Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls Pixabay Public DOmain
Get an early start on your day and go visit Rainbow Falls, a set of waterfalls in Hilo that provide the best views on sunny, early mornings.
Sitting at 80 feet tall and almost 100 feet in diameter, these falls are a part of the Hawaii State Parks system. Fed by the Wailuku River, this rainforest waterfall system features distinctive rainbows on sunny days, easily seen from a viewing platform.
To get to the falls you can take a quick 5-minute drive from downtown Hilo, then enjoy a small hike to get to the viewing platform. During the hike, you will pass lush vegetation, fig vines, aerial prop roots, and immense banyan trees. The landscape is magical, as are the legends about the area. It is said that the lava cave the waterfall cascades over is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon.
If you have some extra time head to the nearby Rainbow Falls Cafe to grab some espresso, ice cream, or other quick snacks.
Fun Fact: These waterfalls are called Waianuenue by locals, meaning 'rainbow seen in thewater'.
