After eating on the Big Island, it only took a 15-minute drive to reach Rainbow Falls. The waterfall is located within Wailuku River State Park in Hilo. The Wailuku River is about 45 km long and is the longest river in the Hawaiian Islands, with a series of cascading waterfalls along its course. As soon as you enter the park, you can already hear the faint roar of rushing water. The waterfall itself isn’t very large, but surrounded by lush green vegetation, it feels wild and natural. After walking up the steps to the viewpoint, you can see the Wailuku River as it crashes down the lava rock formations. On a sunny afternoon, a small rainbow forms in the mist around the falls, adding a magical touch to the scene.
Rainbow Falls
1 photo
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
24m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Rainbow Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Rainbow Falls famous?
Rainbow Falls is famous for the rainbows that form in its mist during morning sunlight, and for the Hawaiian legend that the cave behind the falls was home to Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. It's one of Hawaii's most accessible and photographed waterfalls, featured in numerous films and TV shows.
Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?
Yes. Swimming is permitted in the pool at the base of Rainbow Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash in the park area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Rainbow Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free. No entry fee or permit required to visit Rainbow Falls State Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Rainbow Falls?
Free parking lot available at Rainbow Falls State Park with spaces for approximately 20–30 vehicles. The viewing area is a very short walk (under 2 minutes) from the parking lot. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Rainbow Falls?
Roadside attraction – approximately 50 meters / 0.03 miles from parking to main viewpoint. An optional steep trail leads down to the pool (not officially maintained). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Rainbow Falls hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike required). The main upper viewpoint is accessible via a short paved path. The unofficial trail to the pool below is steep and can be slippery. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?
Year-round access, but mornings (before 10 AM) offer the best chance to see rainbows in the mist when sunlight hits the falls. Winter and spring (Nov–Apr) bring higher water flow. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Rainbow Falls
From the parking lot, follow the short paved walkway to the official upper viewing platform overlooking the falls. An unofficial, steep, and often muddy trail on the left side descends to the pool below (use caution). Swimming access is from the base pool area.
Rainbow Falls official website
Attractions near Rainbow Falls
- •Boiling Pots – Series of turbulent pools and small cascades upstream on the Wailuku River
- •Pe'epe'e Falls – Another waterfall on the Wailuku River, short drive from Rainbow Falls
- •Liliuokalani Gardens – Japanese-style gardens in downtown Hilo, about 10 minutes away
- •Akaka Falls State Park – 135-meter waterfall about 20 km north of Hilo
- •Downtown Hilo – Historic town with shops, farmers market, and museums
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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