Rainbow Falls — Attraction in Hawaii

Title: A Captivating Cascade of Nature's Brilliance: Rainbow Falls

Rating: ★★★★★

Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a captivating natural spectacle that effortlessly enchants visitors with its ethereal beauty and mesmerizing cascades. As you step foot into this enchanting realm, prepare to be greeted by a majestic display of water and light that will leave you awe-inspired.

The falls derive their name from the enchanting rainbows that often grace their misty spray, creating a truly magical sight. Towering at approximately 80 feet (24 Meters) in height, the water plunges into a serene pool below, its thunderous roar echoing through the surrounding lush vegetation. The sheer power and grace of the falls create an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder, offering a much-needed respite from the outside world.

Accessing Rainbow Falls is relatively easy, as a short walk from the parking area leads you to a well-maintained viewing platform. From there, you can witness the falls in all their glory, with the spray creating a refreshing mist that adds to the immersive experience. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the natural beauty and the captivating rainbows that dance in the sunlight.

Beyond the falls themselves, the surrounding landscape is a sight to behold. The lush vegetation and towering trees create a serene and picturesque setting, inviting visitors to explore and embrace the tranquility of the area. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the variety of plant species, including beautiful orchids and tropical ferns that thrive in this verdant paradise.

The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is in the morning when the sunlight is at its peak, casting a magical glow upon the falls and enhancing the chances of witnessing vibrant rainbows. However, even on cloudy days, the falls retain their allure, with the misty atmosphere adding a touch of mystique.

It's worth noting that the area around Rainbow Falls also holds cultural significance for the native Hawaiian people. According to legends, the falls are believed to be the home of Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. The surrounding park area offers informative plaques that share the cultural significance and history of the falls, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the site.

While Rainbow Falls itself is a relatively small attraction, its undeniable charm and natural beauty make it a worthwhile stop when exploring the Big Island. Combine it with other nearby destinations, such as the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden or the Akaka Falls State Park, to make the most of your visit to Hilo and its surrounding areas.

In conclusion, Rainbow Falls is a captivating and easily accessible natural wonder that offers a delightful escape into the enchanting beauty of Hawaii. With its cascading waters, ethereal rainbows, and lush surroundings, it is a sight that will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of our...

As has been noted in other reviews, one must be at the falls at a particular time in order for the lighting angle to form a rainbow. The falls themselves are OK, not really worth the trip unless you’re in the area in this man’s opinion.

While visiting the falls I stumbled (literally) across the most amazing and preposterous thing: the jankiest set of stairs and railings I had ever seen! I was completely amazed! Honestly, this staircase and its railings looked like something out of a local fun-house or a Dr. Seuss book. I’m a pretty fit guy, and I basically stumbled up and down these things because I couldn’t get a solid grip or foothold on any surface.

And what perplexed me the most was the presence of not one but TWO sets of janky railings, one seemingly built on top of the other. By what thought process was something like this created? Did somebody actually draw a set of plans for these things? Or did they just start building and wing it from there? If the first set of railings was so bad, why basically duplicate them approximately 6 inches away? It looked like one of those Russian nesting dolls, in this case mashed up with a nonsensical staircase.

Americans are a pretty litigious people, and it blew me away that nobody has yet sued the state over these things to force their removal. I don't use the terms "death trap" lightly, but it is applicable here. Without a word of a lie, while I was taking these pictures an older gentleman took a header and tumbled down one of the runs of stairs! He let out some quality swears as he fell, I can assure you of that. I felt bad for the old guy, and thought, maybe the locals are just having a go at us tourists with this odd stair construction? Surely there must be a webcam hidden somewhere in the trees broadcasting our struggles to the internet.

Have you ever seen one of those M.C. Escher stair drawings where they stairs go off at wild angles and never seem to end? This is your closest experience to that in real life. Yes, go check out the Rainbow Falls for a few minutes. But be sure to plan for a solid hour of tumbling down these stairs! I personally will send a crisp $20 bill to anyone who sends me a video of themselves grinding down the entire set of railings on a skateboard. There is absolutely no way that can be done.

And if this wasn’t entertaining enough, check out my review for the adjacent Boiling Pots. More deeply perplexing things were...

Rainbow Falls is one of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River in Hilo. Its name originated from the fact that on some early mornings a rainbow can be seen arching across the falls. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means "rainbow seen in water." Like all waterfalls, Rainbow Falls' display volume is dependent upon recent rainfall and can fluctuate between a single thin stream of water and a raging cascade. When the flow is just right, the falls resemble an 80 ft. white shower falling over a rock shelf into a blue-green pool. From the lookout, the surrounding vegetation is a dense jungle. An uphill path to the left of the lookout provides a view from the top of Rainbow Falls. Restrooms are available. Take Waianuenue Ave. from downtown Hilo for approximately two miles. Rainbow Drive branches off to the right just after crossing a bridge. Follow the signs to the parking lot. The park opens at sunrise and closes at dusk. The falls are part of Wailuku River State Park. The falls flows over a natural lava cave, the mythological home to Hina, an ancient...