Hilo Waterfalls, Hawaii Island

Not only does Hilo have the highest density of people on the Big Island (Hawaii Island), it probably has some of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the State of Hawaii. As a supplement to our “cave” and “fire” theme on this trip, we were lucky to squeeze in several accessible waterfall hikes into our itinerary, which included: Kauwehu Falls (Upper Wailuku River), Rainbow Falls (Lower Wailuku River) and 16s (Umauma Stream).

The longest waterfall hike we went on was to Kauwehu Falls in the upper reaches of Wailuku River,

…which not only had a series of waterfalls, but also small cave where we could view some of the waterfalls from. The water was a little turbid from all of the recent heavy rains over the weekend, but I can imagine the ponds must shine with blues and greens once the water clears of sediment/debris.

A more popular waterfall in lower Wailuku River, Rainbow Falls, was also murky… much like the river in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The water looked so awful I decided to add a sepia filter to my photos so that I wouldn’t take any credit away from the usual aesthetically pleasing views of the falls.

We had heard from some local acquaintances that there was a sketchy way down to the bottom of Rainbow Falls, which we surely had to investigate.

Definitely validated that rumor, haha. Conventional Boddington’s toast at the bottom of an off-island, raging waterfall (aka Baron’s “mayjah rayjah”), while tubing! haha.

The last adventure we had was to a series of waterfalls and pools on Umauma Stream called “16s…”

Apparently the place is named so as the area is located just off of mile-marker 16 on Hawaii Belt Rd.

After a little exploring downstream, Chris (our host) performs some of his notorious jumps off of a lower ledge, flipping into one of the churning pools.

Another higher ledge allows him to catch more air on the way down. He said he didn’t touch bottom, but I just felt like taking his word and enjoy the rest of my Boddingtons. haha.

The “cave” and “fire” themed trip to the Big Island was an epic success… and all of the waterfalls we were able to visit were just “icing on the cake.” Mahalo nui loa to Chris, Paige and Dan for sharing your awesome Hilo adventures with us. Most of which I’m sure will never forget for the rest of my life. Much thanks to Baron for coordinating with our Hilo friends and planning the trip!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!