Rainbow Falls drops 80 feet over a lava cave right in the middle of Hilo, and on a sunny morning you can see the rainbows from the parking lot before you’ve even paid the entrance fee. The falls sit on the Wailuku River, and the viewing platform is close enough that you get real spray on your face when the river is running high.
Entry runs about $22 for two people with taxes: $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, paid via QR code on-site. The parking lot is small and fills fast on weekend mornings, so arriving by 8 a.m. on a clear day puts you ahead of both the crowds and the best rainbow light.
Table of contents
- About the rainbow falls
- How and when to see rainbows at the Rainbow Falls
- The short hike to the top of the Rainbow Falls
- Directions to the Rainbow Falls (+ paid parking information)
Table of Contents
- About the rainbow falls
- How and when to see rainbows at the Rainbow Falls
- The short hike to the top of the Rainbow Falls
- Directions to the Rainbow Falls (+ paid parking information)
The rainbow falls are inside Hilo town and extremely easy to reach. Walk less than 100 ft to the first scenic overlook.
About the Rainbow Falls
According to Hawaiian legend, the lava cave beneath the falls is home to Hina, the goddess of the moon. Compared to its significantly taller (422 ft) neighbor, ʻAkaka Falls, Rainbow Falls wins out for accessibility and for how close you get to the water: either from the main overlook at the parking lot or from the top after a short climb.
Good to know: In the Hawaiian language, the rainbow falls are called “rainbow [seen in] water”, or Waiānuenue. If you are interested in the meaning of Hawaiian place names, you can find more information on them here.
How big the rainbow falls are depends directly on how much water is falling in the watershed above on the Volcano. It had been raining for a few days before we took this picture (and still was, see the two people with umbrellas at the top left for scale).
Depending on the amount of rainfall upstream in the preceding days the falls can be either roaring or they can be reduced to a trickle. We have included pictures of both scenarios on this page.
How to See a Rainbow at Rainbow Falls
A rainbow requires you to stand with your back to the sun, which is why timing matters here. The main viewing platform sits east of the falls: arrive on a sunny morning, and the sun is behind you while you face the water. The mist coming off the falls generates the rainbow, not rain, so dry weather plus a good river flow is the ideal combination.
Even a reduced flow can produce a rainbow on a clear morning, so the falls do not need to be at full volume for the effect to work.
Arrive early on a sunny morning for the best rainbow light.
Mid-morning at Rainbow Falls in Hilo. By this time of day, the rainbow has shifted out of view from the lower lookout, and you need to walk closer to the falls to see it forming in the mist.
A short hike to the top of the Rainbow Falls
The trail to the upper viewing area starts on the left side of the falls when you’re facing them, and takes about five minutes. You pass banyan trees with massive aerial root systems on the way up, and the platform at the top gives you a looking-down angle on the falls that is completely different from the main overlook below.
The volume of the rainbow falls (or Waiānuenue) changes on a daily basis. This is what the falls look like after a good rain upstream. Note the people in the upper left of the picture heading to the upper viewing area.
The Banyan Tree at the Upper Viewing Area
Turn left at the upper viewing area and you’ll find one of the largest banyan trees on the island. This tree is almost completely enveloped with fig vines and has many aerial prop roots growing down into the soil that make it appear like the tree has multiple trunks.
Especially during dry spells the Rainbow Falls can get reduced to a trickle.
A short distance upstream of the rainbow falls you can also find the Peʻepeʻe falls. Both these falls and the Rainbow falls are part of our list of 5 best Big Island waterfalls.
Directions
You can find the Rainbow Falls at the northwest border of Hilo, just off Rainbow Drive. To get to the falls, drive up Wainuenue Avenue, turn to the right on Rainbow Drive, and park in the parking lot on your right hand side.
The Rainbow Falls are located at the northwest border of Hilo.
Paid Parking and Entrance Fees at Rainbow Falls
Important: entrance and parking for residents remains free
As of January 2026, parking and entrance fees are required to access Wailuku River State Park, including Rainbow Falls. The current fee structure is $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, which comes out to about $22 for a standard car with two people once taxes are included. Payment is handled on-site via QR code, with clear signage posted near the parking area.
Paid parking signage at Rainbow Falls, part of Wailuku River State Park. As of January 2026, visitors must pay an entrance fee per person and a separate parking fee per vehicle, with payment handled on site via QR code.
For a very short stop, this may feel expensive given the limited walking area and quick viewpoint access. If you have more time and are looking for a more substantial waterfall experience, nearby Akaka Falls offers a longer walk, multiple viewpoints, and a better overall sense of scale for the same entrance fee.