Visiting Rainbow Falls

Rainbow falls is a beautiful 80 foot waterfall located on the Hilo(eastern) side of the Big Island of Hawaii. When the sun shines through the falls, the mist forms a rainbow or anuenue(ah-nu-ee-nu-ee). Rainbow falls cascades into the 18 mile long, Wailuku river. In times of heavy rain, the Wailuku river "boils" and Rainbow falls can become three falls instead of one.

[Vacation Tip: When the river is flowing strong, the roaring sound of the falls is absolutely awesome. The harder it rains, the louder it gets. What's even more awesome is how large the waterfall can become in times of rain. That's why it's great to visit the falls during both sunny and even rainy weather. Don't get stuck indoors on account of Hilo rain. Get outside and visit Rainbow falls!]

Rainbow falls is preserved in a public park. Admission is FREE of Charge

When is the best time to spot a rainbow?

Although Rainbow falls is beautiful at all times, the best time to spot a rainbow is in the morning when the sun is rising and to your back as you are facing the falls. Be sure to get there before the tour buses arrive. If you time it right, you could have the falls all to yourself. Just remember that swimming is not permitted.

[Vacation Tip: Planning a day of site seeing? Grab a cup of joe to go and head over to Rainbow falls. I love to stop by the falls in the early morning hours to enjoy the view and the sound of the falls while sipping on a nice cup of kope(coffee). A perfect way to start the day in paradise!]   

Due to its paved parking lot and viewing platforms, the falls are easily accessible to all ages including grandma, grandpa and the kids(keikis). The 1st viewing platform (which is wheelchair friendly) is directly across the falls.

To the left of the 1st viewing platform, is a staircase equipped with railings that take you to view the top of the falls as well as part of the Wailuku river..

If you continue beyond the 2nd viewing platform, you can venture on through a trail of towering mango trees that are covered with large tropical vines trailing up there enormous trunks.

The trail ends at a large banyan tree.

 [Vacation Tip: If you want to see more banyan trees, take a stroll through Banyan Drive. There are beautiful banyan trees all along the road that shade the cars passing below them. These banyan trees were planted by famous persons many years ago. Each tree has a small plaque next to it that has the names of the famous persons that planted them.] 

How do you get to Rainbow falls?

Simple Directions: Leaving the Hilo International Airport- Turn Right onto Kanoelehua Avenue(HWY 11), Turn Left onto Kamehameha Avenue, Turn Left onto Waianuenue Avenue, Turn Right onto Rainbow drive.

[Vacation Tip: The Hilo farmers market is a favorite stop for both locals and visitors alike. The farmers market is just four blocks away from Wainuenue Avenue. So if you already planned to make a trip to the Hilos farmers market, make a note that Rainbow falls is just up the road from there.] 

Detailed Directions: Leaving the Hilo international airport- Turn right onto Kanoelehua Avenue(HWY 11) and get into the lane farthest to the left. Head straight till you reach your first traffic light intersection. Turn Left onto Kamehameha Avenue and get into the lane farthest to the left. You will pass through 2 traffic light intersections. At the 3rd traffic light intersection, turn left onto Waianuenue Avenue. As you drive up Waianuenue Avenue, you will pass the Hilo Public library on your right and later the Hilo High School also on your right. After you pass the high school, get into your farthest right lane. You will pass through a traffic light intersection. After you pass through the traffic light intersection, the road will start to curve. Get into the lane farthest to the right. You will pass a baseball park on your right called, Carvaleo park. You will now notice signs leading you to the falls. Take a right onto Rainbow Drive. Drive up just a bit and the falls will be to your right. There is also a small gift/snack shop conveniently located across the way.

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Mahalo nui loa(Thank you very much) for taking the time to read our guide!

Island Gifts Hawaii