If you are in the Hilo area of the Big Island of Hawai’i, you will want to make a stop to see Rainbow Falls, which has an 80-foot drop and is known for the rainbows that are formed in the surrounding mist.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls Lookout

You will want to visit Rainbow Falls earlier in the morning, usually before 9 AM to see the rainbows form from the surrounding mists because later in the day you are less likely to see them.

Visiting the lookout of Rainbow Falls, which has an 80-foot drop and is known for the rainbows that are formed in the surrounding mist.

Not soon after we arrived in Hawai’i, we made a trip across the island to see the Rainbow Falls, not knowing at the time that it is best to visit in the morning to see the rainbows.  However, it was still a very pleasant experience.

After viewing the falls, you can take a walk through the woods and even along the Falls and find yourself surrounded by some fascinating trees.

Hiking Trail

If you have children, you will find yourself sticking around for a while for them to climb the different trees in the area. You’ll want to keep your camera handy during this little hike because you’ll find that your children are 10+ feet up in a tree before you even know it.

Visiting the lookout of Rainbow Falls, which has an 80-foot drop and is known for the rainbows that are formed in the surrounding mist.

No, that isn’t my son in the tree in this picture, but he did end up climbing there, and I believe even further.

Of you may be surprised at the fact that your child just sits down on a lava rock in the middle of the woods and reflects on life.  Either way, it’s a beautiful thing!

Visiting the lookout of Rainbow Falls, which has an 80-foot drop and is known for the rainbows that are formed in the surrounding mist.

Travel further upland along the Wailuku River and you’ll find Peepee Falls (pronounced Peh-EH Peh-EH), which feeds the famous pools known as Boiling Pots. These terraced pools bubble as if they were boiling, connected by a series of cascading water flows alongside hexagonal columns formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. As beautiful as Waianuene (Rainbow Falls) and Boiling Pots are, note that there are no lifeguards here and these areas are not safe for swimming. Instead, take a moment and simply enjoy the natural beauty found in Wailuku River State Park. – Go Hawaii

Are you looking for other places to go sightseeing to waterfalls?

What do you want to see most in Hawai’i?