The big of island of Hawaii has some impressive waterfalls. Just driving down the road and over a bridge, a quick glance left or right into a rain-forested gorge reveals a gushing waterfall. Then there's Akaka Falls, located in state park about 15 miles north and 4 miles inland from Hilo. As stated in a guide book: "This 420 ft. waterfall, crashing through the rainforest choked with fragrant ginger and giant philodendrons, is no less spectacular for its easy access. Like all waterfalls on this part of the coast, the Akaka Falls are most impressive during the seasonal rains when they spill violently over the verdant cliffs."

Then it was off to Rainbow Falls, located 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo. The Hawaiian name for the falls is Waianuenue, which means 'rainbow seen in water'. There were no rainbows because of cloud cover, but, because of incessant rain, the 80 ft. falls were gushing.

Other stops along the way: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo... a well-tended compound with monkeys, birds, and other animals from around the world, including a white Bengal tiger. Admission is free; Kaumana Cave... not much beyond a big hole in the ground just off the side of the road. Some steep stairs take you down to its entrance. Apparently, with a flashlight, one can explore back into the cave for a mile, if you're into the spelunking thing.

And about the rain. Lots and lots of it. Not steady, but brief drenching torrents. We brought parkas, but observed that the rain gear of choice in Hilo is an umbrella. So we parked and went for a walk near downtown Hilo, got drenched (in our parkas), and stopped at a Longs and purchased umbrellas. As soon as we stepped out of the store, it was raining. Not a problem. We wrapped our parkas around our waists, unfurled our umbrellas, and continued our walk, indistiguishable now from the Hilo locals.