Boiling Pots
Hilo, HI
While most visitors make a beeline for Rainbow Falls, something is bubbling nearby: the Boiling Pots of Wailuku River State Park. While not actually boiling, the water is raging so fiercely that the effect is the same, especially after rainfall. An easy-access viewing area makes this a convenient stop when exploring the area.
The basics
On the raging Wailuku River, Boiling Pots is technically a series of large pools connected by water flow beneath the ground. When the water pops up above ground, it rolls just like boiling water. Beyond the pots—and the lush surrounding flora—the rocks around the water are perfectly hexagonal columns, a marker of slowly cooling lava from long ago. The pots have a wheelchair-accessible overlook with plenty of adjacent parking.
While you can visit the pots independently, there are plenty of tours that include a stop here. Book a self-drive tour that offers you a sightseeing route along the coastline for easy navigation around the local sights, or join a guided tour that showcases the Big Island’s most famous waterfalls.
Things to know before you go
There is no entrance fee to explore Wailuku River State Park.
Restrooms, water fountains, and a grassy picnic area with tables can be found at the Boiling Pots overlook.
Pe’epe’e Falls can also be seen from the Boiling Pots lookout.
Do not attempt to swim or hike down into the Boiling Pots area—it’s incredibly dangerous.
How to get there
Wailuku River State Park’s Boiling Pots overlook is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) upstream from Rainbow Falls. Once you’re in the park, follow signs for the falls and then keep going—the overlook can be found at the end of Pe’epe’e Falls Drive. The parking lot can accommodate campers and RVs.
When to get there
The best time to visit Wailuku River State Park’s Boiling Pots is after heavy rain; the more turbulent the water, the stronger the boiling effect. Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds, and for the best chance of catching an actual rainbow in the cascade mist at Rainbow Falls.
So the legend goes
Since this is Hawaii, the Boiling Pots naturally have a backstory: An angry lizard was trying to drown the goddess Hina, mother of Maui. To save his mother, Maui called upon Pele, the famous goddess of fire. No spoilers here—hop on a guided tour of the area to hear how Pele got the Wailuku River to boil.
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