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Rainbow Falls Hilo: Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Rainbow Falls Hilo

Rainbow Falls Hilo: Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii

Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Named for the rainbows that are often spotted in its mist each morning, Rainbow Falls are 80 feet tall and almost 100 feet in diameter. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name and means “rainbow seen in water”.

Part of the Hawai’i State Parks, there is no fee to see the falls.

Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Follow the path to the left of the look out to walk to a viewpoint at the top of Rainbow Falls.

Restrooms are available. To get to Rainbow Falls, take Waianuenue Ave. from downtown Hilo mauka for approximately two miles. Rainbow Drive branches off to the right just after crossing a bridge. Follow the signs to the parking lot. The park opens at sunrise and closes at dusk.

Read more about Rainbow Falls

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

ʻAkaka Falls State Park: Waterfalls of Hawaii

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

ʻAkaka Falls State Park: Waterfalls of Hawaii

See majestic ʻAkaka Falls, 442 ft high & one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii, & Kahuna Falls in the one short hike.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park is located at the end of End of ʻAkaka Falls Road (Hwy. 220), 3.6 miles SW of Honomū on the northeastern Hilo Coast.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

The 0.4-mile hike goes down into the valley via quite a lot of steps, so the path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. It is, however, a short, easy walk for kids. The path weaves through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park

Along the paved path first is 100-foot Kahuna Falls, followed around the bend by towering ʻAkaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge.

ʻAkaka Falls State Park ʻAkaka Falls State Park ʻAkaka Falls State Park

There is reasonable parking in the car park. A fee must be paid to enter ʻAkaka Falls State Park and see the waterfalls.

Read more about ‘Akaka FallsnState Park

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

Punaluu black sand beach, on the Big Island of Hawaii, was once a white sand beach that was turned black by lava flowing over it and into the ocean. The black sand is formed by smooth fragments of lava that cools at it hits the ocean and splits into tiny pieces that, over time, build up to form the black sand beaches.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

There are several black sand beaches in Hawaii due to the constant volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with Punaluu Black Sand Beach probably the most famous of them.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

While Punaluu Black Sand Beach isn’t the best swimming beach on the island, people do swim there. Facilities include a picnic area and restrooms, however there are no nearby cafes or restaurants so bring in your own picnic.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is also famous for its large honu residents. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles frequent the beach to bask in the sun. There are often sea turtles and beautiful fish offshore if you are a strong swimmer and into snorkelling.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii Punaluu Black Sand Beach on The Big Island of Hawaii

There is plenty of free parking both next to the beach and it an adjacent car park. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours (they also yell at the tourists to keep away from the honu). Grills are also available for bbqs and there is a camping ground.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is best tied into a drive to or from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The beach is a short detour off Highway 11 between the towns of Volcano Village and Naalehu.

Get more ideas on things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii

Manta Rays

Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii

Watch giant mantas up close on a manta ray night snorkel in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Mobula alfredi species of manta rays that live in the Hawaiian waters are the second largest species of manta rays. They can grow up to a wingspan of 5.5m (18 ft), with the rays around Kona around 12ft.

The Manta rays live in the waters off the Hawaiian islands their entire lives, filtering plankton out of the water with their giant mouths. With life spans of up to 50 years, each manta ray is well known and all of the Kona manta rays have been named.

There are several tour operators and locations where you can enjoy manta ray snorkelling. If you get seasick like I do, I suggest choosing a company that has a short distance to travel from where their boats launch and the manta ray site they visit.

There are three main locations on the Big island that are recommended for swimming with manta rays. The two most popular and consistent for the manta ray sightings are nicknamed “Manta Village” and “Manta Heaven”. A third, less reliable but also less crowded location, is off the Waikoloa coast near the Kohala Coast Resorts. You can get further info on the pros and cons of visiting each site on this excellent website: lovebigisland.com/big-island-manta-ray-night-dive.

We had booked our tour many months out (and highly suggest doing the same as the tours book up). While we were on our trip however we were struck down with a virus and unable to do our booked tour. As we were desperate to still do the tour and at short notice our options were limited, we called around every tour operator until we found one with vacancies. While initially I had done my research and chose the tour with the shortest distance travelled due to my propensity for seasickness, at the end of the day we just had to take whatever we could and it was absolutely fine. The moral of this story for me is don’t stress the decision because any tour will be a good tour at the end of the day if you swim with manta rays!

The tour we ended up taking was booked through Hawaiian Island Ocean Tours – the actual tour was run through their sister company Snorkel Big Island. I cannot recommend either company highly enough for their help in booking us in at extremely short notice and for the amazing tour.

We did the Honokohau Manta tour. Participants must be aged 8+. The tour goes for two hours, with only six passengers on board. This makes for a much more personal experience with the manta rays. Snorkeling with the mantas on this tour is either at the Northern site near the Kona Airport (Manta Heaven) or down South at Keauhou Bay (Manta Village) depending on which area is having the better sightings. We were provided with mask, snorkel and wetsuit.

The Honokohau Manta ray night snorkel tour departs from Honokohau Harbor in the evening, with a  20-30 minute boat ride to the manta ray site. It’s pretty stunning watching the sun set over the ocean as we make our way out to the manta ray site.

At the site, after donning our wetsuits, we slid into the water and hung on to their custom-made light board to watch the huge, acrobatic, gentle giants feed on tiny pieces of plankton.

Manta Rays

The time in the water is about 30 minutes. Keep in mind the tour is at night and even with a wetsuit on it can get cold in the water.

In the water, the manta rays swoop through the water in circles, coming right up to the swimmers and often brushing up against them with their massive wings as they open their mouths and catch plankton.

Manta Rays

The bright lights brought by the tour operators attract the plankton, and the plankton attracts the manta rays. To me it looks like an underwater ballet as they gracefully swim and somersault through the light beams.

Back on the boat, we were given hot cocoa and light snacks while we head back to the harbour. Make sure to take a towel to dry yourself off and a jacket to keep warm, plus underwear and a wetbag for swimsuits.

Manta rays in Hawaiian waters are protected by law. If you do a tour, please observe the rules that make this incredible experience possible by ensuring the safety of the manta rays:

Observe only: No touching. Resist the urge to “pet” the mantas. This will rub off their protective mucus coating. Do not chase, grab, or try to take a ride on the mantas.

hawaiiislandandoceantours.com
snorkelbigisland.com

A huge thank you to Hawaii Island Ocean Tours and Snorkel Big Island for the amazing experience and the photographs!

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours – Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours – Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

See the lava inside the Kilauea volcano, rainforests, beaches and an optional landing at a 1200-ft. waterfall on Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours by Blue Hawaiian.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The best way to see the Big Island’s majestic volcanoes, black sand beaches, lush rainforests and sparkling waterfalls is by air.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

There are a few helicopter tours of the Big Island available. We chose Blue Hawaiian because we loved the sound of their Big Island Spectacular tour which covered the entire island as well as a waterfall landing add on, which is exclusive to Blue Hawaiian.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours depart from both sides of the island. We chose the Kona departure helicopter tour vs Hilo as different tours operate from each location.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The Blue Hawaiian Helicopter base is located at Waikoloa Village, which is about a 40 minute drive from Kailua-Kona. The helicopters fit five passengers plus the pilot. Two in the front and three in the back. You can pay an extra fee for guaranteed front seating, otherwise it’s up to luck if the other passengers do opt to pay for this better view or it comes down to weight distribution.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The Big Island Spectacular tour heads inland to get a close up look at the famous Kilauea volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The tour flys over the arid volcanic landscape where lava had flown during previous eruptions, to the edge of the volcano itself. We saw red lava in the crater of the volcano, and steam gushing out – what an incredible experience.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

Next we head over the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast and the scenic valleys of the Kohala Mountains, where countless waterfalls pour from the cliff edges.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The highlight of the Big Island Spectacular comes at the end – the optional landing at remote, isolated Laupahoehoe Nui, a majestic 1200-ft. waterfall on the Kohala Coast. Landing at the base of the waterfall was very much a Jurassic Park movie moment.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

On the ground we had 20-25 minutes to take photos and explore this untouched area before boarding the helicopter again and heading back to base.

Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian Hawaii Big Island Helicopter Tours - Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaiian

The entire tour goes for roughly 1h 45m.

We highly recommend Blue Hawaiian for their Hawaii Big Island helicopter tours.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
68-690 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
bluehawaiian.com

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Get up close to seahorses at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm in Kona on The Big Island of Hawaii.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is a family-run aqua-farm. They breed and provide farm-reared seahorses to aquariums and hobbiests to protect wild seahorses facing the threat of extinction due to being taken from their homes in the wild.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

The aqua-farm began raising mustang seahorses in 1999 and now breeds over 25 species of seahorses in captivity, including some on the verge of extinction. Their amazing variety of seahorses can be viewed on a guided tour.

Ocean Rider’s vision statement is to eliminate the need to take wild seahorses off the reefs by providing home and public aquariums with healthy, eco-friendly, hand raised, domesticated seahorse pairs to be kept as pets for many years to come.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Join an Ocean Rider seahorse tour and learn about ocean conservation and the amazing seahorse. The Kona seahorse guided tour lasts about 60 minutes and is an indoor and outdoor tour so wear a hat and sunscreen plus good walking shoes.

Tour times are Mon – Fri at 10am, 12pm and 2pm except for low season (May and September) when there is only one tour per day which is at noon.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

We were extremely excited to take a tour on our recent visit to The Big Island of Hawai’i. We were able to see thousands of seahorses from babies to pregnant males, as well as leafy sea dragons and a variety of beautiful fish, plus enjoy an interactive tide pool.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

The highlight of the tour is holding a seahorse (extremely gently!) at the end of the tour. Visitors must be aged 5 and up to be able to hold a seahorse.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Book online to guarantee your spot on a tour. Walk-in spaces are available if tours are not fully booked, however the price is higher so I highly recommend booking online at least 24 hours before the tour.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii
73-4388 Ilikai Place
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Phone: 808-329-6840
seahorse.com

More things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

Find the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii
Visit Coconut Island, Hilo

Enjoy Liluokalani Gardens in Hilo
See the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakula Bay

Get a glimpse of the past at the Waikoloa Petroglyphs
Get the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
See a volcano up close at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls, Hilo
See a majestic waterfall at Akaka State Park, Hilo Hawaii
See turtles on Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
Swim with giants on a manta ray night snorkel, Hawaii
See lava and land at the foot of a waterfall on a helicopter tour
Hold a seahorse at Ocean Rider
Seahorse Farm Kona Hawaii

Taking the Angels Flight Railway, Los Angeles, California

Angels Flight Railway Los Angeles California

Taking the Angels Flight Railway, Los Angeles, California

Take a very quick trip on the world’s shortest railway, the Angels Flight Railway in Los Angeles, California.

Angels Flight Los Angeles

The Angels Flight Railway is a landmark in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles. We walked to it from The Broad museum, to give some context of where it is located. The funicular railway has two cars, Olivet and Sinai, which run in opposite directions on the 298 feet long railway. 

Angels Flight Los Angeles

It is indeed a very short trip, taking only a few minutes to transport passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue. Since the railway opened in 1901, it was given more than 100 million rides up and down the steep hill.

Angels Flight Los Angeles

The Angels Flight Railway has been a popular inclusion in many TV shoes and movies, and is now mostly a tourist attraction.

Angels Flight Los Angeles

Location
The Railway’s Top Station is located at California Plaza, 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90071. The Lower Entrance is located at 351 South Hill Street, Los Angeles 90013, across from Grand Central Market.

Angels Flight Los Angeles

Cost
To ride the Angels Flight Railway, fares are $1 each way. Buy a souvenir round-trip ticket for $2. There is a a $0.50 Metro fare discount is available for TAP Card users with Stored Value for a one-way trip. You will need to tap your valid TAP Card on the validator located at the Angels Flight Station House to be granted the discount.

Angels Flight Los Angeles Angels Flight Los Angeles

Find more things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Check out where to stop on a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.

Angels Flight Railway
350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Hours: Daily 6:45am-10pm
angelsflight.org

Inside Funko Hollywood

Funko Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Inside Funko Hollywood

Funko Hollywood is a shop filled with larger-than-life photo opps and immersive sets inspired by movies, TV shows and characters. 

Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles

The store is Funko’s second brick-and-mortar location, a 40,000 square shop catering to lovers of pop culture. 

Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles

The store is set out into various themed zones, such as Harry Potter, Marvel, Disney, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and more. Each zone has Funko Pops plus other brands such as Loungefly items available for sale. 

Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles

There is a section to make your own Funko Pop and some limited edition pops available. 

Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles

Photo opps here are a huge part of the attraction. If you’re visiting solo, don’t be shy to ask the very willing staff members to take some photos for you.

Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles Funko Pop Store Hollywood Los Angeles

 

Funko Hollywood
6201 Hollywood Blvd #100, Los Angeles
Hours: Daily, 11am-8pm
https://www.funko.com/hollywood-1

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Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Matt Stroshane, photographer

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Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

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Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Meet favourite Disney Characters at a tasty breakfast and brunch buffet during Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

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Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

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Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel

Goofy's Kitchen

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Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe, Disneyland’s Grand Californian

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