Rainbow Falls, Hilo
Hilo, HI
An 80-foot waterfall on the Wailuku River in Hilo, falling over a lava cave. Come on a sunny morning to see a rainbow in the spray; the lookout is steps from the free car park.
Rainbow Falls (Hawaiian: Waiānuenue) is a waterfall of about 80 feet (24 m) in Wailuku River State Park, just a short drive from downtown Hilo on Hawaiʻi (the Big Island). The name means "rainbow seen in the water". The water plunges into a turquoise pool; behind the fall lies a lava cave which, according to tradition, is the home of the goddess Hina.
The Wailuku River is considered the longest river in the archipelago, at 26 miles (42 km). The flow depends on the rain; according to Lonely Planet the fall can be a torrent one day and a trickle the next. You are most likely to see rainbows in the morning, when sunlight passes through the spray.
Practical tips: drive up Waianuenue Avenue, keep right where it splits toward Kaumana Drive, and follow the signs. The lookout is a few steps from the parking lot; a short unpaved path from the left edge of the lot leads to the top of the fall. The way to the cave is rough and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must.
- Nearest town
- Hilo, HI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 19.7192, -155.1080
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Trailer ParkingMotorhome stopover4 mi from Rainbow Falls, HiloMotorhomes
- Waiakea Camp SiteCampsite19 mi from Rainbow Falls, Hilo
- Namakani PaioCampsite24 mi from Rainbow Falls, Hilo
All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rainbow Falls, Hilo?
Rainbow Falls, Hilo is in Hilo, HI, at GPS 19.7192, -155.1080. It is about 10 mi from ʻAkaka Falls.
Can you camp near Rainbow Falls, Hilo?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Trailer Parking, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rainbow Falls, Hilo?
Rainbow Falls, Hilo is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kohala and the Hāmākua Coast: Kona to Hilo the northern way.
What is there to see near Rainbow Falls, Hilo?
Places worth a stop nearby: ʻAkaka Falls State Park (10 mi), Kīlauea caldera (24 mi), Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (41 mi) and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)