Want to see the best rainbows in the world? Head to Hawaii! Meteorologist Steven Businger argues that the state is geographically perfect for the phenomenon. Rainbows form when sunlight shines on raindrops, causing the white light to refract—or bend—into its individual colors. Hawaii’s trade winds and mountain crests lead to intermittent showers that leave raindrops suspended in the air. When the sun comes out, this creates rainbows with bright, vibrant colors. Businger’s research was inspired by the many rainbows he sees out of his window at the University of Hawaii. “I thought it would be fun to write a paper about something that’s inspiring,” he says.