Waiānuenue 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
About Waiānuenue Falls
Waiānuenue Falls, also known as Rainbow Falls, is a stunning 80-foot waterfall located in Hilo, Hawaii. It is named for the rainbows that often appear in the mist created by the falls, especially in the morning when the sunlight hits the water at the right angle. The waterfall is part of the Wailuku River State Park and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
The Setting
Waiānuenue Falls sits at 1,824 feet in the hills of Hawaii. The falls drop 80 feet.
Height: 80 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Manawaiopuna Falls (400 ft) lies 3.6 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Waiānuenue Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The trail to Waiānuenue Falls is extremely short and well-maintained, leading directly from the parking area to the viewing platform. It is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
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 Waiānuenue Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiānuenue Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is in the morning when the sunlight creates rainbows in the mist. However, the falls are beautiful year-round and can be visited at any time of day.
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
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so visitors should stay on designated paths and viewing areas. Flash flooding can occur during heavy rains, so avoid visiting during inclement weather.
Current Water Conditions
10 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
1.19 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Waialae Str at alt 3,820 ft nr Waimea, Kauai, HI (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
11 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
11 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
9 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
9 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
10 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
9 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
9 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, peaking in December.
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 Kalaheo 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 465 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 80 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,944 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 186 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 195 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,944 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 465 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Waiānuenue Falls is located just a short drive from downtown Hilo, Hawaii. The falls are easily accessible via Waiānuenue Avenue, and there are clear signs directing visitors to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small, free parking lot near the falls, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,824 feet above sea level
Coordinates
22.034791° N, -159.551913° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the morning to see the rainbows and avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially after rain.
Where to Stay
Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals
Kauai Shores Hotel
Hanalei Bay Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Boiling Pots, Pe'epe'e Falls, and the Hilo Farmers Market.
Wildlife
The area around the falls is home to various tropical birds and plants. Visitors may also see geckos and other small wildlife.
Cities near Waiānuenue Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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