Wailuku River State Park
Photo Credit: Sean Newsome

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit.

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[ALL ISLANDS] UPDATE – 12/12/25: Camping - Reservations for February 1, 2026 and beyond available at https://explore.ehawaii.gov, please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi to make a camping reservation.

Wailuku River State Park

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 5/13/24 – Wailuku River State Park: Rainbow Falls; tree trimming starts today until 6/7/24, the park will remain OPEN but some areas may be temporarily closed due to safety.

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    Hours

    Rainbow Falls: Daily During Daylight Hours

    Boiling Pots: Daily 7:00am – 5:30pm

    Gates lock at 6:00pm
    Entrance Fee None

    Description

    Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interest along Wailuku River. There are two separate park areas.  Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. (16.3 acres)

    Location

    Both park sections are accessed via Waiānuenue Avenue, downtown Hilo; Boiling Pots Area at the end of Peʻepeʻe Falls Drive; Rainbow Falls Area on Rainbow Drive.