Rainbow Falls - Beautiful Scenic Waterfall in Hilo, Hawaii

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Rainbow Falls - Beautiful Scenic Waterfall in Hilo, Hawaii

Updated November 12, 2010
2 minute read

Rainbow Falls is a beautiful scenic 80 foot high waterfall located along the Wailuku River in Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island of Hawaii. The falls is named for the rainbows which can often be seen at this great natural wonder. The native Hawaiians called Rainbow Falls Waianuenue which means "rainbow water".

Image Source by Rob Lee

At Rainbow Falls the Wailuku River beautifully plunges 80 feet right over a basalt cliff.

Image Source by leadfoot

About a third of the way down the cliff face gives way to a natural lava cave behind the falls. Chunks of perfectly shaped basalt can be seen behind Rainbow Falls lying inside the lava cave. The perfectly shaped hexagonal basalt columns were formed by the slow cooling of the basalt.

Image Source by Bruce Tuten (Rainbow Falls during drought - note the basalt chunks in cave)

In Hawaiian mythology the goddess Hina who was the mother of the demigod Maui lived in the cave behind Rainbow Falls.

Image Source by pixtory

Rainbow Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Hilo, Hawaii. Hilo is the rainiest city in the United States so there is almost always good water flow at the falls and sometimes there is massive amounts of water flowing over Rainbow Falls.

Image Source by leadfoot

This beautiful scenic waterfall is located in Rainbow Falls Park in Hilo. To reach the park and Rainbow Falls just take Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo to Rainbow Drive and look for signs for the Rainbow Falls Area. Everyone in Hilo knows where Rainbow Falls is and most tourists and visitors to Hilo do not consider their trip complete without a stop at this great natural wonder waterfall in Hawaii.

Image Source by tauntingpanda

For more see Wailua Falls - Beautiful Scenic Waterfall in Hawaii Featured on TV on Fantasy Island

Akaka Falls is a Beautiful Tourist Attraction Waterfall in Hawaii

Waimea Canyon is the Grand Canyon of Hawaii

Beautiful Lighthouses in Hawaii

Turner Falls - Beautiful Popular Landmark Scenic Waterfall in Oklahoma

Great Falls Park - Beautiful Scenic Park Near Washington

Flagler Museum - Beautiful Mansion and Largest Home in Florida

Sources:http://www.hawaiistateparks.org

http://en.wikipedia.org