Rainbow Falls

The Basics

Located in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls—surrounded by lush greenery and basalt lava rock—draws in visitors staying on the island, stopping by on a cruise, or hopping over from another Hawaiian island. You can visit the falls on a tour that also includes nearby Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Waterfall chasers can take a guided tour of the Big Island’s top waterfalls, including Rainbow, while thrill-seekers can book an adventure tour that combines helicopter flights and ziplining.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Rainbow Falls is a great stop for nature lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors to the Big Island.

• Rainbows are visible at the falls only on sunny days after a rain, and then the river is at certain water levels.

• The main viewing platform is wheelchair accessible via a short paved path; the upper overlook is accessible only by steep stairs.

• Legend has it that the basalt cave behind Rainbow Falls is the home of ancient goddess Hina.

How to Get There

Rainbow Falls is 2 miles (3 kilometers) from downtown Hilo. From Hilo, head west on Waianuenue Avenue and turn right onto Rainbow Drive. From the parking lot, it is a .2-mile (.3-kilometer) walk to the first (and most popular) viewing platform. A steep set of stairs leads to the viewing platform atop the falls.

When to Get There

The state park is open during daylight hours. The best time to visit the falls is in the morning on a sunny day, when chances are good for catching rainbows. Early mornings are also best for beating the crowds, which frequently arrive on tour buses between 10am and 2pm.

How to Photograph the Rainbows at Rainbow Falls

The first viewing platform at Rainbow Falls is a popular spot for nature photographers to capture rainbows against the lush greenery and turquoise water. If you want to catch the magical colors on camera, time your visit before 10am on a sunny day after a recent rain. If the river is too low there will not be enough water to generate the mist needed to create rainbows; if it is too high, the water will be muddy and the sky rainbowless.

Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?

No, you can’t swim at Rainbow Falls—it’s not safe to do so. You can, however, swim in the river above the falls, but you should be careful to enter the water only when it’s calm and there’s no rain.

Is there a fee to visit Rainbow Falls?

No, unlike Akala Falls, which requires an entrance fee, Rainbow Falls is free to see. Plus, Rainbow Falls also has ample free parking and no hike is needed to see the falls itself, which makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Is Rainbow Falls accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, unlike other waterfalls in Hawaii that have long, round-trip hikes, Rainbow Falls is accessible for wheelchairs users. The walk to the falls is very short, so it’s easy to reach for anyone with mobility issues. The main viewing platform is accessed via a paved path, which wheelchairs users should have no issue traversing, although the upper overlook can only be reached by steep stairs.

Can you see a rainbow at Rainbow Falls every day?

This depends on the time and day and the weather. The best opportunity to see rainbows is typically on sunny days after rain, and on morning visits before 10am.

How far is Rainbow Falls from downtown Hilo?

Rainbow Falls is close to downtown Hilo—about 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers). If you’re driving or taking a rideshare service, the trip should only take between five to eight minutes. Once you’ve arrived, the viewing platform is a very short walk from the car park.

What is the best time of day to visit Rainbow Falls?

The best time of the day to visit Rainbow Falls is in the early morning before 10am, when you’re most likely to see a rainbow. Be aware it can be busy with other visitors, although tour groups tend to arrive after 10am.

Ways to explore

Located in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls—surrounded by lush, Jurassic-like greenery and basalt lava rock—draws in visitors staying on the island, stopping by on a cruise, or hopping over from another Hawaiian island to see wonders like this one. You can visit the falls on your own or on a tour that also includes nearby Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Waterfall chasers can take a guided tour of the Big Island’s top waterfalls, including Rainbow, while thrill-seekers can book an adventure tour that combines helicopter flights and ziplining.

Accessibility

Wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers welcome; a short paved path—100 feet (30 meters) or so—leads to the viewing area.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, snacks, sunscreen

What to wear

Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfy walking shoes

Not allowed

No swimming, hiking, or climbing around the falls

Amenities

Free parking, restrooms

Address

Rainbow Falls is 10–15 minutes outside of Hilo. While public transit is technically an option, the easiest ways to get there are via tour, which typically includes round-trip transport, or in your own vehicle.

Driving

Rainbow Falls is 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of downtown Hilo. From there, take Waianuenue Avenue, turn right onto Rainbow Drive, and follow the signs that lead to the free parking area.

Public transportation

Hele-On buses run from the bus terminal in downtown Hilo to the entrance of Rainbow Falls. However, they don’t run that often, so nab a taxi or rideshare for more flexibility.

Best times to visit

Early morning on a sunny day is the best time to visit, as this is when you’re most likely to see the rainbows that give the falls their name. The closer to sunrise, the better (partly for light, partly to avoid tour buses).

Best days to visit

Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends, though it’s more about time of day than the day itself.

Best months to visit

April and May—that’s just after the wetter season, so you should get strong run-off to fuel the falls. You should also get the sun, which creates the falls’ namesake rainbows.