Wailuku River State Park
Wailuku River State Park
4
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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4.0
114 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
46
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
0
wohdonkey
Newark, OH2,237 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We saw both Rainbow Falls and The Boiling Pots inside this state park. Both have parking lots which create easy walking access to both of these sights. We did not see a rainbow at Rainbow Falls but the falls were pretty. If you take the steps to the top of the falls there is a cool wooded area to walk in as well. We also went to the Boiling Pots but the water level
must have been low because there wasn’t much boiling going on. We could see Peepee falls in the distance. Both of these areas are quick and easy spots to visit.
must have been low because there wasn’t much boiling going on. We could see Peepee falls in the distance. Both of these areas are quick and easy spots to visit.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen C
Middleton, WI290 contributions
Jan 2021
My husband and I love waterfalls, and this one we found rather by accident. It is right off the road (there is a small area to pull off), and it is just beautiful! You can watch it continue on both sides of the bridge. Nice little stop.
Written 26 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parrottdize
Dyer, IN2,375 contributions
Oct 2022
Having been here before, we spent more time looking at the flowers than the falls. Actually the falls are very nice and if the atmosphere is just right you will be able to see a rainbow.
The walk to the viewing area is short, easy for most people. There are 2 viewing areas, so lots of room to see the falls.
The walk to the viewing area is short, easy for most people. There are 2 viewing areas, so lots of room to see the falls.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spitzy135
Buffalo, NY944 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Actually, from Hilo, you must go right by Rainbow Falls to get to the Wailuku River Boiling Pots State Park. Follow the signs for Rainbow Falls located on Waianuenue Ave. within minutes of Hilo. Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots and the other waterfalls are a series of sites along the Wailuku River.
Rainbow Falls is a pretty wishbone shaped waterfall, when the rainfall is just right. The week we were there, we encountered very little rain which was uncommon for Hilo. As a result, there was less water flowing over the falls, and we did not see the wishbone shape. We viewed the falls about mid-morning, so we did not see the rainbow. We hear the best rainbow sightings are early morning on a sunny day. The falls were still lovely to look at and this general area is very lush and beautiful. What’s nice is the view is free, and it can be seen right from the parking lot. There are also a set of rock stairs for additional viewing. There is a trail to the left to go near the top of the falls, but we heard the view from there wasn’t worth the additional hike.
Now take a drive a few minutes down the road and follow the signs for Wailuku River Boiling Pots State Park. Here you will see the Boiling Pots and Pe’e Pe’e Falls. The Boiling Pots are a depressions in the rock where the water flows in and around and can be impressive when there is lot of flow. Again, the water levels were low, but if you looked closely you could still detect white gushing spots where the pots were boiling. It is a very pretty spot. If you look to the left, you will see Pe’e Pe’e Falls.
Continue about a mile down the road and on the left is Wai’ale Falls. You can view it from the bridge. It is a pretty two tiered waterfall. The view from the other side is also scenic. We did all these sights in the morning and these spots were very close to each other. If you are a nature lover, or just like seeing pretty landscapes and waterfalls, you’ll enjoy these enchanting views along the Wailuku River.
Rainbow Falls is a pretty wishbone shaped waterfall, when the rainfall is just right. The week we were there, we encountered very little rain which was uncommon for Hilo. As a result, there was less water flowing over the falls, and we did not see the wishbone shape. We viewed the falls about mid-morning, so we did not see the rainbow. We hear the best rainbow sightings are early morning on a sunny day. The falls were still lovely to look at and this general area is very lush and beautiful. What’s nice is the view is free, and it can be seen right from the parking lot. There are also a set of rock stairs for additional viewing. There is a trail to the left to go near the top of the falls, but we heard the view from there wasn’t worth the additional hike.
Now take a drive a few minutes down the road and follow the signs for Wailuku River Boiling Pots State Park. Here you will see the Boiling Pots and Pe’e Pe’e Falls. The Boiling Pots are a depressions in the rock where the water flows in and around and can be impressive when there is lot of flow. Again, the water levels were low, but if you looked closely you could still detect white gushing spots where the pots were boiling. It is a very pretty spot. If you look to the left, you will see Pe’e Pe’e Falls.
Continue about a mile down the road and on the left is Wai’ale Falls. You can view it from the bridge. It is a pretty two tiered waterfall. The view from the other side is also scenic. We did all these sights in the morning and these spots were very close to each other. If you are a nature lover, or just like seeing pretty landscapes and waterfalls, you’ll enjoy these enchanting views along the Wailuku River.
Written 10 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diamondleo
Hawaii41 contributions
July 2011 • Solo
Visited during the summer months so water level was fairly low and did not experience the "boiling pots" effect but it was still nice to visit. I do know that during rainy months the water levels can get extemely high and very dangerous, making it a prime time to take photos of the rainbow created by the waterfalls mist. Wailuku River is the longest river in the Hawaiian archipelago which I suppose is some of the reason this is a "visitor attraction". Also according to Hawaiian folklore the goddess Hina makes her home in a deep cave behind Rainbow falls. Perhaps reading about some of the Hawaiian legends before hand will enhance your visit to this area.
Written 9 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HulaRider
Hawai`i21 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
This beautiful park is a wonderful place steeped in Hawaiian legend and lore. Great for picnics and gentle hiking and picnicking (bring bug repellant!!!).
The Hawaiians named this river "Wailuku" (Destruction Waters) for a reason - the river is deadly!
"No swimming" signs are posted. Heed them! This river claims lives every year.
A simple rule for swimming in Hawaii - not just in the Wailuku, but in any river or beach in the islands - if you don't see locals in the water, there is a reason. You're not going to find an "undiscovered" swimming hole. Locals have been swimming in every good spot for 1,000 years. So, if there are no locals in the water, you should not be in the water, either.
It's a beautiful park, but just remember - despite being walking distance from town and having paved paths, it is a wilderness area. The locals are used to living intimately with nature - wild pigs can be found in back yards right in town!
Hawaiʻi is wonderful, but it is not a theme park. Keep your wits about you, teach your children to respect the awesomeness of nature.
The Hawaiians named this river "Wailuku" (Destruction Waters) for a reason - the river is deadly!
"No swimming" signs are posted. Heed them! This river claims lives every year.
A simple rule for swimming in Hawaii - not just in the Wailuku, but in any river or beach in the islands - if you don't see locals in the water, there is a reason. You're not going to find an "undiscovered" swimming hole. Locals have been swimming in every good spot for 1,000 years. So, if there are no locals in the water, you should not be in the water, either.
It's a beautiful park, but just remember - despite being walking distance from town and having paved paths, it is a wilderness area. The locals are used to living intimately with nature - wild pigs can be found in back yards right in town!
Hawaiʻi is wonderful, but it is not a theme park. Keep your wits about you, teach your children to respect the awesomeness of nature.
Written 30 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cordellb2017
Waianae, HI25 contributions
June 2017 • Family
You have to get there early to see the rainbow because the rising sun causes the rainbow. You also need to get there before the buses arrive with the 1000's of tourist.
Written 15 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce L
Roberts Creek, Canada1,762 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
We had friends with us on this trip and decided to visit some old favorites on the Hilo side and it was fun for us to revisit sights we hadn't seen in years. The rainfall over the past couple weeks have been almost non existent, so Rainbow Falls and nearby Boiling Pots were not as spectacular as during the heavy rain periods, but still worth a visit. Restrooms are in the parking area and it is just a short, wheelchair friendly stroll to the viewing area. There are signs cautioning you to stay behind the railing, but a well-travelled path from the right side leads down to the lower pool and on a calm day (like today), there were a number of locals "cooling off" by jumping in from the rocks (too @*&$! for us!) Of course, this is not recommended, but looked like fun all the same. There is a beautiful mature African Tulip tree below (orange/red flowers) that can be seen from above too.
Written 28 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcballard
Atlanta, GA37 contributions
I must have visited during low water. There was almost no water flowing through here. Though there was a trail, it was not well marked, and didn't seem to go anywhere. It's close to downtown Hilo, so if you're curious, it's not out of the way. But otherwise, I didn't see any reason to make a special trip here. Perhaps it's more dramatic when there's been a lot of rain.
Written 6 February 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen21096
Chicago, IL26,964 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Sometimes you expect natural wonders like this in the middle of nowhere, but Wailuku River State Park is very close to Hilo. You can see Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots. There are lookouts that don't require a lot of climbing of stairs, though there are a few stairs. Look for the information plaque about the Battle of the Wailuku River, but don't expect it to be of two warring armies. It is about an Hawaiian mythical battle between Kuna and Maui and Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. There is certainly something to be said about the Hawaiian myths, gods and goddesses.
Written 12 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what is the name of the waterfall in Wailuku River State Park ?
Written 14 April 2019
Hi Vincent,
Could you please tell me if viewing the Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are wheelchair accessible? Can you get to the view point without steps? We are planning a visit to Hawaii in late June. Thank you?
Judy
Written 30 March 2016
You would be able at Rainbow Falls because there is a ramp that goes to the top viewing area. The lower walkway would be obstructed by the retaining wall.
Boiling Pots and Pe'e P'e'e Falls I am not so sure of. I cannot remember if there is a step to get up on to the viewing area(would only be 1 step). As well, in order to see the Falls you would have to have the correct angle.
Written 31 March 2016
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