After leaving Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on our February 2014 visit to the Big Island, we continued east to Hilo. After visiting the Hilo farmer's market, we stopped at Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park. The entire park is only about 16 acres and includes geologic and scenic views. It lies just north of Highway 200, Waianuenue Avenue, just over 1½ miles from Hilo Bay. Sufficient signs are in place to guide visitors to the park.
On sunny days, the mist from the 80 foot waterfall creates a rainbow across the plunge pool. Parking is rather limited for the number of visitors, but space has been reserved for the numerous tour buses that stop. As the park is in the city, restrooms with running water are available. A short stroll from the parking lot along a paved trail leads to the overlook of the falls. According to Hawaiian tradition, the lava cave behind the falls is the legendary home of Hina, the mother of Maui.
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| An overview of Rainbow Falls |
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| During periods of high water flow, the lava cave is almost completely hidden |
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| Visitors above the falls |
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| A glimpse of the rainbow |
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| The river continues to carve a notch in the cap rock |
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| A slightly different rainbow perspective as the sun came out again. |
There is no entrance fee at Rainbow Falls.
The park website is http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=57.
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