Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
On the Wailuku River just above Hilo, this wide waterfall flows over a lava cave, and on sunny mornings the spray often creates rainbows.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gr0ph0n, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is a nature spot in Hilo, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Hilo
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, kids, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
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About Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
On the Wailuku River just above Hilo, this wide waterfall flows over a lava cave, and on sunny mornings the spray often creates rainbows. The viewing platform is a few steps from the car park.
Tip: Come around 9–10am on a clear morning for the best chance of rainbows, then continue up the road to Boiling Pots.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Hilo, old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain.
Best time to visit Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Maunakea.
- No. 12 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
Near Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
Within walking distance of Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) (straight-line distances):
- Pacific Tsunami Museum — about 2.5 km away, 1 hour, low cost
If you like Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Volcano, A full day
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
- Kīlauea Iki Trail — Volcano, 2–3 hours
Staying near Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
Stay in Hilo ($$) to walk here: old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)?
Plan 30 minutes. Pacific Tsunami Museum is about 2.5 km away in a straight line, so the two fit a half-day.
+Is Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Come around 9–10am on a clear morning for the best chance of rainbows, then continue up the road to Boiling Pots.
+Do I need to book Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.