Wailiuku River State Park

🌈 Wailuku River State Park – Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots Near Hilo

Just a short drive from downtown Hilo, Wailuku River State Park features a beautiful stretch of the Wailuku River (often translated as “waters of destruction”), the longest river in Hawai‘i at about 18 miles. The park’s most famous stop is Rainbow Falls – an 80-foot waterfall that pours over a lava-rock cliff and is especially striking in the morning, when sunlight often creates rainbows in the mist. Hawaiian tradition links the cave behind the falls to Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

🌀 Boiling Pots & Nearby Viewpoints

A few miles upstream you’ll find Pe‘epe‘e Falls and the Boiling Pots – a series of deep pools where fast-moving water churns through old lava rock and lava tubes, creating a bubbling effect. There are dedicated lookout areas and parking, but this is a dangerous location: the current is powerful and the rocks can be slick, so stay well back from the edge and never enter the water.

🗺️ Easy Ways to Add This Stop to Your Day

If you’d like to see Rainbow Falls as part of a guided itinerary (instead of planning every stop yourself), take a look at this Rainbow Falls & Volcanoes National Park tour or browse more Big Island sightseeing tours. For more ideas to round out your trip, explore Big Island activities.