Wailuku River State Park / Rainbow Falls

Wailuku River State Park is home to one of Hawaii’s most accessible natural spectacles: Rainbow Falls, known locally as Waiānuenue, meaning “rainbow seen in water.” Located just minutes from downtown Hilo on the Big Island, this park delivers a stunning 80-foot waterfall without requiring a single step on a trail — you can see it from the parking lot overlook.

The falls cascade over a natural lava cave said to be the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui in Hawaiian mythology. On sunny mornings, mist from the falls catches the light and produces the vivid rainbows that give the site its name. For the best chance at seeing one, visit between 9 and 10 AM when the sun angle is ideal.

The park also includes Boiling Pots, a series of large pools connected by underground channels in the Wailuku River. After heavy rains, water churns between the pools in a dramatic, roiling display. A short paved path connects the two viewpoints. Swimming is prohibited at both sites due to dangerous currents and flash flood risk — the Wailuku River is Hawaii’s longest and one of its most powerful.

There are no camping facilities or entrance fees. The park is compact and visit-friendly, making it an easy stop on any Hilo itinerary. Pair it with a trip to Akaka Falls State Park, just 15 miles north, for a full morning of Big Island waterfall chasing. Expect lush, rain-fed greenery year-round — Hilo averages over 120 inches of rain annually.

Explore Nearby

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