Everything You Need to Know About Wailuku River
Exploring Wailuku River on Hawaii’s Big Island offers a range of activities and attractions. Here’s what you can enjoy during your visit.
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The Wailuku River is known for its scenic beauty and the famous Wailuku River State Park, which encompasses several natural attractions in Hawai’i. One of the highlights is the Wailuku River overlook, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river, lush rainforest, and the iconic Rainbow Falls.
The rushing rapids and untamed currents provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you navigate the river’s twists and turns. But visitors must be warned that these currents can be deadly and should be advised not to engage in water activities in undesignated areas. The falls drop about 80 feet into a large pool, surrounded by lively tropical vegetation. There is a gazing platform where visitors can observe the falls from afar safe distance. The Wailuku River and its surroundings offer various recreational opportunities, including hiking trails and picnic areas. The scenery itself offers a remarkable experience to those who visit.
Visit Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawai’i. It is one of the most iconic and accessible waterfalls in the state, drawing visitors from all over the world. It is a majestic 80-foot waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool. There are viewing platforms that offer fantastic photo opportunities. Visitors can capture the breathtaking scenery, with the waterfall as the centerpiece, or take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape present in the location.
Explore Wailuku River State Park
The Wailuku River State Park is a beautiful park that offers picnic areas, walking trails, and scenic views of the river. The stunning natural beauty and plentiful resources of the river and falls keep attracting visitors who want to experience its beauty. The well-kept facilities and easy access to stunning views make it even more appealing for visitors.
The Wailuku River flows down from the top of Mauna Kea, the tallest volcano in Hawaii, through downtown Hilo on the Big Island, and eventually into Hilo Bay. Certain designated zones along the riverbank offer safe and leisurely options for walks, hikes, and jogging. Make sure to research appropriate hiking locations for these activities, as rivers can sometimes pose safety concerns. The Wailuku River flows down from the top of Mauna Kea, the tallest volcano in Hawai’i, through downtown Hilo on the Big Island, and eventually into Hilo Bay.
Discover Boiling Pots
Exploring and discovering these pots can be an exciting adventure, allowing you to witness unique geological features of the Wailuku River and possibly even experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls or tranquil pools. The Boiling Pots also known as Pe’epe’e Falls is located within Wailuku River State Park, just north of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Boiling Pots gets its name from the boiling effect created by the river’s turbulent flow over lava rock formations. The rushing water cascades into a series of large pools and creates swirling whirlpools and bubbling pockets, resembling boiling water. A scenic and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The contrast between the dark lava rocks and the crystal-clear water makes it an attractive spot for nature photography.
Hawaiian Myths
Wailuku River holds some of the most famous tourist attractions such as Rainbow Falls and also known as Boiling Pots or Peʻepeʻe Falls. These places hold fascinating legends. One popular story is about the goddess Hina and her demi-god son, Maui. Legend says that in Hilo, Hawai’i, by the Wailuku River, Hina, lived in a cave where she worked to make bark cloth. While Maui was away, another figure named Lono-kaheo, a monstrous lizard, Mo’o Kuna (or sometimes Kuna the eel) tries to win her over. When she rejects him, so Lono-kaheo almost drowns her. She calls Maui for help.
Maui chases the lizard upstream to another waterfall called Boiling Pots. He asks the fire goddess Pele for help and Pele answers. When lava entered the river, it boiled away the water, revealing the hiding lizard. Maui defeated Lono-kaheo, by turning him into lava rock that surrounds the river today. The boiling water at Boiling Pots is a reminder of this epic tale. Today, it’s believed that Lono-kaheo rests deep within the Boiling Pots, ready to claim its next victim by pulling them into the underwater tubes. While the exact count remains uncertain, locals believe that the Wailuku River takes one life each year, earning its reputation as Hawaii’s most perilous river. The legend of the Wailuku River was so named in the Hawaiian tongue Wailuku means literally “destroying water.”
Waterfall Activities
The Wailuku River is a popular destination for kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and even on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Wailuku River offers stunning natural beauty and exciting water activities. There are some areas that are privately owned, so it is important to check this out to not trespass. There is an awesome place for day activities and even overnight accommodations. This place is called Kulaniapia Falls and was featured on Netfilx, “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals”. Kulaniapia Falls is connected to the Wailuku River by a stream called Waiau Stream.
At Kulaniapia Falls there are places to paddle board as well as swim and for the more adventurous soul waterfall rappelling. The Wailuku River is renowned for its scenic beauty with many natural places to explore. Take your time to appreciate the surroundings and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the area.
Nearby Attractions
There are still beautiful nearby attractions worth visiting while visiting Wailuku River. Here are some places you will enjoy:
- Kaumana Cave
- Downtown Hilo
- Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves, also known as Kaumana Cave Park, is a popular natural attraction located near Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
These caves are lava tubes formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The caves were created during the 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa when a lava flow left behind a long underground tunnel. Once inside the caves, you’ll be able to observe the unique lava formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other geological features. The temperature inside the caves remains relatively cool, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable.
Downtown Hilo
As the largest “city” on the Big Island’s eastern coast, Hilo offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, art galleries, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Strolling through the historic downtown area can be a pleasant experience. It serves as the commercial, cultural, and administrative center of the island’s east side.
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Situated on the coast of Hilo Bay, Liliuokalani Park is a Japanese-style garden named after Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. The park features beautiful landscaped gardens, pagodas, bridges, and a peaceful place. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is known for its Japanese-inspired design, making it a tranquil and picturesque destination for locals and visitors alike.
Visit Now
From the moment you set foot on its lush banks to the awe-inspiring sight of the towering Rainbow Falls, you will be captivated by the beauty and power of this natural wonder. Exploring the surrounding trails and witnessing the diverse plant and animal life only deepened your appreciation for this incredible ecosystem. The tranquility of the river and the refreshing sights of the cascading waterfalls provided a much-needed respite from the demands of daily life.
