Wailuku River State Park
Photo Credit: Sean Newsome

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit.

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[KAUA’I]  - 1/6/26: Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast SWP remains CLOSED due to potential flood conditions.  

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[OʻAHU] 1/5/26 - Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits available now: kaenasups.ehawaii.gov. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATE 12/15/25 — Ka‘ena Point State Park: Mokulē‘ia Section Vehicle Access Gate is temporarily CLOSED due to saturated road conditions.

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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
    Parking & Entrance Fees

    Entry

    • *CREDIT CARD ONLY*
    • Hawaii Residents = Free w/Hawaii ID or DL
    • Non-Hawaii Residents = $5
    • Children 3 and under = Free

    Non-Commercial Vehicle Parking Fee:

    • Resident = No Charge with ID
    • Non-Resident = $10 Per Vehicle

    Commercial vehicles Parking Fees:

    • 1-7 Passenger Vehicles = $25
    • 8-25 Passenger Vehicles = $50
    • 26+ Passenger Vehicles = $90

    Description

    NOTE:  AS OF JANUARY 2026, PARKING AND ENTRANCE FEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER WAILUKU RIVER STATE PARK.

    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.

    Parking & Entrance Fee Info