Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, seems be a popular attraction on the Big Island. It’s easily accessible and free, so visitors of all ages can see its beauty. Even if you’ve been there before, Rainbow Falls is worth revisiting because you just might catch a glimpse of a rainbow in front of the waterfall, depending on the weather.
We first went to Rainbow Falls during our honeymoon on the Big Island in 2014. We had stopped by for a refreshing beverage at the Rainbow Falls Cafe across the street, but sadly it was closed during our most recent trip. This time we explored the same areas as before with V. She loved running around in front of the banyan tree, which is just as beautiful as I remember. We plan to hang a print of our photos in our home to remind us our time in Hawaii.
Whether you have 15 minutes or hours, you have plenty of time for Rainbow Falls. You can simply admire the waterfall, or if you can walk up the steps to the Banyan tree area. Some people climb on the rocks to the top of the waterfall from here, but I am not certain this is a good idea. It seems kind of dangerous to me!
Sometimes you’ll see tour buses drop off tourists, but these visitors are often only there for a short time. We have had good luck finding parking when we arrive in the morning.
In case you’re wondering, Hilo is about an hour and a half from the Kona side of the island. You can easily fit this park in on the same day as a visit to Akaka Falls. We spent time here after our recent helicopter tour.
Have you been to Rainbow Falls or the Big Island?
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Watch our video of Rainbow Falls:
Related posts:
Exploring Hilo, Hawaii
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Hawaii

Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.
The banyan trees are nuts!! Love that you guys have the print up. We got a Disney art print while we were there on our honeymoon that we’ve got up on the wall.
They are so cool! We have a bonsai banyan that we love at home.
I was just like how is that physically possible?! Then I realized I missed the bonsai part haha. I bet that is so cool.
Hahah yes! It’s a mini. 🙂 Super hard to take care of but beautiful!
WOW! I’ve never heard of banyan trees before. I can imagine how they must look like a fairy playground to V!
They are so cool and beautiful! She loved climbing on it. haha