Where the Forest Paints Rainbows: A Guide to Rainbow Falls, Big Island
A brisk, sensory plunge into Hilo’s rainforest—rainbows, basalt, and the sound of water
You arrive in Hilo beneath a sky that feels like a promise and a threat at once—sunlight trying to push through cloud, humidity thick as wool. A handful of steps from the parking area, the rainforest opens into a small, paved loop and the sound arrives before the falls do: a steady, living roar. Water has been carving Hawaiian lava for millennia, and here it drops in a single curtain roughly 80 feet, crashing into a shallow plunge pool that leaves a veil of mist drifting up like memory. When the sun hits at the right angle, the mist becomes color—an instant, walking spectrum that gave this place its Hawaiian name, Waiānuenue, “rainbow water.”
Trail Wisdom
Go at first light
Early morning sun produces the most vivid rainbows and the smallest crowds; aim to arrive within an hour of sunrise.
Wear grippy shoes
Basalt and wet boardwalks can be slick—trail shoes or light hiking shoes reduce slip risk.
Respect barriers and signage
Do not climb fences or descend to the plunge pool—currents and submerged rocks are hazardous.
Protect equipment from spray
Bring a rain cover or zip-top bag for cameras and phones—mist can be heavy close to the falls.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The Boiling Pots downstream—series of churned pools and short cascades
- •Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Hilo Farmers Market for local produce and crafts
Wildlife
‘Apapane (native honeycreeper), Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) in nearby protected areas
Conservation Note
Visitor pressure is managed by keeping access to a designated viewing platform; protect native plants by staying on trails and avoiding the spread of invasive species.
The falls are called Waiānuenue in Hawaiian, meaning 'rainbow water', and the site has long been part of local oral histories and place-based knowledge.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower and forest color, moderate flows, photography
Challenges: intermittent rains, mud on secondary paths
Spring brings steady water without the full intensity of winter storms—good light and vibrant vegetation make it a strong time for photos.
summer
Best for: clearer skies, less crowded midmornings, combining with coastal drives
Challenges: lower flows in dry spells, occasional haze
Summer can be drier, so flows may thin; the trade-off is clearer visibility and easier road conditions for exploring more of the Hamakua Coast.
fall
Best for: bright foliage contrasts, quiet trails, short hikes nearby
Challenges: sporadic storms returning, slippery surfaces after rains
Fall balances lingering warmth with the return of showers—waterfalls pick up volume unpredictably, making timing worth considering.
winter
Best for: full, dramatic flows, powerful river scenes, dramatic skies
Challenges: heavy rain events, possible brief closures after storms
Winter is the Big Island’s wet season—expect the falls to be at their most dramatic, but check conditions after storms for closures or unsafe access.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Light waterproof jacketEssential
Protects from spray and sudden tropical showers common in Hilo.
Grippy trail shoesEssential
Needed for traction on wet basalt and muddy side trails.
Insect repellentEssential
Keeps mosquitoes and sandflies at bay in the wet forest surrounding the falls.
Camera with polarizing filter
A polarizer enhances contrast and can deepen rainbow saturation when conditions align.
Common Questions
Is there an entry fee for Rainbow Falls?
No—Rainbow Falls is free to visit; parking is available at a small lot adjacent to the viewpoint.
How long is the walk to the falls?
The paved loop from the parking area to the viewing platform is short—most visitors take 10–20 minutes to complete it.
Can I swim at the base of Rainbow Falls?
No—swimming near the plunge pool is dangerous due to strong currents and submerged rocks; obey posted warnings.
When are rainbows most likely to appear?
Rainbows are most easily seen in morning light when the sun is low and behind you; conditions also need enough mist from the falls.
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
The main viewing platform is accessible from the parking area via a paved path, though some adjacent viewpoints have terrain that is uneven.
Are dogs allowed?
Rules can vary—dogs on leash may be tolerated in parking and certain paths, but always check current signage and local regulations before bringing pets.
What to Pack
sturdy shoes (traction on wet rock), waterproof jacket (spray and sudden rain), insect repellent (forest bugs), water bottle (stay hydrated)
Did You Know
Waiānuenue translates from Hawaiian as "rainbow water" and Rainbow Falls drops approximately 80 feet (24 meters) into a misty plunge pool.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early to avoid buses; check weather for heavy rain which increases flow but can close access; combine the visit with Hilo Farmers Market; park at the designated lot to avoid roadside parking
Local Flavor
Hilo’s markets and cafés pair well with the falls—sample fresh poke, shave ice, and locally roasted Kona-style coffee after a morning visit; community events often center around the waterfront and public gardens.
Logistics Snapshot
Location: Hilo (on the Big Island) • Access: paved loop, short walk • Cost: free • Best time: early morning • Facilities: limited parking, no restrooms on-site • Safety: stay behind railings
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated paths, pack out any trash, and avoid introducing or transporting plant material to reduce spread of invasive species; respect cultural sites and local signage.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region