ALOHA!
So Rainbow Falls is one of the Big Island’s popular waterfalls.
These waterfalls are located at a Hawaii 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!
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
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Here are some popular activities you need to know about to get some very-Hawaii experiences! Read the reviews on the partner websites listed below!
You can swim with manta rays on the Big Island!
Read the reviews for the manta ray tour on viator and the manta ray tour on getyourguide.
🌺 Eat Hawaiian food at a luau with a fire show! Have a look at the Hale Hoaloha Luau
🐠 The most popular Big Island snorkeling tours are the ones that go to Kealakekua Bay! aka the Captain Cook snorkeling spot!
Read the reviews for the Captain Cook snorkeling tours on viator and the Captain Cook tours on getyourguide.
🐠 If you're going snorkeling (or to the beach!), here are things you must consider packing for Hawaii!
You can find these things on Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate.
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel
- walking sandals perfect for Hawaii
- teva is a popular outdoor shoe brand
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men
I also don't go snorkeling in Hawaii without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
How to save money on your trip
I tend to use booking.com or hotels.com to look for the cheapest hotels. See the Lava Lodge. You can also try the expedia hotels site (see the Aloha Crater Lodge) or see if you like any of the vrbo vacation rentals.
Search for the cheapest car rentals at the Kona airport.
/end side note
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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!
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Where to stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Read the reviews at partner website!
- Volcano House (book sooner rather than later! This is THE lodging of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and it's in demand!)
- Lava Lodge at Hale Kilauea
- More budget-friendly option: Aloha Crater Lodge
Here are some ideas for your time on the Big Island!
Among the most popular things to do on the Big Island are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls State Park, and Waipio Valley!
For Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the main road to drive is Chain of Craters Road and it will take you to see the best lava fields in Hawaii! Before that though (or after!) you will want to make a stop for the Thurston lava tube. You can also hike into a former lava lake by doing the Kilauea Iki Trail!
Other Big Island activities you may want to make time for are the best black sand beaches in Hawaii (including Punaluu black sand beach to see turtles maybe!) and the Papakolea green sand beach of Hawaii.
👇 Explore the Big Island map on google maps!
See the list:
- Things to do on the Big Island (for VIEWS!)
- Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Things to do in Kona