Rainbow Falls

The charming old-school island town of Hilo, seemingly frozen in time, has many waterfalls that are not only easy to find, but require just a short walk to view. Waiānuenue Falls, famously known as Rainbow Falls, is one such waterfall that stretches about 80-feet long and is probably the most easily accessible on the island—just a short walk from the parking lot and only a few minutes from downtown Hilo. The falls' name was inspired by the multi-colored prisms seen in the mist of the falling water and comes from ānuenue, meaning rainbow, and wai meaning water. The water spills over an ancient lava rock cave that is said to be the home of the Hawaiian moon goddess, Hina. Depending on the amount of rain, the waterfall sometimes descends at a trickle or it could be gushing over the edge with many ribbons after a storm.

Rainbow Falls Rainbow Dr., Hilo (Map H, #2, PG 185)

Located within ‘Akaka Falls State Park, this is one of the most highly recommended waterfalls to visit on Hawai‘i Island. The pathway to reach 442-foot tall falls is about 0.4 miles long and takes you through an enchanting rainforest, as well as to a smaller 100-foot tall waterfall, Kahuna. Several legends of varying details surround ‘Akaka Falls. The premise, however, is that a Hawaiian chief named ‘Akaka lived in the area and was said to be having an affair. When his wife discovered this, he somehow ended up falling to his death, creating ‘Akaka Falls. The trailhead is located just off the parking lot. The paved route, which includes multiple steps in places (not wheelchair accessible), makes an easy to follow loop offering stunning viewpoints of the two waterfalls. Parking is $10 per car.

‘Akaka Falls State Park

875 Akaka Falls Rd., Honomu (Map A, #1, PG 179)