Wailuku River State Park

Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots & Hilo's Hidden Legends

Written by a Local Expert

The Voice of the Wailuku River

The sound hits you first. Long before the cool mist touches your skin, you hear it. A deep roar rises from the very bones of Hilo. This is the voice of the Wailuku River.

I've lived on these islands my whole life. I've heard this sound since I was small. The Wailuku River is Hawaii's longest and most powerful river. It carries 275 million gallons of fresh water to the sea each day. During storms, that number jumps twenty times higher.

The name tells you everything. Wai-luku means "waters of destruction." My tutu taught me this when I was young. It's not just history. It's a warning that lives today.

A Place of Beauty and Danger

Wailuku River State Park sits where beauty meets danger. The park has two main spots. Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots. These aren't just pretty places to take photos. They're wahi pana. Sacred places where our island's rock story meets our cultural story.

Old moʻolelo tell of gods, goddesses, and monsters. These legends happened right here. A 10,500-year-old lava flow shaped the home of a goddess. A battle between heroes gave the river pools their names.

When you visit this place, you take on kuleana. Responsibility. You must listen to the river's voice. Respect its gifts. Never ignore its warnings.

🌈 Rainbow Falls

Discover the legendary home of goddess Hina, where 80-foot waterfalls create morning rainbows and ancient caves hide behind cascading waters.

🌋 The Boiling Pots

Experience the wild churning pools where Māui battled the dragon Kuna, featuring stunning volcanic geology and hidden waterfalls.

🛡️ Safety & Cultural Respect

Essential safety guidelines and cultural protocols for respecting this sacred wahi pana and staying safe around deadly currents.

🏝️ Exploring Hilo

Discover Hilo's farmers market, lava tubes, scenic drives, and other natural wonders that complement your park visit.

Rainbow Falls: The Goddess Hina's Home

Rainbow Falls sits just minutes from downtown Hilo. Park on Rainbow Drive and walk a few steps to the viewing platform. What you see will take your breath away.

Water drops 80 feet over a wide basalt ledge. It crashes into a bright blue pool below. Mist rises like clouds. The gorge explodes with green life. Wild ginger blooms fill the air with sweet scent.

The English name comes with a promise. You need the right timing to see it. Visit on sunny mornings between 9 and 11 AM. Stand with the sun behind you. Watch the mist catch the light. Rainbows appear in the air right in front of the falls.