Chase Rainbows at Waianuenue
The islands of Hawaii are filled with secrets. The Big Island, with its seven different climate zones ranging from tropical rainforest to desert tundra, is the most diverse of all, and there are sights to be seen there which you’ll encounter the like of nowhere else in the world. Among these is the breathtaking waterfall at Waianuenue, where you can watch rainbows dance beneath your feet.
Waianuenue, or ‘rainbow seen in the water’, is the home of Rainbow Falls, one of the most remarkable sights you’ll see on any Hawaiian vacation. The falls formed where the Wailuku River encounters an eight foot cliff, plummeting down into a tremendous whirlpool.
Behind the water is a deep cave said to be the home of the moon goddess Hina, mother and lover of the trickster god Maui. There is no access to the pool itself, which was famed for its danger in island mythology, the ultimate challenge on a dangerous river.
The best time to visit Waianuenue is shortly after sunrise, when the morning sun strikes the water as it sprays into the air, creating dozens of bright rainbows. This is a popular spot for couples enjoying romantic Hawaiian vacations.
A nearby car park means that access is easy, but there’s also a viewing area directly above the falls themselves, plus another in the shade of a banyan tree for those who find the tropical heat too much. When you’ve finished watching the water, there are nearby cafés where you can enjoy a light meal and talk about your experience with other visitors.
Although there are other waterfalls around the world where you can see rainbows, there are none quite as spectacular as Waianuenue. If you’re thinking about visiting Hawaii, make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable sight.
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