Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots

Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots are Wailuku River lookouts in Hilo, where an upstream waterfall, lava-rock pools and fast-changing river flow are viewed from above.

View overview Plan Your Visit
Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots

Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots, Big Island

If you're visiting popular Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo, you might as well continue up the road for another mile and see Pe'epe'e (pronounced Peh-eh-peh-eh) Falls as well. This lesser-known waterfall can be seen from a lookout point on the road (it is distant view). Boiling Pots is closer to the lookout point, a series of small pools and cascades that can be quite turbulent if it has recently rained and there is lots of water coming down the stream. During heavy rain, the pots appear to be boiling (due to underground lava tubes), hence the name Boiling Pots.

Pe'epe'e Falls is surrounded by lava rocks and lush vegetation and plunges about 80 feet (24 m) into a pool below. A small trail to the right of the viewing area leads to the pots below. However, it is not a good idea to hike down there when the stream flow is heavy because you could be swept away and drown. The hike to the waterfall will require some rock-skipping and you may get wet.

Key Features

Wailuku River viewpoint in Hilo
Pe'epe'e Falls is viewed upstream from a distance
Boiling Pots are lava-rock pools and cascades below the lookout
Part of Wailuku River State Park
About a mile upstream from Rainbow Falls
Public lookout and designated parking area
River flow changes quickly after rain
No swimming or river access from the lookout area
Lava tubes and fast water make the pools dangerous
Short visit that can be combined with Rainbow Falls

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Big Island Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called Boiling Pots?

The name comes from the way the river churns through lava-rock pools and underground tubes after rain. From the lookout, the water can appear to bubble, surge and roll like boiling water.

What does Pe'epe'e mean?

Pe'epe'e is often associated with hiding or concealment. The name fits the way the waterfall is partly tucked upstream and seen from a distance rather than from the edge of the drop.

How are Pe'epe'e Falls and Rainbow Falls different?

Rainbow Falls has a closer, more open waterfall view near downtown Hilo. Pe'epe'e Falls is farther upstream, with the Boiling Pots lava pools as the main foreground feature.

Why does the river change so quickly here?

The Wailuku River drains a large rainy area above Hilo. Heavy showers can send water through the gorge quickly, changing the color, speed and force of the river in a short time.

What photo details stand out at Boiling Pots?

Photos often show dark lava-rock pools, white water after rain, lush riverbank greenery and the upstream waterfall in the distance. Cloudy weather can bring out the green color around the gorge.