Rainbow Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Big Island

The island of Hawai’i — typically referred to as the Big Island — is known for its unique natural diversity, featuring volcanic beaches, lofty peaks and dense rainforests. One of the destination’s most dazzling attractions is Rainbow Falls — a magical wonderland that shows its colors to patient travelers daily.

Rainbow Falls day trips in Big Island include a myriad of destinations, making them the perfect way to spend a day on vacation.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Rainbow Falls, one of the most mesmerizing destinations for day trips in Big Island.

Where is Rainbow Falls located on the Big Island?

Rainbow Falls is located on the outskirts of Hilo on the eastern side of Big Island.

Reaching Rainbow Falls by car

The journey to Rainbow Falls by car is simple. If traveling from the center of Hilo, you’ll drive along Ponahawai Street followed by Komohana Street. Turning left, you’ll follow Waianuenue Ave until you reach Rainbow Drive, which leads you to the falls. The entire route takes just 5 minutes.

Alternatively, those traveling across the island from Kailua-Kona will utilize the HI-190, followed by the Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Saddle Road to reach the destination.

Reaching Rainbow Falls by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Rainbow Falls via public transportation instead. If you’re staying in Hilo, you’ll simply board a Line 102 bus, which leaves the town center regularly throughout the day, to Hilo Waianuenue Ave — less than 5 minutes walk from the attraction.

Those staying elsewhere on Big Island will need to reach Hilo first, which is easily accessible from other destinations, including Kailua-Kona.

Guided tour to Rainbow Falls in Big Island

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to Rainbow Falls and allow someone else to take care of the transportation details for you. You’ll meet your guide and/or driver at an easy-to-reach meeting point in Hilo, such as the port or a renowned hotel.

Alongside those staying on the island, cruise ship passengers are usually welcomed on these sorts of tours and can select from several different time slots or contact the operator to organize collection instead.

Day trips tend to last around 6 hours and, once your adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back to the same spot to continue with your vacation.

What is included in a typical Rainbow Falls tour itinerary?

While each Rainbow Fall day trip is unique, all excursions typically visit the same spots. After meeting at a central spot in Hilo, you’ll drive out of town to visit your main destination first. Once you’ve been awestruck by the natural beauty of this tumbling stream of water, you’ll move on to destinations slightly further afield.

These generally include the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, as well as one of the island’s most beloved candy stores and a macadamia nut farm where you can purchase local goods. You may be guided through each attraction by a knowledgeable guide or explore each landmark at your own pace instead.

A lunch stop is usually pre-planned into the itinerary and you’ll be able to disembark your vehicle to choose from several eateries, at your own expense.

What are the best Rainbow Falls trips?

There are a couple of different options when it comes to choosing a Rainbow Falls day tour. You can select one based on your group size and preferred travel style.

Guided tours to Rainbow Falls plus Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This Rainbow Falls day trip begins in the quaint coastal town of Hilo with a scenic drive down Banyan Drive, following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Babe Ruth who have planted trees on the street. Then, you’ll pass the 20th-century Liliuokalani Gardens, which are named after Hawaii’s first queen and honor Big Island’s mass of Japanese immigrants.

Moving on, you’ll drive to the outskirts of the town to reach Rainbow Falls where you’ll marvel at its cascading waters and try seeking the rainbow that can often be found shimmering through the falls.

Other destinations covered on this Rainbow Falls day tour include Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, home to two active peaks, as well as Richardson Beach Park, where you may have the opportunity to see sea turtles nestled in the volcanic sand.

Private tour to Rainbow Falls plus Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

If you’re seeking greater personalization than a group excursion can provide, you may consider opting for a private day trip to Rainbow Falls.

You’ll enjoy total flexibility over your schedule, stopping only at sights that pique your interest, such as the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Liliuokalani Gardens, a macadamia nut farm, and, of course, Rainbow Falls itself.

You’ll enjoy traveling between sites in the comfort that only a private vehicle can provide with a friendly driver keen to show off the natural beauty of their homeland.

What are the prices of day trips to Rainbow Falls?

Standard day trips to Rainbow Falls operate in groups limited to 24 guests and cost just over US$150 per adult. Children aged 3 to 12 benefit from a small discount of less than US$10 on the adult rate. National park fees are included in the overall price, as well as the services of a professional guide and beverages to keep you hydrated in the hot Hawaiian sun.

Fpr private Rainbow Falls day tours, you can expect to pay US$1,150 per group of up to eight travelers. With the maximum group size, you’ll each pay just over US$140 each.

What will you see and do?

Rainbow Falls is located over the entrance to a lava cave, which is, according to folklore, the home of the Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Hina.

Its name comes from the rainbows regularly seen in the water, caused by the refraction of light in the mist that forms around the falls’ main stream. Rainbows are typically seen in the mid-morning because of the positioning of the sun.

The cascading water tumbles 24 meters into an icy pool below, while the falls’ diameter measures around 30 meters.

What are the opening hours?

Rainbow Fall is open from sunrise to sunset every day, meaning that its hours of operation change slightly from month to month.

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?

The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is during the wet season, which typically runs from November to March. During this time, the waterfall is at its fullest, and you have a better chance of seeing rainbows in the mist created by the falling water.

Keep in mind that the weather in Hilo is generally wetter than in other parts of Hawaii, so be prepared for rain at any time of year.

Travel tips

• Visit Rainbow Falls early in the day to avoid crowds and have the best chance of seeing rainbows in the morning light.
• Be prepared for rain - carry a raincoat or umbrella, especially if you plan to visit during the wet season.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
• Check in advance the entrance fees to access the Rainbow Falls area or nearby parks and have the appropriate cash or cards to pay for any fees.
• If you bring a camera, a wide-angle lens can be helpful for capturing the entire waterfall and any rainbows that appear.
• Respect the natural beauty of the area by staying on designated trails and viewing platforms.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or going off-trail to protect the environment.
• Avoid stacking rocks or leaving any type of mark on the lava rocks, as this is considered disrespectful to Hawaiian culture.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles by picking up after yourself, disposing of trash properly, and respecting the natural environment.
• Rainbow Falls is a place of cultural significance in Hawaiian history. Be respectful of the site's cultural importance and follow any posted guidelines or rules.
• Explore other attractions in the Hilo area, such as Wailuku River State Park, Boiling Pots, or the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, to make the most of your day trip.