When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?

Mid-morning, around 10am, on sunny days are the best times to get the right combination of moisture and sunlight to create those distinctive rainbows.

Is Rainbow Falls accessible?

Yes. It’s one of the most accessible outdoor attractions in Hawai'i, thanks to ramps, railing, and the viewpoint’s proximity to the parking lot.

Is Rainbow Falls free?

Sadly, no. While in the past this was a free attraction, there is now a $5 admission and a $10 parking fee.

How long is the hike to Rainbow Falls?

This easy hike is less than 100 feet, a leisurely walk from the parking lot.

Has anyone died at Rainbow Falls?

Yes. Between Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, at least 27 people have lost their lives here.

Can I pay cash for parking and admission?

No. All payments must be made via credit card through a QR code or a link that gets texted to you.

Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, cascades into a serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant tropical flowers.

Hawaiʻi Island · Hawaiian Islands

Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Island

By Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku, Freelance Writer

Rainbow Falls is one of Hilo’s most photographed natural wonders, an 80-foot waterfall which, in the morning when the sun is out, emanates a giant rainbow visible from multiple angles. Rainbow Falls is a nickname, its Hawaiian place name is Waiānuenue, or “rainbow water.”

This is a great spot for all types of travelers, including multi-generational travelers who might have trouble hiking to other locales.

Located just a few miles from Hilo Bay, Rainbow Falls is the most distinctive point on the Wailuku River — Hawai'i’s longest river. Rainwater builds on the eastern slope of Mauna Kea and runs down the saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where it gathers more moisture from rain and snow and flows about 28 miles before emptying into Hilo Bay.

Rainbow Falls is located within Wailuku River State Park, which also includes Boiling Pots 1.5 miles upstream. Both showcase the beauty of one of Hawai'i’s most important and sacred elements: water. If you manage to visit both at the right time, they will be two of the most prized photos in your vacation photo album.

Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, cascades into a serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant tropical flowers under a blue sky. — Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island.

Quick Facts

Hours	Open daily 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location	Rainbow Drive, Wailuku River State Park, Hilo, Big Island. From downtown Hilo take Waiānuenue Avenue ~10 minutes.
Height	80 feet
Admission	$5 per non-residant Kids 3 and under are free Kamaʻāina are free with ID
Distance to falls	Steps from the parking lot, wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Kid-friendly	Yes
Time	10-15 minutes
Difficulty	Easy
Best time	Mid-morning when the sun is out
Facilities	Restrooms
Reservation	Not required
Distance from Hilo Distance from Kailua-Kona	~6-10 minutes ~1.5 hours

Views of Rainbow Falls

I recommend starting on the right hand side of the Rainbow Falls sign. Here, you’ll find two levels of viewing areas. The first includes the sidewalk and railing areas that give a more head-on view of the falls. A little further are a couple of steps that take you to a more angled view, along with informational placards. These two areas are where you’ll want to snap those classic rainbow photos, as well as your group photos.

After you’ve gotten your pictures, you can opt to climb the staircase to the left of the entrance sign to see the falls from a different vantage point. This is more of a bird’s-eye-view from a viewing area at the top of the falls. Just beyond these stairs is a large banyan tree that you can also explore. The roots and cool earth below the canopy are fun for kids to navigate with both their hands and feet. Non-native banyan trees have become a distinctive feature in Hilo, mostly due to the first ones planted in the 1920s by celebrities along Banyan Drive.

Large banyan tree with sprawling roots and branches near Rainbow Falls in Hilo. — Banyan tree near Rainbow Falls, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island.

Best Time to Go

While the falls are beautiful at any given time, to catch that classic rainbow shot it’s best to arrive mid-morning on a sunny day. The sun will hit the water just right, creating beautiful rainbow views from the upper and lower vantage points across the falls.

Road sign directing visitors to Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. — Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots road sign in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Admission

$5 per non-residant

Kids 3 and under are free

Kamaʻāina are free with State ID

Parking

$10/vehicle

There are approximately 12 spots for regular cars and a few for tour buses. During peak hours (mid-morning) you may need to wait for a spot to open up. Once you park, scan the QR code on the sign to pay for parking and admission. You’ll need to provide your plate number and phone number. You can pay via credit card, Apple Pay or PayPal. There are additional taxes and platform fees included in the total. Kamaʻāina can park for free. Once you’ve paid, show your payment confirmation to a parking attendant.

Rainbow Falls Lookout parking area in Hilo, with a parking attendant, payment sign, and closed-off entrance. — Rainbow Falls Lookout parking area, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island.

What to bring

Water bottle
Bug spray
Binoculars

Safety

Unfortunately, Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are some of the most dangerous places on Hawai'i Island due to the frequency and intensity of flash flooding in the area. This is absolutely not a place for swimming or hiking across the falls and river beds. Heed the warning signs and stay out of these dangerous areas.

Rainbow falls in Hilo on big island hawaii. — Photo by Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku.

Is Rainbow Falls Worth it?

If you’re watching your budget or trying to decide between this and something else, I would skip this stop, especially if the weather is bad. You’re looking at spending $22.39 for two people for 5 to 30 minutes of entertainment. For some, it’s worth getting some great photos, but a rainbow is not always guaranteed. Of all of the places that the state of Hawai'i now charges for, this is the one place that I think should still be completely free.

What should I pair this with?

After your visit to Wailuku River State Park, I recommend taking Waiānuenue Avenue back towards Hilo Bay. Once you’ve returned to the downtown area, you’ll find plenty of dining options including Coffee Girl Downtown and Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack. If you’re craving fish, check out Poke Market or Mohala’s Bayfront Fish and Chips. All of these items make for a great picnic lunch. Scoop them up and head to Lili‘uokalani Gardens to the south or to Honoli‘i to the north to watch the surfers try to find waves. If you’re missing the air conditioning, go to Cronies sports bar nearby. Temple Bar and Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill in Hilo are both open for lunch too.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, with a pond, gazebo, and landscaped grounds. — Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

How Rainbow Falls compares to other Big Island waterfalls

Easier / free: Of all the falls to visit, Boiling Pots is the easiest, especially since they aren’t currently charging admission. Rainbow Falls and ‘Akaka Falls both charge the same price for parking and admission, but Rainbow Falls’ location just a quick drive from Hilo Bayfront makes it the easiest waterfall to access. Kulaniapia Falls isn’t far from Hilo, while ‘Akaka Falls and ‘Umauma Falls are a further drive north on the Hāmākua Coast.

Bigger commitment: Of all the ways to visit waterfalls on Hawai'i Island, Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots require the least amount of time out of your day. The most important factor is placing them at the correct time on your itinerary. ‘Akaka Falls doesn’t take up too much time, either, but requires more walking and time than Rainbow Falls. ‘Umauma Falls and Kulaniapia Falls are typically at least a half day commitment, depending on the activities you choose.

On private property: Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are both part of a state park, managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. ‘Akaka Falls is also a state park, which is why your parking and paying experiences are similar. Both Kulaniapia Falls and Umauma Falls are located on private property, which results in a higher price tag but greater accessibility.