Rainbow Falls Reviews

Lots of parking and very easy access. Nice falls and worth a visit if you are nearby.Paths closed to the top of the falls at present. Lots of tropical plants and vegetation.

A great stop in Hilo - worth visiting. We just took our time to enjoy the sound of the water falling and take in the scenery around us.

I read wonderful reviews about this place and really wanted to go there when I visited Big Island. However it seems like they are so popular they can’t be bothered with returning phone calls or email messages or attending to any queries from interested customers. I left at least six telephone messages for them before I left on my trip, asking about tour details and timings. No response whatsoever!! After I landed in Hilo I called them multiple times since I was a solo traveler and the online portal wouldn’t let me book a tour for a single customer. No one called me back to respond to my multiple inquiries. When someone finally picked up the phone they told me that I could send an email to admin@hawaii-eco.com and that they would get back to me. I am still waiting for that response!! I even used the contact form on their website to check on tour days and timings. NOTHING!! I specifically asked the lady on the phone about tours on Monday, June 14th and was told they were operating as usual. I was driving from Volcano to Waipio and took an out-of-the-way detour to check this place out and take the 11 am tour if they had a slot. The GPS sent me to a gate that was closed and had a “private road, no trespassing” sign. After going around in circles for a while I was told that it was in fact the entrance to the farm and I just had to “push the gate open”. When I finally made it to the farm, I was told by the lady at the front that they were not having tours that day since the FDA was there for inspections. I let her know that I had specifically asked about Monday tours and she said that the lady who answered my question probably didn’t know about the FDA’s inspection, and wasnt too inclined to listen to me beyond that. When I told her that the gate to the farm was closed she said that it was opened only on Tuesdays. What does that even mean given that there are tours on other days of the week? Nowhere on their website do they mention that you will come to a closed gate that you then have to push open, even though it’s specifically prohibits trespassing. I took a one hour detour on a busy sightseeing day for nothing!! I understand that they are a working farm but it is absolutely unacceptable that they don’t bother responding back to any telephone messages or emails. Not sure if this is because their tours are considered so good that they know people will show up anyway. I was very disappointed in the utter lack of responses even after multiple inquiries. Their tours may be absolutely aswesome but their business etiquette and customer service absolutely sucks:(

We visited Rainbow Falls and there was alot of information about the falls. Car parking was good and there were public washrooms available. The falls could only be seen from a distance and there was no swimming in the pools beneath the falls. It is of reasonable height with water flowing over it and a large cavern behind the falls.

Big Al’s top tips: worth a visit if near Hilo along with other waterfalls in the area. Follow me for travel tips around the world

This will be our 3rd trip to Hawaii and Rainbow Falls. Each time we visit there are more signs and warnings posted that, in my opinion, are overly restrictive and limit your ability to enjoy the falls. I am certain that there is a reason for all the signs, usually carelessness of a few, nonetheless sad for those who are responsible and enjoy wading in the pools above. (We were able to do this in 2010, but now no one is allowed) Is it worth a stop? Sure! Great place for a keepsake photo but there are many falls in Hawaii that are more accessible. Kulania Falls is nearby and just as beautiful. You can swim in this one! It is a privately owned so you need to go with a tour group but well worth it! Photos of Kulania attached

Come in the morning or late afternoon if you want to see a rainbow. The falls are easy accessible, and really only a quick stop. Just wait on the parking lot, there is a quick exchange in cars. I would rather see the Akaka falls if I only had time for one

Not much to say, it's a really beautiful waterfall that is easily accessible from the parking lot. There is a trail you can follow for a little bit further upriver to another water fall and other stuff but I didn't have time to do more than see Rainbow Falls. Thankfully it had been raining quite a lot recently so the falls really had quite a lot of water flowing down, making for a nice view. It's free, easy to get to, there's free parking, and it's right there in hilo, what else could you want?

We came here hoping to see waterfall and hike nearby. Waterfall was pretty, but couldn’t find any hiking trails (if they are there, not well signposted). A nice area at top of steps with trees. An easy walk back to Hilo (less than half an hour)

Rainbow Falls was our first stop upon arriving in Hilo. The park is very easy to find and while the parking lot isn’t huge the cars turn over pretty quickly. The falls are also very close to the parking lot so while I had heard it can be unsafe you can see your car unless you walk over to the large Banyon tree. We did not see a rainbow but it was still a great first stop.

Beautiful waterfall! We were there at the right time to see the rainbow! Such a beautiful place!!! This is a great location for people with limited mobility because you do not have to walk a long distance to view.

It is a small water fall, but nice to visit. Close to it there are some trees and they have these tarzanian like "ropes".

Beautiful waterfall. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking and paved sidewalks for the hadicaped. There is a trail that you can take to a very large banyan tree that the kids love to climb, and you can get a view of the waterfall from the top.

They make it sound like it’s more than what it is. You spend maybe at most 5 minutes. It is definitely very pretty but make sure it’s a drive by and you have other plans to occupy your day.

This was a quick stop for us. The rainbow can only be seen around 9am in the morning when the sun is just right. Still a pretty place to visit. There were restrooms which was a plus. No hiking involved to see the falls so it’s a good stop for anyone.

This falls is right near downtown Hilo. There is a very small parking lot and the falls are the only attraction there. No trails or anything else around. Make sure you go before noon and while it is sunny out. That is the only way you will see a rainbow in the falls.

This is a very relaxing site with easy access. We stood quietly and simply enjoyed the view and the roar of the water. There is no charge for parking and no charge for entering the falls area.

This was a beautiful spot, easy to find and just a walk across the parking lot. The falls are impressive and the rainbows are an added treat. Be aware, the best time to actually see rainbows in the falls is in the morning. We arrived about 8:30 and were able to enjoy the rainbows. It's a quick stop.

Powerful waterfall due to the recent rains made the stop worthwhile. Numerous vantage points around the falls and busy but never felt crowded. I bet it is amazing on a sunny day!

The Rainbow Falls is right off the parking lot so super easy access. When the trail is open on the left side, go up the hill to see the top of the falls and where all that water comes from. This is a really great place for photos. If you’re here on a sunny day you should be able to see some rainbows. Free parking and access to restrooms.

My wife and I arrived around 11am as part of a Holland America Cruise shore excursion. This was 1 of several stops. Arriving via tour van, we were able to spend some time at the lookout, and climb the sketchy rocky steps to the top of the waterfalls. The waterfalls were fast with so much recent rain. It was very cool. We had a nice visit.

This was a great waterfall to visit! It is right off the parking lot, so you don't have to hike to it. We went about 8:30 in the morning & you could see the rainbow if you stood in this one spot.

Easily accessible, classic waterfall wish lush green setting. Small-ish parking lot offers free parking - we found just waiting a few minutes and a parking space opened up. There are restrooms (toilets) and the waterfall can be viewed after a short walk (paved path). There is plenty of viewing "space" - short drive to central Hilo town.

When you come upon this visual masterpiece it envelopes your senses and touches your soul. You can spend a lot of time with your eyes closed just listening to the falls and when you open your eyes it awakens the colors of life.

Great place to see the falls. The viewing area is literally right beside the parking lot. I recommend going up the stairs to the upper viewing area. It's not a better place to see the falls but there is a fantastic view of a large banyan tree.

Amazing view and easy to access. Would recommend for individuals with physical disabilities who want to get outside. Make sure to get there early or you will be in a large crowd.

Siri directed us to the Falls. Plenty of free parking, rest rooms and a 1 minute walk to the Falls. Interesting boards explaining history and local legends. Very pretty, even though we didn’t see any rainbows. Glad that we stopped.

No hikes required to access these falls! They are just outside of downtown Hilo and can be seen from a viewing area adjacent to the parking lot. Definitely worth a quick stop to see them!

Set within easy reach of Hilo, a short taxi ride, the falls, or fall as it was is very picturesque. The site is somewhat urbanised, large carpark, viewing platforms etc. The pictures give you the impression of being in the middle of a jungle, not just off a main road and large car park. Worth a visit though, free entry. No rainbows!

It’s a beautiful waterfall which is both handicapped accessible and easy for kids. Sad part was the upper overlook was closed. My kids also loved the story about Maui and the Mo’o featured on the signs.

We have loved coming to these beautiful falls since my daughter was 2 years old. We try to come and just look at the beauty and enjoy our memories. It is certainly worth the drive if you are visiting the island!!

Beautiful stop during our visit. The parking is very limited, however. We had to park on the side of the road.

One good thing about the Rainbow Falls is that it is right in the town of Hilo, you don't have to drive too far to see this beautiful fall. There is a very short hike around the fall, a must-see when you are in Hilo, on the east coast of the Big island.

This was an amazing sight seeing. Me and my husband had a great time taking pictures. We went on excursion that we booked While we where on a cruise.

Rainbow Falls is beautiful and the view of the falls is amazing. It's good to use the camera on your phone if you want to use the slow motion to make a video or to take pictures

A waterfall that's easy to access and free to view. Coming from a place where people are encouraged to get out into nature, it was nice to see this waterfall available to the general public to freely view and had a little bit of local legend attached.

Well worth seeking out to visit.

Easy stop just outside of Hilo you have to walk up the trail on the lady side of the falls to see the big tree It is amazing There is also a volcano tube just up the road from the falls If you go have sturdy shoes and a good flashlight

A quick roadside stop for quick diversion right in Hilo. The walk s short, the view stunning and admission free.

If you do take it in on a sunny day you may see rainbows across it as the photo shows. With modest rain, much more dramatic flows result, like below. It is not a long river (like 30 miles) and gathers much of the rainfall off Mauna Kea, so it can get to be a torrent after modest rainfall.

It was easy to get to. Very busy, but not so that you couldn't enjoy the falls yourself. It was Beautiful and very relaxing to see and listen to.

I think this is something that ya kinda hafta do when visiting Hilo. We did this while on a bus tour from the cruise port. Lots n lots n lots of tour buses stop - so be aware of that. It's a quick scramble to hurry up and see the falls, no rainbow on our visit due to the weather, and then a "pit stop" before venturing on to the next "must see".
Glad we snapped a few photos, been there-done that, and glad to have the "pit stop"....but there are lines! LOL

Awesome vibes! Wish we coulda made it to Akaka Falls but this was right outside of Hilo so an easy jaunt. Not too much to do after you see it but it’s so beautiful and worth a visit.

Easy stop. Not far from road. With stairs or ramp to view. Bathrooms near parking lot.
*During Covid the trail to side and up to falls are closed.* But you can still see the falls from the front.
Don’t forget to go up to banyan tree past parking lot!

This waterfall was a very quick walk from the parking lot which was a bonus. The only negative was that we were there approaching sunset and there were some drunk visitors. But the waterfall was pretty and easy to get to.

Small and boring. Not worth going to, sorry.

This is Hawaii - there are big, beautiful waterfalls everywhere.

Beautiful spot for photos..a short drive from Hilo, when we went there were a bit of tourists, but it wasn’t too crowded.so gorgeous!

The rainbows are pretty much guaranteed during most of the day because of the orientation of the Sun relative to the direction of the spray from the falls. They form from the droplets of the water from the force of the falls, so not dependent on rain. You can probably tell the time of day and month of year from their position and orientation, so it could equally well have been called the Sundial Falls.

The hardest part about getting to it is finding parking space, but it is worth the effort. Rainbows are cool, regardless of how often they pop up in Hawai'i.

There's a small banyan grove off to the side at the top of the falls that is worth a dekko, but keep an eye on the roots, which can trip you up.

Great place to stop first thing in the morning. Very pretty spot. Nice water fall with some info on old HI history. Good place to bring that morning cup of coffee. Sip your Joe and enjoy the sound of the water. Very peaceful. Some of the pathways are closed, it looked like the ground had slumped. ADA pathways if you move a bit slower than the rest of the world. A very pretty little spot.

It was a very pretty spot but very busy with tour buses when we arrived at 10am. There was no rainbow when we were there because of the overcast but it was still nice. There were various lookout points of the falls and had an added feature with lots of banyon trees to view at the peak of the falls. It’s a quick stop but makes for great photos.

Nice waterfall...pretty, with good quick access to the front and the top. Plenty of free parking. We did see the namesake rainbow, but rainbows are not unusual on the Hilo side of the island. Definitely worth a stop.

Great stop for a quick view - should take max twenty minutes. There are facilities here and no need to have boots - simple sneakers are sufficient.

Waterfall was nice but park was underwhelming. Not really anything to do other than get out of your car and take some pictures. One of the overlooks was closed too.

A gorgeous waterfall a few steps away from the parking lot. Was only able to catch one vantage point. The other viewing area (above the waterfall) was closed when we were there.

Stopped at Rainbow Falls after a day trip to Hilo. Waterfall is just right outside of town, so it's convenient to swing by if you are in Hilo. There are 2 lookouts. Lower one has a wheelchair ramp, upper one is only steps. Upper lookout was closed when we stopped (2nd week of April). We went in the afternoon, no rainbow. It is easy to get to, has a parking lot, and a bathroom. The water fall is pretty, but this is a 10min stop at most and that is if you read the information boards.

Have seen Rainbow Falls several times, but always from the public viewing area. This time we did the OK Farm excursion and the excursion included 2 waterfalls.
The viewing point of Rainbow Falls is from their pavilion (which can't be seen from the public viewing area). It was so nice to get a different viewpoint of these falls.

This waterfall is very pretty! It is almost right off the road and has a ramp so it is very easy to see for the elderly, kids, and disabled folks. If you go after rain it is a little yellow but still gorgeous! I only put 4/5 because personally I like waterfalls out a bit into the forest and wish we could get closer to it!

A nice spot to visit on our way to downtown Hilo. It is a short stop. We spent about 30 minutes on site.I loved the story by the native Hawaiians about the waterfall. I won't spoil it. Come and read it yourself:)

Falls,fantastic David the guide knowledgeable in all areas. His demeanor. He was very enjoyable throughout the trip

Not an exciting place. You can skip it without any regrets if you are short of time. IF you do go, you will be done in 15 mins.

A better nature view is a tree behind the falls. For the tree, you will need to go up the stairs next to the falls.

There is no parking or entrance fees

The view of the falls is rather close to the parking lot so no long hikes needed. Rainbow Falls is located just outside of Hilo so it is worth the short drive it takes to get there.

Beautiful falls and great vantage point. Would love to get in our get closer but I respect how dangerous the falls and water are. Free to see, easy in/out off the road.

It is a nice natural park area located on the north-eastern part of Hilo/ Island of Hawaii. I also like to see huge Banyan trees. You can take some photos and walk on the trails through huge Banyan trees. You can either go there by a car or take a guided tour by minibuses It is easy to find tour minibuses at the center of Hilo.

This was our 5th trip to Hawaii, but first time due to weather conditions we didn't see rainbow at the falls. Still beautiful area to see when in Hilo

Look carefully and you can see a rainbow in the waterfall. Just find the right angle. It's not a far drive from Hilo

The falls are breathtaking and it is a very easy and short walk to view it. Two beautiful trees to see also. Their is a long set of stairs going up to the top but the best view is right by the parking lot.

Lovely waterfall. It doesn’t require any hiking to view it whatsoever. It is small but pretty and the surrounding park is beautiful!

This was a beautiful place to visit, we all enjoyed and maybe it wasn’t the right time of the day to see the rainbow, but was checked off the bucket list

A good stop if you are in the Hilo area. I wish it had been sunnier when we went and I also wish that you could get a little closer to the falls but it is well fenced off. The vegetation and tree around it are cool and it is a pretty place.

Rainbow Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful place. We visited on a Saturday morning because I wanted to see the waterfalls. We arrived early and were the first ones there. The maintenance person was there taking care off the restrooms and the lot.
The park is clean and very accessible for people who use wheel chair or a walker. There is a handicapped walkway as well as steps that take to directly to the open area to view the Waterfalls.
I have a knee issue so I was able to walk to the Walter area early while my husband navigated his journey down below to get a better view.
Note: there are lots of warning signs telling you to be safe, watch for branches. There are some things to watch out for. It rains in Hilo a lot. The ground is wet & muddy. If you’re hiking, there’s an amazing view from the top.
It’s so scenic and peaceful.

The waters of the Wailuku River drop 80 feet to create Waianienue or Rainbow Falls . Plugging in front of a lava cave created by natural splash back.
There is a Hawaiian mo’olelo (Story) That tells of events and places of the Wailuku River and how these places got their names.
We will definitely Visit Again!

Rainbow falls is in town or Close to town, it is pretty place to walk, It has clean bathrooms. Great place to take pictures and it is free

Amazing place with great parking. I would suggest going mid week to avoid the crowds a full occupancy.

We were a group five and every picked Rainbow Falls as their favorite. Trail was easy to walk. This park is great for families of all ages.

Rainbow Falls is a small detour on the way to Hilo and although it is not a significant attraction, it is well worth taking the time to see it. We were there mid-morning and saw a rainbow in the mist at the bottom of the falls.

The falls are beautiful and the lava tube behind the falls is incredible too. You may be tempted to go into it but I would caution you be safe and instead of going into the lava tube there, to go to the lava tube caves nearby. Kaumana Caves

This is an easy waterfall to find and it's free to visit. There is a good amount of parking and there are bathroom facilities. Definitely worth the stop!

If you want to be able to drive up snap a pic and get back in the car- this is the water fall for you. It's pretty, we did not see a rainbow here, but there is no hike or anything, just a 1 min walk from the parking lot to view the falls and back. Meh

Nice place where we were surprised by a fierce shower but where there are enough beautiful trees to take shelter. We had no sun so the famous rainbows that this waterfall can create unfortunately remained hidden from us. Nevertheless, a beautiful serene place.

Easy access to see the waterfall. Parking was tight though we were able to drive right in and get a parking space. Lots of room to view the fall and if you are able, you can climb the steps to view the fall from a different angle and see the banyan trees.

The best view of the waterfall is from the bottom, if you go up the stairs you can see less of the waterfall but can see the ‘lead up’ to it, which is nice but dont stress that if you don’t go up the stairs you are missing anything

I'm an older guy and am starting to slow down so I'm not interested in hiking for miles through the jungle to spot a waterfall. Rainbow Falls makes it easy to visit. It is only a few miles away from downtown Hilo and there was plenty of parking when we visited although the lot could be full in the morning when the light hits the water droplets just right to Bri g out the rainbows. There was a short walk to a viewing platform and an easy climb with handrails up to the top of the Falls. And since we didn't have to hike, we had time to do more things in Hilo.

The ONLY reason I give Rainbow Falls 4 stars is because of it's close proximity to the parking lot - otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. Somehow, hanging out by a beautiful Hawaiian waterfall loses some of it's aloha being so close to massive tour buses and taxi cabs constantly driving in and out, transporting people to this gem. Granted, I came on a bus myself... but there was no adventurous hike thru a rain forest to take you to this oasis - simply get off your bus and boom - there it is, right on the other side of a metal hand rail. If you can shut out all the people lining up to take selfies by the waterfall (like me) and ignore the busy parking lot, it is beautiful place to be.

Stopped for 15 minutes to see the falls. Not great but still good if you need a quick break from driving, which we did before our trip back to Kona.

If you’re on the way to Hilo from Kailua-Kona, stop here. It’s located near a quaint Hilo neighborhood. You park and walk 100 feet to the viewing area.

Second time I have visited Rainbow Falls and this time more water but no rainbow. There really needs to be more toilets and cleaner if they want to encourage tourists. Would also be a good idea to have a coffee cart or ice cream vendor. This place has really fallen short this time.

Beautiful water fall that is an easy, shot walk from the parking area. Parking is tight and the fall popular so be aware. Also, don't let the weather scare you. As others have pointed out, the falls are beautiful in any weather. In our case, is was raining all morning until we arrived at the falls. The sun came out and the rainbow appeared - lucky break for us. Weather in Hawaii is unpredictable so plan your visit, and hope for the best - you won't be disappointed no matter the conditions.

The OK farm tour was wonderful! Ala was a wonderful tour guide, providing insights into the Hilo area history and ecology, local sustainable farming efforts, and her family's efforts at OK farms. We toured the farm and Raibow Falls from fantastic viewpoints, sampled exotic spices and fruits, and relaxed above the falls eating snacks of seasonally available palm hearts, fruits, cracked fresh macadamia nuts, and yummy chocolates grown on the farm. This farm is an inspiration in farm to table community building.

There is a very short, paved, even walkway to the waterfall. There are a couple of trails that have stairs if you want an elevated view as well. There are bathrooms and a parking lot.

This is right in Hilo, easy to get to, easy to see, and doesn’t take long. Just go snap a photo and leave. No need to linger longer.

Easy access to the falls. The overlook is closed. They have a wheelchair ramp. The restrooms are clean. The parking lot is small. No entry fee.

Very pretty little stop - you won’t need long here but definitely worth checking out out if you’re in the area, as very easily accessed from the main road.

Rainbow falls are easy to access. There is a ramp for people who aren't mobile. It's a free state park. The falls are beautiful. There is easy access to parking. It's worth a 20 minute stop.

Very closed to downtown Hilo. Free entrance and parking. Remember to walk up the steps on the left to get a better view.

If you only have time for one waterfall visit in Hilo I would do this one. It’s free and just as pretty as Akaka Falls in my opinion. Plenty of parking and easy to get to for elderly people, or people who can’t do all the stairs at Akaka Falls.

Rainbow, being minutes from our car rental return was a convenient drive and a delightful stop. Just wish we had time to drive to Akaka falls, or visit black sand beaches, but was pretty

We were here in November 2020 and it was a cloudy day, but great for taking great pictures. Our friends were here with us and our lady friend has a bad knee but it was great. We parked right in front of the falls and she was able to walk right up to take pictures with no problem. We didn’t get rainbow pictures because the day was overcast but they were Great pictures.

Great park, nice parking. Clean facilities.
And of course gorgeous views. Will return for longer , will have a picnic there.

Definitely worth a visit, although it is a much shorter trip than I first envisioned. Once you park the car, you can see the rainbow from the parking lot. The day we visited is very gloomy, therefore no rainbow at all. Also the short trail around the rainbow fall is closed, which is a bummer

A super great stop. Very easy to access by car near Hilo. Pretty falls, easy to view. Random chickens wandering the parking lot. You can even go up some stairs to the top of the falls and look up and down the river. Beautiful.

Nice and clean and well kept and is a spot of beauty but very underwhelming.
Bad weather didnt help as no rainbow but it's very small and really wouldn't have mattered if I'd seen it or not.

In Hilo, admission and parking is free so we decided to come here instead of Akaka Falls. The parking lot is small and very limited but luckily people don’t stay here for too long so spots eventually open up. You can walk up a path to view the falls from higher up or see it directly in front of you. Due to the surrounding greenery, it is very difficult to see where the falls meets the water below to see the “rainbow effect” there is only one small spot in a corner that has enough cleared away where you can visualize the falls. Lots of water falling over the falls every second, very powerful. Glad this was free, would have been disappointed if this costs money.

Although we didn't witness a rainbow, the falls are beautiful as are the grounds around it. Stairs are to the left if you are more adventuresome. Flat grounds to the right. All offer beautiful view. Free. Parking can be challenging on weekends.

No rainbows during our visit, but this is an easy stop for all fitness levels. Can park right at the viewing wall. Worth a stop.

It's a nice waterfall worth seeing, but feels like you should have to work a little harder to get to it. It's not far from the center of Hilo. You can park right at the view. No trails or hiking open.

This is a beautiful waterfall in right in the middle of Hilo. It's viewable right from the free parking lot, and you can also walk to the top of the falls. It wasn't very crowded, but a tour bus arrived as we were leaving, so it looks like it could get busy at times.

A lovely water fall but the hike up the trail was the best part and now it's all closed off and fenced. The banyan trees and climbing on the boulders up the river above the falls was so fun.

No rains in our stay on this island. Only rainbow we saw was at this waterfall. No hike, there is a parking lot right at the falls.

Beautiful sight to take photos and admire during a quick visit - might want to see more of the park if you’re looking for something more than a 10-15 minute stop though.

We didn't see any rainbows, but the hike was easy enough and we enjoyed playing in the nearby banyan trees. I feel like if you go to HI you have to see at least a couple of waterfalls.

The parking lot is small and often packed so try to avoid peak times. Thankfully, since it is such a short hike, you won't have to wait long for a spot.

If you are visiting the Hilo area, don't pass on this destination stop. Accessing the falls is very easy and doesn't require any real exercise or effort. The scenery around the falls is incredible and breathtaking. The falls themselves are worth the price of admission (which is, actually, free!). Parking is free, and the only issue might be finding a parking spot, as this is a popular destination. Patience pays off and don't forget what is waiting for you ounce you are parked. There is a path to a nice overlook to the falls. you can also take a staircase on the opposite side of the falls to get a closer look. If you enjoy taking pictures, this is a not-to-be-missed stop on your Hawaii sightseeing tour. These falls are part of the Wailuku River State Park and you'll find signage explaining the history of this area, and how it became a state park.

Wow, there was a lovely walk way that lead to the viewing platform. There was also a lower viewing area which gave a complete view of the falls. Stopping here was part of our tour of the island and it was well worth the stop. It was rainy day but the rain stopped as we got off the coach and started again just as we were moving on. On a fine day you could spend longer then walking through the woods. Great place to visit for all ages and it is assessable for all abilities too.

This is a beautiful little park area. The parking lot is small, so you may need to wait for a spot. Take the short walk to the top if the falls and then into the forest.

If you are staying in Hilo or even passing through stopping here is a no brainer - super easy drive off the main road on perfectly paved road leading you to a big free parking lot where you just walk couple steps away to enjoy the falls - they aren't super spectacular but for the ease of getting here and the fact this is a free visit I think it's a great little stop

TIP: there are even restrooms here

This was my favorite of all the waterfall as we saw on the island! Easy access from the parking lot and close to town. Loved the beautiful rainbow visible at the top.

We stopped here while driving from the Kona side to Volcanoes National Park. It's a fast, easy, free stop. Has restrooms and a nice grassy area for a picnic. The falls are a fast, flat 1-minute walk from the parking lot to the overlook. The falls are beautiful. Not much else here, so it was a quick stop. If you're driving by, it's worth a look.

It was good, and very glad there is access for wheelchair vs another one up the coast for pay and loads of steps.

You need to stop by take a picture on this Rainbow falls very nice, have a rainbow when we stopby. We love it

Park up the road if lot is full, not much walking required to see the falls. If you are in Hilo, a "must do".

It was maybe a 5-10 minute drive from downtown Hilo. Not hard to navigate to and I arrived early, so I didn’t have to deal with finding a parking spot or loads of people. Was it nice to see? Sure. However, that’s all you can do. Just look at it from one angle and then climb up some stairs to see the upper lookout and appreciate the Banyan tree. You can’t swim there, so you’re really just taking in the views, taking some pictures, taking a selfie if that’s what you’d want to do, and then call it a day. I couldn’t see myself spending no more than 15 minutes there. That’s just me.

I was hoping to show my wife the rainbow in the waterfalls. I have a photograph from 40 years ago that shows the rainbow but it was a bit overcast so there wasn't any. The falls are still neat to see anyway.

This is a drive up waterfall, easily accessible to individuals. There is an easy paved path to the bottom of the waterfall and a higher path you can climb if desired. Very pretty.

The falls were pretty nice. The kids and I also enjoyed the giant banyan tree. This was definitely a worthwhile tour stop.

Easy waterfall to get to. Pull in the parking lot and it’s right there. Then walk up the stairs to the top of the falls. Once at the top turn around and look at the giant banyan tree. Nice adventure. It will look like the tree in the movie Avatar.

Accessible and easy to access, these falls are truly lovely and tranquil. This is a great spot for handicapped people and children.

My husband and I were already exploring Hilo & Volcanos when we stopped at Rainbow Falls. It wouldn't be a place that I would say you have to go out of your way to see but if you are on this side of the island, it is definitely nice to stop by and take some pictures. It isn't a big hike so anyone can see it. It is right next to a homeless shelter so just be on the lookout for people when you are driving up this way. Overall it was pretty & glad we saw it. Don't need to see it again.

This state park is about a mile south from downtown Hilo, it is walkable. I visited it earlier in the morning so not busy, and the views lived up to its name. It was a nice quick stop.

You can only admire the waterfall from a terrace, the place that hosts it is not safe, is not cared for, offers absolutely nothing

They are okay. I guess the advantage of being a "drive-in" waterfall was lost on me because they are pretty small I had come down to Hilo from the Hamakua coast, which has much prettier rapids and streams flowing into the ocean and little falls the same height as these amidst similar flora if not better. Personal preference : So, I see the falls but then what? Drive away? Yeah, pretty much. I stayed in one of the Reed Island's properties which had a view of the little waterfalls from the living room and lanai and blew my mind much more.

and
I was standing there thinking, I am disappointed - these are supposed to be highly rated falls. Beautiful if u live in town and just drive by it anytime. I can understand the appeal but not if I have driven down this amazing scenic route. And bam! I fell. The skin scraped off the knee. Well, 1 point to Rainbow falls. We are even now.

My family visited the Rainbow Falls and was rewarded with both a rainbow and a gushing waterfall. There was free parking and restrooms. You can view the falls from the parking lot or climb some stairs for a different perspective. I recommend doing both. By climbing, we got to see a rainbow in the mist from the falls, the rapids that lead to the waterfall, and tall majestic banyan trees.

Rainbow Falls is a lovely spot and well worth the stop to see it and take photos. Even on a cloudy day when there are no rainbows, the falls and surrounding rock and lush greenery are a beautiful combination.

We were staying in Hilo, so it made the trip very short and easy. Well marked. Large parking lot. Quick walk to the overlook area. Waterfall was roaring and with the beautiful sunny blue sky above, it was quite scenic. Someone even arranged a large split philodendron leave with 3 hibiscus flowers. Just so pretty.

Arrange along with Boiling Pots just a short drive from here as one trip out. Totally worth the time.

The falls are beautiful and worth the visit but the star of the show was the massive 600-year-old banyan tree that is up the short trail and over the ridge. Most visitors to the falls did not see the tree, which was unfortunate, because it's impressive. If you can't walk the trail, there is a road that goes up past the tree you can drive.

Very accessible, very beautiful falls. Well worth the stop. The surrounding vegetation and banyan trees make for an interesting experience.

My husband & I enjoyed exploring Rainbow Falls! Absolutely beautiful! Quick and easy walk up to the top where a banyan grove welcomes you with so very many aerial roots!

Easy place to get to the falls. On our visit someone was having a mental breakdown so everyone was on edge. Everyone was unsure if they were safe with this person screaming at them. The police were called.
The falls were easy to see and at the time we could see the rainbow that the falls get their name from. It would be very cool to see when the river was running high. On our visit, the river was a little below normal. The parking area is small so you may have to wait for a spot to open up.

Right off highway on the way to and from Hilo and Kona. Gorgeous. Two viewing areas. One is from above. Great spray at the bottom. Not to be missed.

Spectacular waterfall in Hilo. Beautiful views! However was VERY crowded. Not a lot of parking available but we were fortunate to find a spot in the lot. While the bottom viewing area was crowded we walked up the steps and there was plenty of room at the top.

It's free to see, not much parking but 1 hour of fun hang out, we saw wedding of young couple. The view of the strange looking tree was fun to take pictures of and to get inside the tree limbs and branches and to see kids climb like a tree house. the waterfall is just ok to look at and you can not walk to the water.

Great for older people, as it's a very short walk to the viewing area. There are a lot of tour buses, but the crowds were not overwhelming.
PRO TIP: Handicapped Parking tags are honored at most places including Rainbow Falls.

Highly recommend this quick stop. The parking lot is decent sized, the waterfall is right next to parking lot and they have a wheelchair ramp to viewing area. You can climb stairs to top of waterfall too. Area also has public bathrooms. It was not only convenient but beautiful too.

It's an easy drive to the outskirts of Hilo to see the waterfall. Nice roadside stop for 15 minutes. Good photo-op.

If your near Hilo, this is a must see stop. With the sun out, the falls lived up to its namesake. Parking is limited, as it appears to be a regular stop for the tour buses. But the view is worth it. Definitely a thumbs up for me.

Rainbow Falls is a simple but beautiful place to stop and just watch the beauty of a waterfall.  It is one of those low stress moments where one can just enjoys nature. Something simple to add to your bucket list.

It was an easy walk from our B&B, Hilo Honu Inn. We arrived early in the morning, before any other visitors were there. With the sun just peeking into the basin, the rainbow was very visible and the light was soft and good for photos.
No admission fee (like the steep fee at Akaka Falls) was also a winner for us.

The falls were beautiful and very easy to access. My family got some nice pictures and enjoyed the walk around the area. An easy fall to visit.

Very easy to see, located right off the parking lot. Parking was easy to find. There are public restrooms and a picnic table for the “tourists “.😊

Its a beautiful falls. Nice paved trail wheelchair accessible, a few stairs but there are good rails and paved trails. The parking lot is karge and the grasdy area is well manicured and offers great picnic spits under the huge trees. Great jungle flora and fauna, many wonderful photographic opportunities. The local tour guides come here regularly and will give you so much knowledge, know the names of all these wonderful trees and plants too. A must see when on the big island, its fantastic.

We can see this waterfall quite closely unlike others we have seen previously.
Small parking lot

Went late in the day, no rainbow. The falls weren’t very impressive. It was close to where we were staying. Not a lot of people were there.

We visited here on 4/20/23. It was about 10 min. from our hotel (Grand Naniloa).
From the parking lot, you can walk up to the overlook and get some great shots (with rainbows) from the walkway.
If you follow the stairs on the right, you end up above the falls and can walk into a very strange forest area to the right of the falls viewing area.
The best view of the falls with rainbows is from the area closest to the parking lot.
Worth visiting and there is no fee .
Note: the parking lot is good sized and there is a bathroom.

This was a beautiful place to visit! We got there just before they were going to close the visitors center so we weren't able to drive up but we were able to walk up the short hike to the falls. It is a spectacular view, a must see!

Beautiful waterfall. Large parking area right next to the waterfall. Easy for handicapped access. A must-see if in Hilo

This is a beautiful waterfall that is easy to visit without a hike. Parking is very limited, so you may need to hang back and wait a bit for a car to leave before you can park. There are stairs that lead up to another view of the falls and a banyan grove, but the stairs are very uneven and made of lava rock, so not a good option for those with limited mobility. There is no fee involved to view the falls.

We went later in the day when the sun was setting, so we didn't see the rainbow over the falls, but even still it was very pretty and worth a quick pit-stop to see! short walk to see and no parking fee

Easy to get to. Short walk from a parking lot to a good viewing area. Total time needed here is about 10 -15 min. Cool to see especially if you have not seen many water falls.

This is a nice falls, but it is frustrating that you can’t get very close to it. You are basically seeing it from the parking lot. If you in Hilo or driving to Mauna Kea, take the 5-minute drive to see it, but don’t expect much.

I thought the falls were beautiful. The location is very close to town and it’s easy to find. It’s also very close to the parking lot, so no hiking needed. It was well worth the stop!

Heard & read so much about Rainbow Falls, even friends on Oahu said we should stop to see them. Well, we could have skipped this one. Were a lot of people, the observation area was slightly packed, the trail leading out to the falls was barricaded off. The fall itself was alright, guess you need to be there in the morning to catch the actual sunlight to get the Rainbow affect! A local gave some insight about staring at the fall for so many seconds, then blink & seeing the illusion of the trees moving upward. Neat!!!

The title “Rainbow” is misleading. Conditions have to just right. I tried not to be disappointed when there was no rainbow. It seems obvious, but with that title and going “early” my hopes were high. It’s a regular waterfalls.

Easy hike on paved concrete to get to the beautiful rainbow falls! There is also a tiny hike to get a little higher for a more closer look at the waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your camera!!!

All the attractions are so close together in Hilo, that we visited 4 in one morning. This is a must see. We got out and had a short walk to view the falls, it started raining, we ran back to the car, waited 5 minutes for the rain to stop and then went and looked again. The falls were even larger. It was neat to see

Beautiful waterfall, nice place to walk around, it close to downtown, free entrance don't miss it we took a tour in the Cruise ship

Beautiful over look. Great back drop for social media picture. Highly recommend a visit. Near down town Hilo.

Beautiful park with glorious views of the waterfalls. A definite must see. Be sure to continue onto to the Boiling Pots at pee pee falls.

Nice view but a normal regular waterfall, not really impressive. And just a small area to view it. The tour guide, however, is amazing

On our Big Island Circle Tour, we stopped at Rainbow Falls and it was pretty. We walked just past the falls and found the biggest banyan tree I’ve ever seen—it was quite incredible—maybe even more so than the falls itself.

This small waterfall is nice, an easy walk up a few steps and only a 5 minute drive from central Hilo. Boiling Pots are another 5 minutes up the road. A nice easy afternoon drive.

Easy just to park and walk-up to these beautiful falls. We skipped the morning crowds and went in the afternoon, which was still beautiful.

Not particularly worth seeing, right at the parking lot, nice photo stop.
There are much more worth seeing/but this one is perfect for cruise tourists

Not worth the effort, unless you are there very early the parking hassle and crowd due to the proximity to Hilo isn't worth your time. Small, not impressive falls.

Very nice a little crowded. But it clears out quickly once the excursion bus leaves. We were on NCL and rented a car at every port. Cheaper and more fun than the excursions

Just a 10 minute drive from downtown Hilo. Good for a 15-20 minute visit. When the sun’s rays come at a correct angle and time, the mist from the waterfall creates a rainbow thus the name. Restrooms.

If you promised your kids a Hawaii Island waterfall, this is a great spot if you don’t want to stop at Akaka Falls and deal with the crowds at that waterfall. The hike was short to see the waterfall which was ideal for our young kids.

The falls are nice, easy to get to - has a parking lot and overlook. the rainbow probably needs ot be in morning ot get sun effect. Also a recent rain would help the flow. It is so close to Hilo (5-10 min) that you should go.

Easily accessible and located just a short walk from a huge and ancient giant Banyan tree. Near downtown Hilo. Lots of photo opportunities. You might even see a rainbow.

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL!!! Awesome site to behold in an unusual place. Worth going for some pics. Ensure you climb upon the incline to get the best pics. Most people over look that.

There is a handicap accessible picturesque overlook of Rainbow Falls. There is ample free parking, a grassy area for picnics and a restroom. Access to the big banyan tree is up an uneven stairway of rocks however, along the road, there is easy access.

This was a fabulous waterfall to view. It was spectacular with very minimal walking. It was nice to see something so remarkable without a huge hike.

Parking can be a challenge, if you park up the street (not parking lot) you can walk in the back way and not have to fight crowds and hike up the steps. The falls are nice , the trees are amazing.

I like places that are quiet,
Well organized and free.
This waterfall is only 7 kilometers from the village of Hilo and is a waterfall that does not stop falling water at any time of the year.
Depending on the day and time is the color you can see.

If you can plan to go on a rainy, but sunny day to see the rainbow. Easy to get to, no long hike necessary.

Neat spot of the road worth stopping at for a few minutes to enjoy the scenery and learn about the stories of the native Hawaiians and the falls.

It's quick and easy suburban drive from Hilo to Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots lookouts. There is no admission fee and Rainbow Falls has a lovely picnic area. Great for a short stroll and phot op.

Beautiful waterfall. Free and easy to see. Just park and walk right up to it. The only issue we had was with parking. There are car parking spaces next to the tour bus parking spaces. A large tour bus blocked us in. Other than that it was very convenient and easy to get to. We went on a cloudy day in the afternoon and did not see the rainbow in the falls.

Nice quick stop off the main drive. Trails were all closed except a quick one to the Falls. On the way to other places, so might as well stop by,

Amazing waterfall!!! It’s nice short hike that was not too strenuous and it was beautiful seeing all of the trees and flowers.

A friend and I made a stop here while visiting Hawaii. This is a must-do experience. The Boiling Pots is also near by, farther up the road. The river the creates the Boiling Pots also goes over Rainbow Falls. Though this attraction won't take a long time to see, it is very relaxing. It would make a great place for a picnic.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in Hilo. It's literally right off the road with free parking. Thus, it's quick to get to and a beautiful waterfall.

We visited the falls on January 12th when there was a lot of rain and flooding in Hilo. The falls were boiling and the water was falling from bank to bank. Plus it was raining like crazy but people still came to see them!

The Rainbow Falls is a highlight of a visit to Hilo, Hawaii. Very picturesque and serene. Easy access for people with mobility challenges. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this part of the island - so put is as a must do!

Enjoyed viewing this WaterFall and it was so easy to get to. I expected it would be a long drive but it was in the Old Part of town. Really an amazing setting and the rainbow really happens from the way the water falls over a Lava Tube.

The Rainbow waterfalls are very close to the car parking area.

The foliage is beautiful and green and it certainly made the surroundings beautiful.

It was a shame that I didn't get to see a rainbow at the waterfalls, but it was impressive never the less.

Rainbow falls is just a few kilometres of the centre of Hilo town, really easy to reach and plenty of free parking and toilet facilities. It's free to view. The falls are viewed from the fenced off areas. As far as I could tell you can't jump in or swim in the river or pool at the bottom of the falls. There is one flight of steps up to the highest viewing point - not too difficult to navigate up them but they're cut from the rock so can be quite slippery. It was completely overcast and raining hard when we visited so we had to take care getting up and down, and sadly there were no rainbows in this type of weather, so the falls didn't live up to their name. You don't need more than half an hour at the most to enjoy the area, see the falls, take a walk round the small wooded area so it's a fairly quick visit. There's no refreshments or cafe on site.

Small waterfall but still beautiful! Yes we actually saw the rainbow! Easy to get there. Not enough parking during busy hrs. Short hike to top of the fall. Beautiful old tree roots and nice

We stopped to see Rainbow Falls around 9:00 am on a beautiful sunny day. Although the sun was out and the falls were gorgeous, there were no rainbows. (Even without, though, the falls were really pretty.) Definitely worth a stop!

This waterfall is easy to find, just outside of Hilo and worth the trip. The parking area is small. I read about issues with people breaking into cars but we did have any problem.

It’s a very short walk to see the falls via the overlook. It’s very pretty and you can easily take some nice photos from this vantage point. The boiling pots trails was closed when we visited which was disappointing but we were still glad we stopped.

Great view of the falls from parking lot level or up the stairs to the top- read the signs for a history lesson about the falls lore

Small but pretty waterfall very close to downtown Hilo. Arrived around 9:30am in hopes to catch a rainbow. Waited until after 10am, saw a tiny start of a rainbow. Parking lot had plenty of open spots. Not much else to do or see here, so it is a quick stop.

Rainbow Falls is the only sight in Hilo that wasn't worth the drive. The parking lot is 10 feet from the waterfall, and it's surrounded by metal railing and people. If you have mobility issues, it's an easy waterfall to access. Otherwise, the pictures of Rainbow Falls are all you really need to see. There are way too many beautiful sights on the Big Island to waste time on this one.

This makes a quick stop. There are 2 easy trails up to the falls. One trail goes to the top of the falls. One goes to the front of the falls. Done easily in 30 minutes.

This is a nice stop in the Hilo area. The waterfall can be viewed after a short walk from the parking lot. Parking was tight though and we had to wait 10 minutes for a space to free up.

We stopped to view the falls on the way back to Kona as part of our round trip from Kona to Hilo in a day. Easy and quick stop to see this wonder. We did not climb over the rail and hike down to the riverbed but saw that some other folks did to get closer to the river and falls. This is just a beautiful waterfall.

This is a bit of a walk. I only warn that for those with mobility issues. But the vegetation and falls are incredible. I’ve never seen ferns so large. Give me a helpful vote if this helped make your decision.

Called at this pleasant undramatic waterfall, whilst on an Island tour. Nothing spectacular about the falls, other than the rainbow s when caught in the right place by the sun. Plenty of parking and worth a visit

We truly enjoyed the falls. Went twice in two days. Someone said if you get there before 11:30; it’s a good time to catch the rainbow.

The Hoppa On and Off bus tour did such a great job of exciting the passengers about what we were about to see. The falls are absolutely breathtaking and easy to see from several different places and the rainbow was so gorgeous. This is a place not to miss!

I was visiting family who live nearby. We didn't want to wait so it took 3 visits before I was able to park and we got out of the car. There was a light drizzle so we were lucky to see a slight rainbow.

Beautiful! Incredible views, and beautiful culture are represented throughout. I do wish tourists were more respectful and the homeless population wasn't screaming.

Quick and easy walk from the parking lot, with a great view of a really pretty waterfall.
Worth a stop, even if it is only 15 minutes.

So many beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii, this is not really one of them. This is where tour buses stop so it feels more like a tourist trap. OK to go if you are close but don't drive out of your way for this.

Was very much looking forward to seeing these falls. It is easy to find in Hilo. Parking is available and it is a short easy walk to see them. That said, I was very surprised how small these falls actually where. It looked like more water had gone over the falls in time past but not on the day of our visit. Not sure why as this area of Hawaii gets a lot of rain. Also, there was no rainbow. I know conditions have to be right, but still no rainbow.

Stopped here on a tour. Very nice. Not really big but still beautiful. Our day was cloudy, so no rainbow. Stll nice.

This fall area is located withing the Wailuku River State Park complex and is easily accessed from Hilo. There is a parking area that isn’t large but it has an improved restroom and a nice grassy area. There are two viewing areas for the falls. The lower area provides a better view as the upper area is overgrown with vegetation and obscures the falls.
The rainbow is best viewed in the morning sunlight and worth stopping for on the Hilo Waterfall Route.

Really quick stop to see the falls. Park and walk over. Nice view with lots of tourists. If you go, stop by the Boiling Pots which is right up the river.

Rainbow Falls is very pretty. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to get a great view and a photo opportunity. If you are up for a good climb, there is a big set of stairs to give another viewpoint. It was only up here where I actually saw a rainbow, but I’m sure it was the time of day. After heavy rains, I hear that the falls are raging, and judging by the huge logs washed underneath I would say the tales are true! All in all we were only here for about 10 minutes.

Easy to get to and would def visit if in Hilo. Unlike the title, I wouldn't drive 1.5 hours to see this as it's not worth that much effort tbh.

Rainbow Falls is an easy place to visit if in the Hilo area. I visited the falls twice while staying in Hilo. Viewing the falls is free and it's a short walk to the falls. The falls were beautiful, it was peaceful to watch especially when there were no crowds. The viewing point is nice to because you get excellent views wherever you are. Well worth a stop!

This is a beautiful place where you can get a good photo & use it for a great picture. You just have to be there in the morning to see the rainbow if you time it right.

You can see the falls quite well from the bridge area. Those who want more or a different view that's there too, but requires some effort and technically isn't open in COVID closure times.

This is so close to downtown Hilo, you may as well make a run up to see it. Walk a few hundred feet to the overlook and take a picture. I was more impressed with the surrounding vegetation than the falls itself. No rainbow, but that’s ok.

Small park with a view of the falls. The trail was closed to the public. Bathrooms were old and dirty. There was toilet paper in them. This is a 10 mins stop at most.

You can get some beautiful pictures without having to go too far, the waterfall is easily accessible from the parking lot. Don’t miss out on the trees canopy next to the waterfall. You can spot a few giant old mango trees when we came in July there were no mangoes. Not sure if they already fell or come really late in season. Very beautiful place.

Loved it. What a beautiful gem in the forest of the big island. It really is in a residential area of homes.

Hopped onto a shuttle bus at the pier after getting off the Pride of America cruise ship. The driver took us into Hilo (township) but also offered us a 2.5hr tour of Hilo for USD$30 pp. So we took him up on the offer and it was great. We visited The Macadamia Nut factory, Kamehameha statue, Lelewai Beach, Rainbow falls and every thing in between well worth the money compared to the price NCL wanted for the same type of tour. The driver/guide was fantastic and told us all about Hilo, the BIG Island and the volcano history. If you have the chance to do this it is recommended...

Our family of five from Texas and Oklahoma visited Oahu and the Big Island for Spring Break! The waterfall and area is Amazing!! I love waterfalls and this one did not disappoint. You do not have to hike to this one, right at the parking! It was very cloudy the day we visited so no rainbow.. The only negative I have is there was a lady while we were there that was climbing all over the rocks right by the water so we could not get good pictures for a while. She was on the rocks for quite some time… People were yelling at her to get back and I noticed some people were downright mad that she was out there! I do not blame them! Then on our way home from our trip, I read about a man that fell and had to be rescued by helicopter and is seriously injured and this accident happened 2 days after we had visited!! Not sure why people try this stuff, they are only going to ruin it for future guests as they will not be able to visit at all if they block the falls from everyone! Would definitely recommend this waterfall to everyone!!

This can be a very popular place especially if its a sunny day. The parking lot is not very large so you may have to circle to get a spot. There are multiple buses that pull up at a time, so I would suggest making the trip in the morning or later in the afternoon.

When you are on the viewing platform make sure you walk up the ramp or steps and take a peek from the platform up top. There is a railing up there, however, if you hop over it you can take some great pictures.

...or you won’t get a rainbow. It had been raining in Hilo for several days, but we happened upon the falls just as the morning sun appeared. Voila!

So beautiful!! Very quick stop with lots of parking and restrooms. The falls are a short and easy walk directly from the parking area. Definitely make the stop here if you’re in the area!

These are easy to get to and free to see. Make it a quick stop on your way in town or out. See the kaumana caves at the same time.

The falls were beautiful in a beautiful setting. Very easy to get to. Do the stairs up to the top and look at the hidden gem within the trees

Parking is right next to the falls. No rainbows the day we were there and pretty crowded. At least it’s free.

While in Hilo, we stopped here to see Rainbow Falls which is one of Hawaii's most popular waterfalls. I was afraid the waterfall would be packed, but to my surprise, it did have not many people. They had a parking lot with plenty of spots and from the parking lot to the waterfall, it's about a 1 minute walk. Beautiful waterfall and a must see if you're in the area.

I recommend hiking to the top and venturing into the woods to see the Banyan Trees! Parking was easy and to just see the falls is an easy walk!

Our driver told us "stare at the falls for 30 seconds without moving your head and when you look away and back the falls will appear to be going up not down!"

Of course they will our scepticism said.

Guess what?

They did!

Remarkable!

Parking is easy with no admission fee, and the overlook is beautiful with the legend of the falls available for reading.

Rainbow falls offers a beautiful backdrop for pictures for your social media postings. It's easy to get to and it's free.

There are many lovely waterfalls and Hawaii. Rainbow falls is one of them, but that is all there is in the park. A couple of the viewpoints have been shut off, so when you arrive you're in the midst of a bunch of people all looking at one waterfall. The rainbow effect must be only available at a particular time of day. When we were there it was not visible.

Great place to take some beautiful pictures of a waterfall. Hike up a path to view the top of the falls, and the amazing banyan trees.

The beauty of nature is amazing. This is a beautiful waterfall. It is surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers.

Easy way to see a nice waterfall. A double waterfall. The huge banyan tree was cool too. Easy in and out and only a few steps to the top.

Go in the morning if you want rainbows. There is no hike at all so easy to access for all ages and abilities! Quick stop

No rainbows in the rain - but a whole lot of water. Easy access to fully enjoy the falls. Public restrooms were clean

Everyone I know who has ever been to Hilo included Rainbow Falls on their must-see list. Luckily, it's really close to downtown and it's easily accessible. When my family arrived, though, the parking lot was packed. I mean . . . there was a line out into the road. People were waiting, and as one car left someone new could pull in. Once we managed to park, we joined the crowd in looking at the falls. It really is a beautiful waterfall. There's also a stairway built into the landscape that takes you up above and behind the falls into an area filled with banyan trees. If you can stomach the crowds, Rainbow Falls is definitely worth a stop.

I’m sure when it has just rained this waterfall really pumps. We found it underwhelming. They also have the access above the falls closed off. Make sure to go on a day after it rains or while it is raining. Wasn’t that impressed.

Rainbow Falls is a short drive outside of Hilo and it's worth it. There is a small park right before the falls. It is accessible for most folks at the viewing area. To climb to the top of the falls is not an easy climb and should not be attempted by those with physical disabilities or the elderly. The river below is usually clam and the falls casts a rainbow at the bottom. Quite beautiful. If you are able, climb to the top of the falls and take a peek at the rocks and formations above the falls. Great day trip!

We enjoyed this falls while in Hilo. Very little walking is involved. A huge banyan tree is close by. It is a site in its self.

The falls are nice, we took a video to capture the sound as well. It is a 5-10 minute stop. Also suggest you go to Boiling Pots as long as you are here, just 5 minutes up the road.
Rainbow Falls is very similar to Akaka Falls. The surrounding tropical vegetation and nature walk/paved pathway through forest is what makes Akaka more interesting, but they are now charging BOTH to park and to go into Akaka Falls State Park. Given this, if you can get your "tropical foliage pathways walking" somewhere else, Rainbow Falls makes a nice free substitute.
If you are only in Hilo short time, or in the surrounding area, and wondering "should I spend my lmited time going to see Rainbow Falls?" - for me, having seen much of the area and only now on my perhaps 5th trip finding time to get here, I would answer, absolutely NOT to go to Rainbow Falls until you have run out of anything else in Hilo or nearby that you would want to do.

A small a pretty waterfall to visit if you’re in the area. Don’t go out of your way, but pop by if you’re nearby. Make sure you walk to the top of the stairs as there are beautiful banyan trees, and a great view.

So beautiful!

The falls are very accessible - just a short drive from Hilo proper and the parking lot is like ten feet from the falls. There may be hikes around the area, but my party (all adults) just parked and enjoyed the falls. There is a big grassy field across from the falls' viewing area that would be great for picnicking or passing time (though not much shade).

We were lucky to see this waterfall when the river was in full flow so there was more water passing over than seen in most photos, however even when the sun managed to peak through there was no hint of a rainbow.

It is still worth seeing and it is fairly close to the town of Hilo

It was ok.... Nothing to write home about really. We come from Canada though, so are used to more spectacular large waterfalls. The only interesting part for me was the rainbow mist at the bottom of the falls and the interesting vegetation around there. Take it out leave it.

This is a very easy to get to spot with a medium size but fairly close waterfall that is very scenic. I definitely recommend this over Akaka Falls, which you need to pay to visit, is out of the way, and is much farther away and harder to see than Rainbow Falls. If you have to pick one waterfall to see, this is the one.

This is a very cool falls with some folklore. If you hit it just right you can see the rainbow appear over the falls. Definitely worth a stop to check out.

We finally found Rainbow Falls! We were so surprised that an 80 foot falls can be as impressive as a 400 foot falls! The walk up to the falls was a good workout! Off to one side you can see some very large banyan trees with their air roots. Watch out not to fall over all the roots in the ground! This was a nice place to visit while in Hilo.

We went the day after a huge rainstorm, so the water was really muddy. No rainbow for us, but it was still beautiful. Easy to get to, good parking, bathrooms available (none too clean).

Nice falls , if you are visiting after rain. Parking is situated very near the falls. Nice place to picnic! Restroom facility is available.

A gorgeous waterfall that is one of the nicest on the island. It's a short and easy walk to the waterfall, but it's also worth taking the slightly steep trail past the waterfall to see an umpressive grove of huge trees.

No hiking needed to see the falls. The small hike to the overlook was closed. Quite sad that I was t able to go up there. The sign just said closed and was fenced off. No notice of when it will be reopened. Still able to get some good pics.

Beautiful falls and wonderful banyan tree. Children loved climbing through the many branches of the banyan tree.

This is a 2-in-1 stop. First, there is of course the falls which are very beautiful and peaceful. Second, there is also a massive Banyan tree. And I mean *massive*! Just take a look at my pics, it's easier to see than to describe.

While we didn't see a rainbow due to a cloudy day, it was still a great waterfall and amazingly easy to view. It's right in Hilo and the viewing area is just steps from the parking, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.

Parking is a bit limited but people are in an out as not much to see other than the falls. No access to water for swimming.

Easiest natural wonder to see. You literally drive into the parking lot, walk 100 yards to the falls. It was gorgeous, and because of the rain, the falls themselves were impressive. No rainbow seen but that's because we got there at 1200 (sun angle not right to see the rainbow). Still, beautiful and well worth the easy access. The ONLY thing disappointing is the staircase to see the falls from the top was closed off due to Covid (cannot provide for a one way access).

Pretty waterfall (however it was like chocolate milk when we went). But unlike Akaka, this waterfall was free and very easy to access from the parking lot.

Gorgeous, very accessible waterfall. Came as part of a waterfall tour and glad we could se Rainbow Falls

Very pretty and a free site right in the middle of Hilo. The only thing was that the lookout and other spots were closed, so access to the Falls is very limited due to safety concerns. But well worth the trip if you are in Hilo.

Rainbow Falls scenic view is an 80' waterfall surrounded by lush green foliage. We enjoyed this stop on our drive around the island just stopped for a few photos to continue on our journey, I am glad we stopped. Park opens at sunrise and closes at dusk.

This was on our way to some other places we were visiting. We didn’t see any rainbows but it was a pretty waterfall. Also, it was free!

The falls is right off the road. Make sure you go to the top of the falls and check out the huge banyan tree.

It had rained all week before we visited so the water was quite murky. But what a beautiful waterfall right in the middle of town, and so accessible The trail to the top was closed. Bummer.

Can’t go wrong by seeing one of the most beautiful falls on the big island. You can’t go wrong by seeing these falls. You can walk to the top top of the falls. Great photo up.

What a beautiful trip to Rainbow Falls. It is best viewed with the morning sun shining on the mist from the falls...such a pretty rainbow forms!

Best to visit in the morning if you want to see the rainbow in the mist. I live near this set of falls, and I never get tired of paying an occasional visit, listen to the roar and enjoy the serenity. Fun to see after a bought of rain - quite the gusher! Easy parking, very short walk. Great little outing along with Boiling Pots and Kaumana Caves since they are so close to each other.

This waterfall is more of a scenic stop. There is a parking lot where you go up a ramp to view the waterfall. Walking distance is about the length of a parking lot. If you are short in time, this is a good place to visit in Hilo. Also there is no parking fee. There are informational plaques that talk about the history of the waterfall. Definitely worth a few minutes to stop by and see if you are near Hilo.

Very cool, awesome story! Easy parking, we drove by another time and it was packed, but came back and got easy front row. Not much hiking at all, but quick and easy to see the sights! Kids loved it!

This was a 2 minute walk behind the Veterans home I was working at. Lovely falls but not much else to see. At times there are homeless people but no reason not to stop for 5 minutes.

This area, one of many stops in the Wailuku River State Park complex, was an enjoyable, 10-minute stop. There is only a short walk from the parking lot to the falls overlook, and a few placards along the path describe the unique history of the Wailuku River.

True to its name, a rainbow exists at the bottom of these falls and never really fades from view! This stop is also free and well-worth the time to stretch your legs.

The falls is easily accessible and offers a couple of great views. One from the front and additional views from the side from an elevated areas accessed by stairs. Not to be missed are the incredible Banyan trees, which are incredible in appearance and size. A great stop.

Even though we visited on a cloudy day and did not see the rainbow, this was a great place to visit and close to downtown Hilo. The waterfalls are of course beautiful but the spreading banyan trees a short walk up are by themselves worth the visit. The parking lot was full so we parked in the lot right before you reach the falls if you are coming from town.

easy to access, no need to hike to waterfall
beautiful full and flowing
definitely stop if in the area

Was hoping for a hike. Instead, it’s a paved area that’s short and meh. Yes, there was a waterfall. Yes, there was a rainbow.

The falls are good. It is right on the road. It was raining when we went but unfortunately we did not see any rainbow.

The falls and surrounding area very pretty and lush. A huge banyan tree grows at the top of the falls and it’s something you can see and do and it’s free

Rainbow (Waiānuenue) Falls on the Wailuku River in Hilo, Hawaii is 80 ft. (24 m) high. Known in the Hawaiian language as Waiānuenue (literally "rainbow water"), the falls flows over a natural lava cave, the mythological home to Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. Rainbow Falls derives its name from the fact that, on sunny mornings around 10 am, rainbows can be seen in the mist thrown up by the waterfall. We were there in the afternoon, so missed the rainbows.

In my opinion this is a better waterfall than Akaka Falls. It is much more accessible and easier to see in it's entirety plus if you look at it from the top viewing section you can see the rainbow. Parking can be a bit tough but if you are patient and circle the block you will find a spot since it's a fairly quick stop for most people.

So Rainbow Falls in located within a small town. There is a park which surrounds the falls, which has beautiful plants and trees, however the falls themselves were just average for me. They were located directly off the roadway and not nestled back in a great setting. There were also several homeless people hanging out in the park. We stayed for less than 10 minutes before heading off to our next adventure.

So that we could have ended with the reward of rainbow falls. If you start at the rainbow falls look out itself, then less incentive to hike.

Stopped by on the way to the volcano nat'l park. Easy to find. Parking is right in front. There are clean restrooms. The waterfall is gorgeous, but not swimmable. There is a beautiful banyan tree that is a must see as well. Great spot for some pics. It was drizzling, so we didn't get to see the rainbow.

We were there a few weeks ago when it rained a tremendous amount and the waterfall was thundering. We were driving to Hilo after arriving on island and it was raining from the top of saddle road all the way into Hilo. We had been there before and was going to go the next day but after sitting on plane and in car for quite a few hours, we needed to walk around a bit. Glad we did as the the waterfall was amazing. We did not see a rainbow until we went up the steps at the side Andy looked from above and there it was. Akaka falls is much more impressive but this is also a great waterfall and one you don’t want to miss.

Just steps from the parking lot including ramps. A gorgeous view with little effort. Worth the drive.

easy to reach from Hilo. Always has good water flow. The image shows at many commercial poster, post card, and metal print wall hangings.

I've always loved waterfalls since I was a kid. This area in Wailuku River National State Park was just a short drive from our hotel in Hilo. The size and accessibility of the area allows you some great photo ops and a close-up feeling with the falls. The locals are happy to share the history of the nature preserve.

Free and plenty parking, easy to find and there really is a rainbow as long as the sun shines. Easy hike.

Everything is sectioned off. We were not able to go to any of the trails because of the rain... Still beautiful and magnificent. Very easy to find.

The waterfall isn’t big, but mighty. Small route to look at it from different sides. There you can also see giant mango trees.
Parking zone with restrooms.

This is an easy drive with no hike to enjoy a beautiful falls. If you take a right out of the parking lot you’ll also find boiling pots which is cool depending on the time for year and rainfall. There isn’t a way down but you can enjoy from the view point. Looking upstream you’ll see a couple of more falls. If you leave boiling pots on peepee drive (don’t laugh) drive and take a right on Waianuenue ave (ignore the dead end sign it ends way down the road) you will come to a bridge where you can see these falls up close. There is a short hiking trail if you would like a quick swim

My special tour guide, my son, took me to see Rainbow Falls and it was a feast for the eyes. The roar of the falls that day was increased after a heavy rain.

This a very pretty waterfall but unfortunately you can't very close to it. It was still nice to see. Both adults and children enjoyed the view.

Oh my…such a treat…we would normally hike a couple of miles to see a falls like this! Lovely in the early morning…not crowded at all..and a rainbow! A must see!

We booked a tour and 1 of the places we saw was the waterfall. It was nice nothing special. It was run down going towards the stairs

A not-so-hidden gem, very easy to get to...just outside downtown Hilo. Amazing that something so large and so beautiful is so accessible.

We were very pleasantly surprised by this lovely little spot. It basically right in town and was well worth a visit. You can also wander up and look at the upper falls area that have a fabulous stand of Bannion? Trees. We were glad we stopped here. As with most of Hawaii the parking is appalling.