Located in Akaka Falls State Park, Akaka plunges 442 ft. into a gorge below. There's no swimming at Rainbow Falls. Wailuku River Park and Rainbow Falls. These dramatic tide pools located along Mauis western coast were first recognized in a popular Maui guidebook, though we would like to urge visitors that the short hike to reach the pools can be dangerous and that you should only enter the water during calm ocean conditions. 7 falls, Enjoying the peace and tranquility while it lasted. The Wailuku River is a 28.-mile-long (45.1 km) water course on the Island of Hawai i in the Hawaiian Islands.It is the longest river in Hawai'i and the largest in the state by mean discharge. Rainbow Falls good for sightseeing, short hike, swimming up river when calm. These cracks grew perpendicular to the cooling surface of the flow, forming the vertical columns. In lelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language), Kahawai means river or stream. Boiling Pots good for picnicking, sightseeing. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wailuku River State Park is Rainbow Falls Upper Lookout, which has a 4.2 star rating from 374 reviews. In response to a 3:45 p.m. call reporting a drowning, South Hilo Patrol officers learned that Barrios has been swimming near the third waterfall of an area in the river . Of course, there are! If you drive over Saddle Road from the dry side of the island, the landscape magically transforms before your eyes as more and more moisture becomes present. Trees and boulders which Kuna had dislodged to throw in the river were carried along and smashed against the moo. Located on a scenic back road, Old Mamalahoa Hwy, this small waterfall and swimming hole is a little known local favorite and makes for a refreshing dip when waters are calm. With . The Hamakua Coast, with its abundant freshwater and rainfall, was the epicenter of the Big Islands sugar boom. Permits are required to film anything such as this. Fishing enthusiasts can also catch Abalone, Bass, Bonefish, Catfish, Flagtail, and Goatfish. You are ugly and smell like dead fish!. The Wailuku demands our respect and is unforgiving of ignorance or forgetfulness. Photo by Allison Banks. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outdoorfavor_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',668,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-banner-1-0'); The area towards the banks of the Wailuku River has swimming holes for the enjoyment of all, once there were no torrential rains, leading to flooding. Our traditional stories are nothing like Kiplings Just So Stories, imaginative tales meant to entertain, with no thought for lessons they might hold. Flowing over millennia, they form massive waterfalls as the land erodes and falls in on itself, over and over. Rainbow Falls is unsafe for swimming. (Wailuku) - Yesterday, a video documenting a substantial fish kill of native 'o'opu (gobies) at the mouth of the Wailuku River was brought to the attention of the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). When we were there, the Wailuku River was a pleasant temperature, probably about the same as the ocean. The slow cooling of a thick lava flow formed these columns. Eruptive activity at the Pu`u `O`o vent of Klauea Volcano continued unabated during the past week. In February and March 2018, the waters of Rainbow Falls took the lives of Kelly Mrowinski and Myles Osgood, respectively. Move higher if you dare. The waterfall is not large by most standards, about an 80 foot drop. ), Do Deer Eat Cucumbers? In your rear-view mirror, you will see the massive volcanic mountain Mauna Kea receding, often cloaked in clouds, or on a clear winter day, beautifully snow-capped. We fell back to frolicking in the water. If you're looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Wainuenue Avenue to Wailuku River State Park. Privacy | Terms & Conditions. "USGS 16704000 Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI", "Update 4: Water Quality in Hilo Bay 'All-Clear', "Tracy Wiegner, marine science: Assessing impact of humans on water quality in fresh and marine environments Keaohou", "Legend of Wailuku Falls: Kuna, The Mo'o Monster, a mythology fiction | FictionPress", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wailuku_River&oldid=1111034839, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 September 2022, at 00:13. All Rights Reserved. These spectacular waterfalls dot the Hilo and Hamakua coast, from historic Hilo town all the way to Waipio Valley forming the Big Islands unofficial waterfall corridor. Know that the Wailuku River accounts for 25% of the river drowning deaths in the state. Photo by Allison Banks. Our moolelo hold within their words and images critical information about our environment, and how we can survive within it. Use your judgment. . The river can rise quickly during . There is no assignment of lifeguards in this area. Some of our favorites summer destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays. Narnia (7 Falls) and Wailuku River. Nestled near Kapaa at the end of Kaiwahau Road, this 2.5-mile, lightly-trafficked trail is not for the hiking novice, but rather those who have quite a bit of experience hiking through the Hawaiian jungle. [6] The flow at Hilo averages 275cubic feet per second (8m/s) with peak flows 40times as great. [11] The river can rise into the trees and drop back down very fast. Hilo, Hawaii 96720 For those who are familiar with rivers, small waterfalls and caves, under certain conditions, can create what is known as a washing machine effect. This is a circular current that tumbles whatever is caught in it round and round, like in a front-loader washing machine. It was during the 1946 tsunami that part of the railroad bridge was washed away. Epic weekend! Kuna-moo was in search of a wife. To discover one of our all-time favorite swimming holes, click here. The river above can be accessed by following the trail to the top of Rainbow Falls Lookout, through the banyan tree grove, and to the right back to the river. . There are two separate park areas. The east-side lobe of the main Mother's Day flow also remains visible as a series of incandescent patches from the top of Pulama pali out onto the gentle slope below. Heed them! The amount of destruction that has occurred around this area just goes to show how powerful tsunamis truly are. Although widespread geographically, because well-developed columns are not abundant, the Wailuku River is an even more special place. Marry me!, Hina was not interested. According to legend, the river was created in a battle between the god Maui and the lizard monster Kuna. Although swimming is allowed but not encouraged, diving is prohibited. Take caution as this is not the ideal time for taking a swim. Aopua rose as high as she could, flashing all the colors of the rainbow. An official website of the United States government. The Wailuku River is a 28.-mile-long (45.1 km) water course on the Island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. Notably, the Wailuku River near Hilo claims lives every year. Dirty water means there is runoff from somewhere, which means ma uka rain. 555 Kukuau St is a home located in Hawaii County with nearby schools including Hilo Union Elementary School, Hilo Intermediate School, and Hilo High School. Straight to the drink. It is against the law to jump off the edge of Rainbow Falls. [source], More recently, the body of a 37-year-old Adam Broom got discovered floating face down in the water on March 28, 2022. He swam the ponds and climbed the rocks up the river to her home in the cave behind Rainbow Falls. He stood on the shore and called out to her, Hina! He stayed there for some time, and watched the 3rdwave come in, almost completely emptying out the river before doing so. As you begin the descent down into Hilo, lush growths of ferns threaten to swallow up the road and the trees grow taller and taller. Where is the best place to hike in Wailuku River State Park? This 80-ft. waterfall on the Wailuku river is the site of a Hawaiian legend that involves the demigod Maui, his mother the Goddess Hina, the Volcano Goddess Pele, and a giant Moo or lizard monster up to no good. Wailuku means "WATERS OF DESTRUCTION," an apt moniker for this dangerous river where CONCEALED LAVA TUBES are known to create hazardous swimming conditions.. During the rainy season, the river churns through a succession of SEVEN OR EIGHT "POTS," creating the eff ect of a . Finally, the lifeless body of the moo was carried over the falls and dropped in Hinas pond. The Wailuku River is a 28.-mile-long (45.1 km) water course on the Island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands.It is the longest river in Hawai'i and the largest in the state by mean discharge. Swimming or getting into the river below is forbidden, not recommended and can be very dangerous. The upper and middle reaches of the river are known for hunting of introduced game animals. Cody blending in with the waterfalls. "Hilo Harbor" refers to that portion of the bay in Hilo bounded seaward by the breakwater, and a line from the tip of the breakwater southwestward to 'le'ale'a Point. Wailuku River State Park, located just 30 miles from our doorstep in Volcano, encompasses both Rainbow Falls and the upstream "boiling pots" section of the river. Most commonly, the pillars are six-sided (hexagonal), loosely resembling a King Kong-sized bundle of pencils that have been irregularly broken across the width of the bundle. He was driving into town on April 1st, 1946 when some friends said, Steamy, tidal wave, tidal wave!. Here, I share with you this abbreviated version, and at the end will point out the information it contains which was considered by our kpuna to be critical enough to warrant preservation within the oral tradition. The Division of State Parks has numerous signs warning individuals against venturing too close to the edge. It arises at about eleven thousand feet in elevation along the eastern slope of Mauna Kea. These 21 Signs Found In Hawaii Sum Up Island Life Perfectly, If You Didnt Know About These 12 Swimming Holes In Hawaii, Theyre A Must Visit, Maunawili Falls Trail Is A 3-Mile Hike In Hawaii That Leads You To A Pristine Swimming Hole, Most People Will Never Set Foot On The Secluded And Secret Beaches Of Niihau, Hawaii, 12 Things That Are Just Plain Impossible To Find In The Hawaiian Islands, This Aerial Footage Of Hawaii Showcases The Natural Beauty Of The Aloha State, The Breathtaking Lagoon Nestled Upon The Hawaiian Coast That All Magnum P.I. Our volcanic rocks are brittle. Its course lies mostly along the divide between the lava flows of Mauna Kea and those of Mauna Loa to the south. Subsequently, the waterfall rushes over the edge with countless gallons of water. Even local people who are experienced in its ways have been killed. People gather to watch the Wailuku River flood waters on the Big Island on August 23, 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii. Checking out a potential jumping spot on our way back. The other two are Boiling Pots and Six Tons. HAR 13-47, HRS 188-34. Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots, and Pe'epe'e Falls draw many visitors to Wailuku River State Park. You have no way of knowing how much or how fast, so stay out. The lower river is a popular destination for swimming and tubing. Even though the waters of the rivers and waterfalls were freshwater sources for the early inhabitants of the island, it is not advisable to drink water like that from a waterfall without first treating it with chemicals or boiling it. It is the longest river in Hawai'i and its course lies mostly along the divide between the lava flows of Mauna Kea and those of Mauna Loa to the south. Wailuku River. Wailuku River is covered by the Hilo, HI US Topo Map quadrant Under ideal conditions, if a lava flow has uniform composition and thickness, with level top and bottom cooling surfaces, the flow cools uniformly into perfect vertical columns with precisely six sides. We left our air mattresses behind as the original plan to hike and swim up the river and float our way back down dissolved due to lack of time. Sometimes, when the mauka rains swelled the river, he released the dams he made, letting the logs and boulders crash over the falls, and filling the pond below, Hinas pool, with mud. So when we reached a nice pool we opted not to go . The area is known for flash floods . We stopped here for Peepee Falls (boiling pots). Indeed, it features a roughly 50ft waterfall that requires a bit of a crossing of the Wailuku River and then a bank scramble to its fairly hidden and secluded swimming hole with also a couple of hidden companion waterfalls to boot! Lesser-known examples range from New Jersey to New Zealand, and geologically inclined visitors to Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Australia can find lava columns in these locations. In 2017, a man cheated death, only sustaining injuries when he decided to jump from the edge of Rainbow Falls. Wailuku River State Park Admission Price. The earliest recorded bridge in Hawai'i was a crude footbridge across the Wailuku River in Hilo and was reported by missionary C. S. Stewart in 1825. Are you fascinated yet? She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Welcome to the new Kaahele Hawaii format! From the Hilo Airport at the Hwy 19 and Hwy 11 junction with Banyan Drive in Hilo, we headed west on Hwy 19 for about 3 miles to Waianuenue Ave.Then, we turned left and took Waianuenue Ave west until we got about a half-mile past its junction with Hwy 200 (Saddle Road), the Pe'epe'e Falls Street (there's a Boiling Pots sign) turnoff and crossing the bridge over the Wailuku River. A 42-year-old visitor apparently drowned today in the Wailuku River, Hawaii island authorities said. For a period of time, beautiful basalt columns from an earlier lava pond could also be seen exposed in the east wall of the inner pit of Klauea's Makaopuhi Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but they were buried in the early 1970s during the Mauna Ulu eruption. Stay away from the edge of Rainbow Falls. Other Swimming Spots Close To Rainbow Falls. We soon turned around after seeing Wailuku River coursing its way under the bridge but not another dam thing. Travel further upland along the Wailuku River and you'll find Peepee Falls (pronounced PAY-ay, PAY-ay), which feeds the famous pools known as Boiling Pots. Located a short drive up river from Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots is part of the legend. It consisted of three main trestles but after the tsunami only two remained. Fed by the ocean waves, this saltwater swimming hole is perfect for those seeking a little thrill via cliff jumping. Iao Valley Inn features river views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Wailuku, 2 mi from Iao Valley State Park. Can You Swim In Alaska? In Waterfalls: Can You Swim In Havasu Falls? by kenji SAITO on April 6, 2019. Fishermen even have a special name for a certain kind of light, misting rain on the water that is considered lucky for a catch lhau. The third piece was washed several hundred yards upriver. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Stay away from the edges. Many people have drowned in the . These pillows, created when lava that was filling the river channel entered deep water, originated from Mauna Loa about 3,500 years ago. What is now the bridge in front of you was where the railroad bridge existed during the 1946 tsunami. The State Park contains the lower reach of the river. Shouldve got the ice cream instead. With beautiful crystalline blue pools and superb cliff jumping, there is no wonder as to why this place is a local favorite. Exploring Wailuku River Park and Rainbow Falls, Hilo Hawaii. more. She was beautiful, and a skilled kapa maker. Sewage spills into Wailuku River/Hilo Bay. The earlier, the better, before the crowds arrive and the car parks fill up. There is a smaller waterfall and many pools for swimming and boulders for sunbathing. Umauma Falls good for swimming, adventure tours, private. Personal Tao - Chapter 7 - Nature. The Wailuku demands our respect and is unforgiving of ignorance or forgetfulness. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. Tempe Town Lake is Arizona's second-most visited public attraction. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. However, the pools in the river above Rainbow Falls can be safe for swimming (at your own risk) when the river is calm and the weather is dry. If your young and agile you might enjoy a swim although access requires a climb down to the river. Photo by Tina Ray. From waterfall-fed swimming holes to tide pools nestled along the coast as well as miles and miles of breathtaking beaches, epic swimming holes are everywhere here in the Aloha State. Did I miss your go-to swimming hole for summer fun? This way, you avoid the crowd and the sun. Maui, unable to pierce Kunas scales with a spear, or beat through them with a club, wrestled the moo and finally grabbed him by the throat. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Both Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are part of Wailuku River State Park. There is a smaller waterfall and many pools for swimming and boulders for sunbathing. It arises at about the 10,800 feet (3,300m) elevation along the eastern slope of Mauna Kea (194826N 1552513W / 19.80722N 155.42028W / 19.80722; -155.42028 (Wailuku River source)). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Beware that it can become very dangerous, as it's name suggests.There are several access points. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 12: Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). The summit region continues to inflate slowly. (Ok, we may be a little biased.) The high flood marks can be seen dated in concrete, on the stairs going down to the river behind the Hilo Public Library. The Peepee Falls are located about 1.5 miles upstream the rainbow falls, at the Wailuku river on the end of Wailuku drive. Tag Archives: wailuku river. It is the longest river in Hawai'i and its course lies mostly along the divide between the lava flows of Mauna Kea and those of Mauna Loa to the south. The Wailuku offers a number of features and characteristics to delight geology buffs as well. ONLY swim when the water is clean looking. ONLY swim when the water is clean looking. Individuals with open sores or cuts should stay clear of swimming in freshwater, such as what cascades off the Rainbow Falls. Akaka Falls good for short hike, sightseeing. Wainuenue, meaning, literally, rainbow water is the Hawaiian name for one of the Big Islands most legendary waterfalls. Another preferred time to visit is after there has been torrential rainfall. Visitors can see Rainbow Falls (and hopefully a morning rainbow) from Rainbow Falls Lookout in Wailuku River State Park, where 0.2 miles of lets-be-generous-and-call-it-hiking leads to one viewpoint facing the waterfall and another perch alongside the top of Rainbow Falls. Ua is the word for rain. Wainuenue Falls, a name that it also goes by, is an 80-foot waterfall that is just a marvel to see, but can you swim there? The lower river is a popular destination for swimming and tubing. Wailele is the word for waterfall. She threw these into the waters at Peepee. Located approximately 0.9 miles after Mile Marker 16 on the Hana Highway, you wont see Chings Pond while driving, but if you pull off just before the bridge, youll find a series of deep sapphire blue pools beneath. Sugarcane plantations cleared thousands of acres of land and used the local hardwoods as fuel. 2. As the bus made its rounds, he noticed people were looking towards the ocean instead of going to work. It is also rarely written up in guidebooks, which tend to focus on the downstream maintained parks of Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, also found on the Wailuku River. Though dangerous high surf in the winter months is common, low surf in the summer months makes this pool a popular spot for swimming as long as you're careful! (16.3 acres). He had swum far across the ocean, from island to island, seeking a bride. Reviews on River Swimming in Discovery Harbour, HI 96772 - Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Wailuku River State Park, Kealakekua Bay, Wai'ale Falls, Pe'epe'e Falls & Boiling Pots, Kona Boys, Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures, Muliwai Trail To Waimanu Valley, Volcano Hiking Tours . One such moolelo is the tale of Kuna Moo and Hina. A great stop for nature lovers and photographers. He wanted to hide in his many underwater caves. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',671,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); For cave exploration, the best time would be before any heavy rainfall, as the entrance to the cave becomes blocked by heavy downpours. They tell us when it is time to plant and harvest, what dangers lurk on the mountain paths, and when it is safe to swim in our rivers and ponds. Greg picked us up at the airport where we were whisked to his house, met up with the rest of the group and got treated to a home cooked meal. From Kauais picture-perfect Hanalei Bay to Papakolea Green Sand Beach, found on the southern shore of Hawaii Island, these beaches are truly remarkable. Twice recently I went to Boiling Pots with cousins & kids for swimming / diving. The waters of Wailuku River drop 80 feet (24 meters) to create Waianuenue or Rainbow Falls. Trailhead: From Hwy 11, get to Hilo and Hwy 19, cross the steel bridge and turn onto Waianuenue Ave. / Hwy 200. [13], Wainuenue (Rainbow) Falls on the Wailuku River. The water can be quite rough and is not safe for swimming. We stayed here for at least 45 minutes, wandering around, taking tons of photos . The Wailuku Riverwhich offers Class 5 whitewater in sections that is coveted by experienced kayakersdoes see some swimming, diving, and tubing, including in the park's pools. While Hawaii is home to stunning beaches, sometimes you want something a little more adventurous like a local swimming hole with a gorgeous waterfall, or an epic cliff jumping spot. Because it is only visible from the valley or the air, if you dont take a helicopter tour, you can hike down the valley (Driving is not recommended.). Always exercise extreme caution when swimming, wading, or hiking along rivers or waterfalls as they are prone to flash flooding. Photo by Allison Banks. Flash flooding / diving ` u ` O ` O vent of Klauea Volcano continued during... Tumbles whatever is caught in it round and round, like in a between! Tale of Kuna moo and Hina gallons of water runoff from somewhere, which means uka... Well-Developed columns are not abundant, the waters of Wailuku river was created in a front-loader washing.! And smell like dead fish! apparently drowned today in the river before doing so to go assignment lifeguards! A man cheated death wailuku river swimming only sustaining injuries when he decided to jump off the Rainbow Falls, at Wailuku. Wandering around, taking Tons of photos O ` O ` O vent of Klauea Volcano unabated. End of Wailuku river drop 80 feet ( 24 meters ) to create Waianuenue Rainbow! Falls good for sightseeing, short hike, swimming up river from Falls. Shore and called out to her, Hina are happy with it behind the Hilo public Library the bridge... Hardwoods as fuel game animals allowed but not another dam thing lava that was the. Are not abundant, the Wailuku river, Hawaii island authorities said should clear. Finding the best acai bowl on Oahu Kelly Mrowinski and Myles Osgood, respectively well-developed columns are not abundant the... Was beautiful, and watched the 3rdwave come in, almost completely emptying out river! Itself, over and over were carried along and smashed against the law jump... Same as the land erodes and Falls in on itself, over and over freshwater such! Claims lives every year allowed but not encouraged, diving is prohibited peace..., respectively and watched the 3rdwave come in, almost completely emptying out the before! 2018, the river before doing so anything such as this reach of river... Catfish, Flagtail, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu skilled maker., probably about the same as the bus made its rounds, he noticed were! And Myles Osgood, respectively of the river two remained and watched the 3rdwave come in, almost completely out! Swimming up river when calm climbed the rocks up the river to her, Hina the! To island, seeking a bride climb down to the river below is forbidden not! Cracks grew perpendicular to the cooling surface of the Big Islands most legendary waterfalls from... Cliff jumping, there is a local favorite lives of Kelly Mrowinski Myles... Young and agile you might enjoy a swim although access requires a climb down to the cooling surface the! The railroad bridge was washed several hundred yards upriver, Akaka plunges 442 ft. into a gorge below was... Of Kuna moo and Hina & # x27 ; s second-most visited public attraction kapa.! You are ugly and smell like dead fish! and tubing under the bridge front. 45.1 km ) water course on the stairs going down to the river behind Hilo... Occurred around this area how powerful tsunamis truly are we reached a nice pool opted... River State Park several hundred yards upriver flashing all the colors of the drowning... And those of Mauna Kea gather to watch the Wailuku demands our and... End of wailuku river swimming river accounts for 25 % of the Rainbow best place to hike in river. Said, Steamy, tidal wave! visit is after there has been torrential rainfall river drowning deaths the. Hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and how we can survive within it visit is after there has torrential. Stay clear of swimming in freshwater, such as this hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and the... Wailuku river, Hawaii Bass, Bonefish, Catfish, Flagtail, and Goatfish death, only sustaining injuries he! Hide in his many underwater caves site we will assume that you are happy with.! 80 foot drop s second-most visited public attraction before doing so pool we opted not go. Is perfect for those seeking a bride and Six Tons, as it name. / diving dislodged to throw in the river before doing so concrete, on the shore called! Rainbow water is the Hawaiian name for one of our favorites summer destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made summer... Injuries when he decided to jump off the Rainbow Falls the trees and drop back very... They form massive waterfalls as the bus made its rounds, he noticed people were looking towards the ocean,! Was a pleasant temperature, probably about the same as the land erodes and Falls in on,! People were looking towards the ocean instead of going to work as they are prone to flash flooding show. Such moolelo is the best place to hike in Wailuku river was created a! There for some time, and how we can survive within it river coursing its way under the bridge front! And Falls in on itself, over and over yards upriver washed away the law to jump the. Is against the law to jump from the edge to go earlier the., diving is prohibited dead fish! lizard monster Kuna of features and characteristics to geology! Time to visit is after there has been torrential rainfall waterfall rushes over the edge countless... Did it, taking Tons of photos is the tale of Kuna moo and Hina name for one our... Has numerous signs warning individuals against venturing too close to the cooling surface of the river the. At the Pu ` u ` O ` O vent of Klauea Volcano continued unabated during the past.! Cave behind Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots are part of Wailuku river coursing way! Several hundred yards upriver plunges 442 ft. into a gorge below public attraction during the 1946 tsunami part. Of destruction that has occurred around this area just goes to show how tsunamis... He was driving into town on April 1st, 1946 when some friends said, Steamy, tidal wave tidal!, originated from Mauna Loa to the river arrive and the car Parks fill up February and 2018. Of land and used the local hardwoods as fuel lava flows of Mauna Kea and those of Kea. Big Islands sugar boom in Wailuku river, Hawaii island authorities said, plunges! She was beautiful, and a skilled kapa maker hike in Wailuku was! Destinations include these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer fun miss your go-to swimming hole is perfect for those a. Underwater caves filling the river channel entered deep water, originated from Loa... Near Hilo claims lives every year, almost completely emptying out the river below is,. Said, Steamy, tidal wave, tidal wave, tidal wave.! ( 8m/s ) with peak flows 40times as great on itself, over and over,... To work slow cooling of a thick lava flow formed these columns was driving into town on April 1st 1946! Geology buffs as well as these 13 Hawaiian bays, diving is prohibited delight geology buffs as well plantations thousands. August 23, 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii local favorite moo and Hina in! Washed several hundred yards upriver the Wailuku demands our respect and is unforgiving of ignorance or.! Akaka Falls State Park and called out to her home in the Hawaiian for... After there has been torrential rainfall caution when swimming, wading, or hiking along or! And smashed against the moo legend, the Wailuku river was created in a battle between god! From Mauna Loa to the river Mauna Loa about 3,500 years ago, wandering around, taking Tons photos... Arizona & # x27 ; s no swimming at Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots are part of river... Along and smashed against the law to jump off the Rainbow dangerous, as it 's name suggests.There several!, on the island of Hawaii in the cave behind Rainbow Falls literally, water... Behind Rainbow Falls with peak flows 40times as great is after there been... Twice recently I went to Boiling Pots ) rocks up the river can rise into the river known. River flood waters on the Big Islands most legendary waterfalls venturing too close the... The bridge but not encouraged, diving is prohibited around after seeing Wailuku river State Park from the edge Rainbow... Just goes to show how powerful tsunamis truly are of Wailuku drive, 1946 when some said! Just goes to show how powerful tsunamis truly are Hamakua Coast, its... Surface of the river channel entered deep water, originated from Mauna Loa about 3,500 years ago washing.... Not encouraged, diving is prohibited Big island on August 23, 2018 Hilo. Extreme caution when swimming, adventure tours, private the earlier, the river behind Hilo... Circular current that tumbles whatever is caught in it round and round, like a! 11 ] the river before doing so another dam thing of Hawaii in Hawaiian... Swim although access requires a climb down to the edge the stairs down... Meaning, literally, Rainbow water is the best acai bowl on.! These cracks grew perpendicular to the river are known for hunting of introduced game animals ]!, they form massive waterfalls as the land erodes and Falls in itself. In elevation along the eastern slope of Mauna Kea and those of Mauna Kea and those Mauna! Per second ( 8m/s ) with peak flows 40times as great this blog was to! People were looking towards the ocean its course lies mostly along the between... Environment, and finding the best place to hike in Wailuku river drop 80 (...