What to know about Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park on the Big Island of Hawaii (Day trip from Hilo or Kona)

ALOHA!

So Rainbow Falls is one of the Big Island’s popular waterfalls.

These waterfalls are located at Wailuku River State Park, and it’s located pretty near Hilo town.

It’s about a 5-10 minute drive from the main part of Hilo town to Rainbow Falls.

So if you’re looking for things to do around Hilo, then these Big Island waterfalls can be something to consider.

But if you’re looking for ONE waterfall to view when you’re on the Big Island, then you’ll likely want to choose Akaka Falls!

And then if you’re looking for a waterfalls day on the Big Island, you can see both Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls in one day. (And you’ll have time for more activities too.)

I went to Wailuku River State Park, and I’ll show you below what a visit here can look like!

 

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Things to do in Wailuku River State Park during your visit to Rainbow Falls

 

1. Go to the main waterfall lookout area

 

 

2. Notice the cave made from lava flows behind the waterfalls

 

 

3. See the river and waterfalls from above

 

 

4. Walk to the baynan trees

One spot that you can see banyan trees on the Big Island is Wailuku River State Park!

 

For more banyan trees in Hawaii…

If you’re going to Maui, don’t miss the absolutely massive Lahaina banyan tree.

If you’re going to Oahu, then you can see a bunch of banyan trees in Waikiki.

 

 

5. Enjoy the views of Rainbow Falls!!

 

More for beyond your visit to Rainbow Falls

If you’re interested in Rainbow Falls, you may be interested in these things around the Big Island:

• Akaka Falls State Park (map)
• Kaumana Caves (map)
• Richardson Ocean Park (a Big Island black sand beach) (map)
• Waipio Valley (map)
• Things to do on the Big Island (for VIEWS!)

 

 

How to spend 20 minutes at Rainbow Falls

So Rainbow Falls is a part of the Wailuku River state park, so this is the sign you’ll look for when you’re driving once you get near.

 

 

There is no entry fee for this state park, so this it’s free to see Rainbow Falls. See updated entry fee info here.

The parking is actually rather limited, and there were some cars parked in the bus parking area.

 

 

But since this isn’t a state park that people stay for long, you can also wait it out to see if people will leave soon.

Once you park, the Rainbow Falls lookout is basically a short walk from the parking lot.

It’s nearly right there.

 

 

And this is the best spot to view Rainbow Falls!

 

According to Hawaii state parks:

The waters of Wailuku River drop 80 feet (24 meters) to create Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls.

On sunny days, a rainbow can be seen in the falls.

 

There’s no swimming at Rainbow Falls.

 

 

Then, once you’ve had your fill of viewing Rainbow Falls, you can then make your way up the small trail located on the left side of the lookout.

 

 

This will first take you up to an overlook spot where you can see Wailuku River at the top, along with Rainbow Falls from the top.

And you can also see the river down below too.

 

 

And then, you can continue on the trail onwards, and there will be a bunch of banyan trees!

 

 

So the walk up from the lookout near the parking lot can be a quick little thing to see the waterfalls from the top and the banyan trees.

Then you can return back to the parking lot.

 

 

How much time do you need at Rainbow Falls?

 

5 minutes

Drive up to the state park, and since the waterfalls overlook is right there, it will take little time to stop and see the waterfalls if you want to make this a quick stop.

 

15 minutes

After seeing the waterfalls from the main lookout area, you can walk up towards the left side and see the waterfalls from the top.

Then you can continue onwards for a quick walk around some banyan trees before making your way back to your car.

 

 

More things to do near Rainbow Falls

Then, after a visit to Rainbow Falls, if you want to stay somewhat near Hilo, give a look to:

• Akaka Falls (for a waterfall day)
• Kaumana Caves (to walk through lava tube caves)
• Carlsmith Beach Park (for a nice beach park with a chance to see turtles)
• Richardson Ocean Beach Park (for a black sand beach with a chance to see turtles)

See the things to do in Hilo!

 

HAPPY RAINBOW FALLS VISIT!