Wailuku River State Park lies a short distance from downtown Hilo and encompasses 16 acres along the Wailuku River. The park contains spectacular natural features along the river.

Wailuku River State Park provides viewpoints of geologic and scenic interest along the Wailuku River. The park preserves two waterfalls and a basalt lava formation known as the boiling pots. Rainbow Falls takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight. The falls are 80 feet high. A cave lies beneath the falls, which legend says was home to Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. The boiling pots lie down river from Peepee Falls. They are a succession of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over many rocks en route to the ocean. There are well-exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools which were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava.

Tips

• A short hiking trail around the boiling pots is maintained at this site, which also has restrooms and many scenic vistas offering photographic opportunities.
• Hilo is one of the wettest communities on Hawaii. If you plan to spend time outdoors in and around this city, bring your rain gear.

Direction
Wailuku River State Park is located near downtown Hilo on the leeward side of Hawaii. It can be accessed from Waianuenue Avenue with the boiling pots on Pe'epe'e Falls Drive and Rainbow Falls on Rainbow Drive.