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All the United States Hawaii Hilo Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls)
AO Edited

Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls)

This legendary urban waterfall creates a dazzling display of rainbows.

Hilo, Hawaii

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Melissa Marshall
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Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls).   David Hayes/Alamy
Rainbow Falls, May 2018   Drewscura / Atlas Obscura User
  andyschwarz / Atlas Obscura User
Rainbow Falls sign   Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls).   Melissa Marshall / Atlas Obscura User
Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls).   Melissa Marshall / Atlas Obscura User
Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls).   notoriousFIG / Atlas Obscura User
Upriver view from the top of Rainbow Falls   Sarah Vanheel CosmopoliClan / Atlas Obscura User
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Rainbow Falls   Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
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This breathtaking 80-foot waterfall is located inside Wailuku River State Park, which is located in the city of Hilo. The natural wonder was thought to be the home of the Hawaiian moon goddess known as Hina. Legend has it that Hina lives in the lava cave behind the falls, only coming out on certain nights. 

The falls are known as Waiānuenue in the native Hawaiian language. The word roughly translates to "rainbow water," and it's easy to see why. Almost every morning at around 10 a.m., when the sun faces the waterfall, the falls produce a dazzling series of rainbows. The falls provide a peaceful oasis and a reminder of the Big Island's deep connection to Hawaiian mythology.

There's a viewing platform right next to the parking lot and another one at the top of Rainbow Falls. When visitors climb the stairs towards the top, they'll notice a small pathway. Hidden behind the lush vegetation are some amazing banyan trees.

Just a mile upstream of the Wailuku River is another viewing platform. This one overlooks the boiling pots, a series of terraced pools in which the turbulent water appears to be boiling, and allows visitors to catch a glimpse of yet another waterfall called Pe’epe’e Falls.

 

 

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Waterfalls Legends Water

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The best view of the falls can be had by climbing up a steep set of rocky stairs to a viewing area. It's popular with both tourists and locals, although locals tend to go earlier in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. 

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Melissa Marshall

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Sarah Vanheel CosmopoliClan, notoriousFIG, Kerry Wolfe, andyschwarz...

  • Sarah Vanheel CosmopoliClan
  • notoriousFIG
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • andyschwarz
  • Drewscura
  • jennavee
  • LAW
  • Jason Michael Walker

Published

July 11, 2019

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Sources
  • https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/wailuku-river-state-park/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Falls_(Hawaii)
  • https://cosmopoliclan.com/travel-with-kids/inspiration/hawaii-big-island-waterfalls/
Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls)
Rainbow Falls
Wailuku River State Park
Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
United States
19.719284, -155.109422
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