Mahoe Falls and Coyaba Gardens; coyaba is also an Arawakan word meaning heaven. Both names are fitting, even more so given that Taino artifacts have been found here, suggesting that the area was once a settlement.

Konoko Falls is easily accessible from Kingston via the North-South Edward Seaga Highway, although the toll to drive this route is rather expensive. After entering Ocho Rios, a right turn at the major intersection takes you to Milford Road A3. The first right turn off Milford takes you to Shaw Park Road, and it’s a rather lonely winding drive for the next few minutes but Konoko keeps you on track with arrows at every fork along the narrow mountain road. Trust their arrows and signs as the Google Maps map marker is slightly erroneous, not unusual for Jamaican destinations.

They’re open every day of the week from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The property has a wide array of facilities including a petting zoo, botanical garden, koi pond, museum, mini-zoo, aviary, restaurant, grill, souvenir shop, and of course amenities like clean restrooms and changing rooms since this is a paid tourist attraction, not at all uncommercialized my usual waterfall adventures. Guided tours are also available.

The waterfall has a staircase built alongside it so you can walk to the bottom and get back to the top by climbing the falls.
Similar to Dunn’s River Falls, this waterfall is made up of several cascades hewn from limestone rock, the power of the river carving out a picturesque path after several centuries.

This waterfall has the advantage of a smaller crowd.
‘Coyaba’ probably suited it better, from the waterfall, minimal edits which have been made to make it a safe and appealing destination, the rich untouched jungle-like foliage, and the bursts of color in between from the numerous tropical flowers including heliconias, hibiscuses, and bird of paradise.

The Konoko Falls is multifaceted – here, you will be able to enjoy the falls, and also spend time at the onsite zoo, museum, aviary, and even feed the fishes in the Koi pond.

Happy Traveling!