Rainbow Falls  | Hawaii |  | Hawaii County |  |
Guides |
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Address www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dsp/hawaii.html Waianuenue Avenue Hilo, HI 96720 |
Hours Every day Dawn - Dusk |
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From downtown Hilo, take Waianuenue Avenue west for approximately 2 miles. There is signage along the route pointing the direction to Rainbow Falls.
Description:
Any time you are in Hilo town is a good time to take a short trip up Waianuenue Avenue to Rainbow Falls, which is located within the Wailuku River State Park, just a couple of miles from downtown. The short drive along the Wailuku River, which, at 26 miles in length, is the longest river in the state, winds through lush, colorful, tropical growth of trees, flowers and ferns beyond description.
While not as dramatically tall as other falls on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls does offer it’s own rewards. If the day is hot and humid, which is a given on many days, the site of this waterfall is up slope from town and typically cooler and breezier than down in the city. The change in temperature is remarkable for so short a drive. Access is easy, requiring only a short walk from the parking lot to the primary viewing area, located directly across from the 2 pronged, 80 foot drop. A side trail leads from here and climbs up the side of the river gorge to a viewing area above the falls and is easily navigated by adults and children alike and is well worth the 5 minutes required to reach the end, which also has views of the roiling, boiling stream above the falls.
The best time to see the falls is in the morning, when it becomes apparent why the falls were named. With the early morning sun behind you, the spray as the water hits the pool below becomes a natural prism, creating rainbows that shimmer, then disappear, only to form again as the mist constantly changes shape and position. The cave behind the bottom of the falls is sacred to Hawaiians as the home of Hina, mother of Maui in Hawaiian legend.
Take time to look around at the beautiful flora. The viewing area is dominated by several huge Mango trees which might be loaded with ripening fruit, free for the picking. A rare pink banana can be seen behind the metal railing along the wheel-chair ramp, while an enormous Banyan tree is located near the top of the side trail at the upper viewing area. Keep an eye out for the kids, who can easily become lost in it’s long, spreading roots! A small gift shop is located across from the restrooms and sells snacks as well as interesting hand-made souvenirs made by local artisans.
Written By: Jonathan Botticelli
Features
Parking
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Shady Areas
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Kid Friendly
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Phones
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Restrooms
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Walking Trails
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Wheelchair Accessible
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