Rainbow Falls
Hawaii • 80 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
20 ft
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is a dramatic 80-foot (24 m) waterfall in Hilo on the island of Hawai'i. With a curtain nearly 100 feet (30 m) across, the Wailuku River rushes over the brink and plunges into a large pool below, producing the mist that often creates vivid rainbows — especially in the morning light — and giving the falls its popular name. The falls are managed as part of Hawai'i State Parks and are one of Hilo’s most accessible natural highlights. Access is very easy and visitor-friendly: a short drive brings you to the parking area and viewing platform, and an optional short stair path provides a higher vantage point for different photo angles. The site’s proximity to town makes it a convenient stop for families and photographers, particularly at sunrise when light and spray combine for striking colors.
The Setting
Rainbow Falls sits at 371 feet along the Wailuku River, in the coastal lowlands of Hawaii. The falls drop 80 feet.
Height: 80 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Rainbow Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Trail length: 0.1 miles (out-and-back) with approximately 20 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: drive_up — the route runs directly from the parking lot to a dedicated viewing platform, and there is an optional short path with stairs to a higher overlook. Waterfall height: 80 feet (24 m).
What to Expect
The falls cascade 80 feet.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Morning hours are ideal for viewing rainbows in the mist. The falls are accessible year-round, but visiting during or after rainfall may enhance the water flow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Do not attempt to climb on rocks or get too close to the edge, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents are strong. Be cautious of sudden rain, which can make trails slick.
Current Water Conditions
1,560 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (4 km away).
Today
Roaring
3823 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
4034 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
4521 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
4730 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
4313 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
3826 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
3478 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, chance rain showers (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wainaku hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 153 feet of descent through Rainbow Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 80 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 371 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 56 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 103 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 371 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 153 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rainbow Falls is located just a short drive from downtown Hilo. From Hilo, take Waianuenue Avenue west for about 2 miles until you reach the parking area for Rainbow Falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a free parking lot available at the Rainbow Falls viewing area. It is typically sufficient for visitors, but it can get crowded during peak hours.
Elevation
371 feet above sea level
Coordinates
19.719568° N, -155.109792° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see rainbows in the mist. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be prepared for occasional rain, as Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the United States.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
SCP Hilo Hotel
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
Somewhere over the Rainbow Loft with AC Hilo
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Rainbow Falls, Hawaii
Akins Spring
Akins Spring flows 84°F water on Hawaii's Big Island, 11 degrees warmer than the tropical 73°F ambient, requiring a short walk ...
Steam Vents
Steam Vents represent superheated geothermal manifestations on Hawaii's Big Island where steam escapes through volcanic bedrock...
Steam Vents
These high-elevation steam vents rise to 13,426 feet on Mauna Loa's slopes, making them among Hawaii's highest geothermal featu...
Warm Vapor
Warm Vapor emerges at low-temperature geothermal conditions near Nanawale Estates at just 422 feet elevation. The designation a...
Steam Vents
Steam vents emerge where volcanic heat meets restricted military lands on Hawaii's Big Island. These fumaroles sit at 4,003 fee...
Steam Vents
Steam vents at 3,620 feet emerge within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park where volcanic heat creates dramatic fumarolic activity...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Rainbow Falls, Hawaii on SoakingSprings.
Explore Hawaii springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Boiling Pots, another feature of the Wailuku River State Park, and the Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.
Wildlife
The area around Rainbow Falls is home to various tropical birds and plants. Visitors may also spot geckos and other small wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
Other waterfalls named Rainbow Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Rainbow Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.