If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, head to the smallest state park in Hawaii! Small on acreage but big on charm, this special state park has plenty of attractions, including a waterfall and boiling pots. Wailuku River State Park on the Big Island is a magical spot worth experiencing the next time you’re in the Hilo area!
Looking for a bite-sized adventure on the Big Island?
Youli Zhao / iStock / Getty Images Plus Wailuku River State Park is a gem right outside Hilo on the island of Hawaii. And this small park, sitting at only 16.3 acres, is a must-see if you’re in the area!
The park is home to Hawaii’s largest river, the Wailuku River.
Jon Miller / Google Maps The river runs between the lava flows of Mauna Kea and the lava flows of Mauna Loa to the south. It’s a stunning river that spawns beautiful natural landscapes alongside it.
The park has two distinct and separate areas to visit.
Christopher Kirchner / Google Maps Boiling Pots is a series of large pools connected by underground flow. The cascades roll and bubble as if boiling, giving Boiling Pots its name.
And don’t forget 80-foot Rainbow Falls.
Adrian Hopkins / Moment Collection / Getty Images Named for the rainbow that forms on misty mornings, legends say that the cave underneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui. Come early morning and spot the rainbow for yourself!
The hike to Rainbow falls is an easy .1 mile out and back trail.
gamerowen2 No / Google Maps Just two minutes from the start of the trailhead, it’s an easy stroll. For quiet times, head out early in the morning or later in the evening.
Stay safe while you’re visiting and stay aware of flash floods.
Robear Mankaryous / Google Maps The area is popular for swimming and tubing, but the Wailuku River is responsible for 25 percent of the river drownings that occur in the state.
Open daily during daylight hours, this magical place is the perfect spot to visit with friends and family.
TalbotImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus And with no entrance fee, there’s absolutely no reason not to visit! So pack your picnic and head to this tiny but mighty state park in Hawaii.
Have you ever visited the smallest state park in Hawaii? What did you think? Was it totally magical? Let us know in the comments below!
Youli Zhao / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Wailuku River State Park is a gem right outside Hilo on the island of Hawaii. And this small park, sitting at only 16.3 acres, is a must-see if you’re in the area!
Jon Miller / Google Maps
The river runs between the lava flows of Mauna Kea and the lava flows of Mauna Loa to the south. It’s a stunning river that spawns beautiful natural landscapes alongside it.
Christopher Kirchner / Google Maps
Boiling Pots is a series of large pools connected by underground flow. The cascades roll and bubble as if boiling, giving Boiling Pots its name.
Adrian Hopkins / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Named for the rainbow that forms on misty mornings, legends say that the cave underneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui. Come early morning and spot the rainbow for yourself!
gamerowen2 No / Google Maps
Just two minutes from the start of the trailhead, it’s an easy stroll. For quiet times, head out early in the morning or later in the evening.
Robear Mankaryous / Google Maps
The area is popular for swimming and tubing, but the Wailuku River is responsible for 25 percent of the river drownings that occur in the state.
TalbotImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus
And with no entrance fee, there’s absolutely no reason not to visit! So pack your picnic and head to this tiny but mighty state park in Hawaii.
Looking for another cool state park in Hawaii to explore? This State Park In Hawaii Is So Remote, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself.
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Address: Wailuku River State Park, 2-198 Rainbow Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
