A regular stop for tour buses, the lookout for this 'instant gratification' cascade is just steps from the parking lot. Depending on rainfall, the lovely 80ft waterfall can be a torrent or a trickle. Go in the morning and you'll see rainbows if sun and mist cooperate. To get here, drive up Waianuenue Ave, veer right when it splits into Kaumana Dr and follow the signage. (Waianuenue, 'rainbow seen in water,' is the Hawaiian name for these falls.)
©Michael Warwick/Shutterstock
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions
23.56 MILES
Kilauea volcano lies at the center of activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The unassuming bump on Mauna Loa's southeast flank would be easily…
24.81 MILES
At 13,796ft in the air, you are above 40% of the atmosphere and 90% of its water vapor – apparently perfect conditions for growing the giant mushroom-like…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
26.29 MILES
Even among Hawaii's many wonders, this national park stands out. Its two active volcanoes testify to the ongoing birth of the islands: quiet Mauna Loa (13…
23.55 MILES
The original Halemaʻumaʻu Overlook off Crater Rim Dr was closed in 2008 due to volcanic activity and the very real threat of death. For the next decade,…
29.36 MILES
The gentle, 1.3-mile round-trip to Puʻu Loa (roughly, 'hill of long life') leads to one of Hawaiʻi's largest concentrations of ancient petroglyphs, some…
2.69 MILES
Arguably Hilo's most beautiful spot, these sprawling Japanese gardens are perfect for picnicking. Named for Hawaii's last queen (r 1891–93), the 30-acre…
9.67 MILES
The island's best ‘tourist waterfall’ is found at this outstanding, family-friendly park. Walk the paved path counterclockwise, on a loop that traverses…
22.61 MILES
When 'Little Kilauea' burst open in a fiery inferno in November 1959, it filled the crater with a roiling lake of molten rock fed by a 1900ft fountain…
Nearby Hilo attractions
1. Lyman Museum & Mission House
1.22 MILES
Although small in scale, this museum is a good primer on Hawaii's natural and cultural history. Downstairs, geologic exhibits include fascinating examples…
1.26 MILES
How strong was Kamehameha the Great? According to legend, anyone with enough strength to budge the 3.5-ton Naha Store would also have the strength to…
1.35 MILES
See the current swirling around a large rock in the upstream Wailuku River? Legend has it that the demigod Maui paddled his canoe with such speed across…
1.4 MILES
Designed by architect Henry Whitfield, this stately building (1919) is typical of Hilo’s early 20th-century government buildings. The former courthouse…
1.4 MILES
Centrally located, this mini park should be Hilo's 'town square,' but it is mostly green space bypassed by cars and pedestrians. It does come to life on…
6. East Hawai‘i Cultural Center/HMOCA
1.41 MILES
Curious about Hilo's art scene? Go to this downtown center, which displays well-curated works by both professionals and amateurs. Exhibits change monthly,…
7. Peʻepeʻe Falls & Boiling Pots
1.46 MILES
Two miles past Rainbow Falls is another drive-up lookout, Peʻepeʻe Falls & Boiling Pots. This unique series of falls cascading into swirling, bubbling…
8. Mokupapapa Discovery Center
1.53 MILES
Geared for kids, this center aims to educate the public about pristine Hawaiian ecosystems. Even adults might not know that the Hawaiian archipelago…