This Natural Phenomenon In Hawaii Is Incredible But Deadly
Located just one mile past the famous Rainbow Falls on Hawaii Island’s Wailuku River is an equally gorgeous – but quite deadly – natural phenomena. Pe’epe’e Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots in Hawaii, a beautiful slice of paradise that serves as a reminder that mother nature may not always be kind, but she is always in charge.
Connected by a series of cascading waterfalls along columns that were formed from the slow cooling of basalt lava, these pools appear to be bubbling – almost as if they were boiling.
Wailuku River, the second largest river in Hawaii, flows 18 miles along the line where lava from Hawaii Island’s two major volcanoes – Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea – meet. The river eroded a gorge in the lava flows, and at boiling pots, the cooling lava created a deadly landscape.
The beautiful landscape serves as the backdrop for one of Hawaii’s many legends. The story goes that Mo’o Kuna, a vengeful lizard, was trying to drown Hina – the Hawaiian goddess of the moon whom dwells beneath Rainbow Falls.
Hina’s son, Maui, came to her rescue and chased the mo’o from Rainbow Falls upstream to the pools just below the overlook. Mo’o was hiding in the pools, and Maui couldn’t get a good shot, so he called upon Pele – the goddess of fire – who gave him hot stones to throw in the river. As a result, the water started boiling, thus driving Mo’o Kuna from his hiding place.
Flash flooding in these pools is common, and because there are no lifeguards, many have perished in the river by getting sucked into the water and becoming trapped within concealed lava tubes and caves.
The best way to experience this beautiful and deadly natural phenomena is from a cement overlook, just a short walk from the paved parking lot, where you will see both Pe’epe’e Falls and the Boiling Pots.
Pe’epe’e Falls and the Boiling Pots Area are located in Wailuku River State Park
. The state park is home to breathtaking nature in Hawaii, including the 80-foot drop Rainbow Falls.
Visitors can hike down the trail to the water’s edge, but they should be warned that they should never – under any circumstances – enter the water.
Other hazards around the boiling pots include falling rocks, flash floods, and dangerous cliffs. Amenities available are restrooms and water fountains.
Lore and legends are just the icing on this natural wonder cake. Visit the boiling pots in Hawaii for an exciting experience!
Isn’t nature simply fascinating? Share your experiences and photos from the boiling pots with us on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.
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Address: 2 Rainbow Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
boiling pots in HI
August 11, 2022
Christina Arrascaeta
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Hawaii is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls. The islands are the perfect places to view world-renowned waterfalls up close! Each island has its share of falls, but some of the best waterfall hikes include Wailua Fall in Kauai where hikers get two-for-one! Take a 1mile hike to see the two waterfalls join into the Wailua River.
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With a total of 50 state parks to choose from in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, it is no wonder visitors may have a hard time picking just one to see. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a breathtaking naturally preserved area that features sea cliffs, valleys, streams, waterfalls, and views of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most popular and beautiful state parks in the state. For a state park with features you won’t find anywhere else, visit the lava-covered beaches of Kiholo State Park Reserve on Hawaii’s Big Island.
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Visit Hawaii to see some of the best attractions in the world! Find zoos like the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, which houses a white Bengal tiger and more than 80 animal species, many of which you won’t see anywhere else. A trip to Hawaii is not complete without a trip to Diamond Head State Monument, a massive and iconic open space featuring geological features and incredible ocean views.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
