Pe’epe’e Falls & Boiling Pots

You aren’t suppose to hike down, but several people were. I think hiking down would be cool, just going to the lookout isn’t very spectacular. It was starting to rain, so I checked it out real quick from the lookout. It’s super close to Rainbow Falls, so definitely check it out if you are in the area.

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My friend Jolee who is an amazing swimmer and comes here all of the time, was caught in a flash flood and been missing for 4 days. Please stay out of these boiling pots.
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Finally posting a little write up of this unique little falls near Hilo. The spot is most striking for the «boiling pots,» the series of small bowls of turbulent water that spill, one into the next and are great for swimming or just sitting to watch and listen to the water. Exquisitely lovely and frankly far more interesting and less touristy than nearby Rainbow Falls.
It’s a bit of a scramble to get down to the water’s edge, so be prepared for that. We were here on a day when flows were fairly gentle but I can imagine this being a dangerous spot when the river is roaring.
The name Pe’epe’e does not lend itself to street signs but you’ll appreciate that if you are boorish, culturally insensitive, and/​or have the sense of humor of a 4^th grade boy. See photo below.

There was one review where the Unilocaler said that this place is like an Irish Springs commercial — I couldn’t stop thinking that when I got there! So true!
Sure, Pe’epe’e Falls isn’t the biggest or most majestic looking waterfall, but I think most people would find it difficult to find something this beautiful either. It’s a quick, lovely photo op for free! We came here right after Rainbow Falls (less than a 5 minute drive away), took our pics and were gone in ten minutes. From the parking lot, it’s a short minute walk to the railed area. We saw a bunch of locals below us that were jumping into the pools below. That in itself was pretty cool to watch.

I can’t believe all these Debbie Downer people on here complaining about this waterfall. Truth is that if your lame this fall will be lame. We hiked over rocks and swam through 3 pools and had the most amazing adventure. It was a challenge and the reward was great. One of the best days I’ve ever had.

We love waterfalls. We hike to as many as possible, so when we saw these, of course we had to go have a look.
The Good:
— Nice falls. These were beautiful to look at
— Full because of rain. It is possible that during dry seasons they will not be so beautiful.
— Great view!
The Not So Good:
— Bad railings will let people fall
— Area closed to walk down there so no exploring or getting close
— Disappointment
— 3 for the view
— 1 for the adventure
Bottom Line: This place could be better if only we could hike closer to the falls. But they have blocked off most of the area so you can’t get very adventurous with kids. So, good to look at once, but I could skip it next time I go to the big island.

Loved the waterfalls! When I went there had recently been a lot of rain so the water level was high and you could jump off the edge and swim back to the waterfalls! The water was ICE COLD, but awesome. You could actually see 4 separate waterfalls! Plus, it’s a very remote location!

I couldn’t believe this was a main attraction around Hilo. After seeing everything else on the Big Island, this was a serious disappointment. It’s basically a series of small streams and waterfalls that are named «Boiling Pots» because the currents generate some ripples that LOOK like the water is boiling. Maybe I came during dry season, but it was not very impressive at all. You should just skip this and go to Akaka Falls.

Paired with Rainbow Falls down the street, it’s a fun way to spend a little bit of time. And yes, you get to giggle at the street sign that doesn’t have the accent marks so it’s just «PEEPEE FALLS». ;) Free parking, no admission charge.

More of a locals swimming hole than a major attraction. Some spots for cliff diving. Natural pools and small waterfalls in this smaller park. Unless you’re looking to cool of with a swim, safe to skip this one!

what hilo lacks in beaches it more than makes up for in waterfalls. this is one of the coolest places i’ve ever been. just keep going upstream until you cant anymore. there is no obvious footpath to Pe’Pe falls, but there is no point of going here unless you make the trek up there. its like .25 miles and your in a irish spring commercial all of a sudden. bathrooms are at the top, parking is free. you are safer in the water than hiking up the right side.

Boiling Pots was a pretty stop, but I was disappointed there were no educational markers or signs at the site. I really wasn’t sure what I was looking at until I looked it up online. This is a nice view point but don’t go out of your way to stop here.
I did see some locals with their dogs running around in the grass. It seems like a great place to bring your dog and play fetch!

One of my favorite spots on the big island. A hidden gem. Multiple locations of various heights to jump into pools.
It’s difficult to reach the best spot upstream (we swam thru 3 pools to base of falls). As a result, it’s not crowded with a bunch a tourists (like Akaka falls). They all take one look and leave, which I appreciated.

Okay: there are signs everywhere saying «Do Not Go Beyond the Fence on Fear of Death»… And I’m sure people have hurt themselves here… And probably a few have tragically died… But if you’re in good shape (and as sure-​footed as a mountain goat), THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!
Imagine swimming in a pool fed by three waterfalls, with gentle rocks upon which you can sit half-​submerged in the water as the thunderous roar of water pounds down around you! There also are grottos and caves – it’s like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, only real! And out in the tropical sky.
Doesn’t get much better than this…
(P.S. Hiking and swimming here is not recommended by the City of Hilo, the State of Hawaii, my lawyer, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. [But I did it anyway.] If you can’t figure out how to get down to the pools, wait 15 minutes for some 20-​something group of locals to pass by and follow them.)

It’s a very serene location with bathrooms and picnic tables. I thought I could incorporate some hiking into this area, but I didn’t notice any hiking trails. It seemed more like a photo op spot.

It was a hot day, so some family friends we were visiting took us up here to swim. We’re all getting ready to jump off a ledge and my buddy is being a pain in the ass trying to get me to go first «c’mon dude-c’mon dude-c’mon dude-let’s go-​hurry-​hurry-​hurry-​hurryuphurryuphurryup.»
I’m not afraid of heights, but jumping off high places I usually have to sort of. turn off my brain. It gets really mad when I do stupid things while it’s telling me not to. Many a scars and broken bones have resulted.
Brain: This ledge is very high up.
Me: Oh? Gosh I didn’t notice, thanks for that valuable piece of information.
Brain: Sarcasm, oh that’ll help.
Me: So will hypocrisy.
Brain: It’s gonna hurt.
Me: I’m disconnecting you.
Brain: You know can’t actually–
Me: Go away.
Brain: Fine. I’ll be back later. Or not.
While I’m about to go, nobody was paying attention to my dad who was getting a running start!
WOOSH!!! Right past us and off the edge he goes!
«Whoaaaaaaa! Myron!!!» he caught us all by surprise, I didn’t think he was even gonna swim!
The ledge we were jumping from was pretty high, it was several seconds of hang time. Higher than Waimea rock for sure. Just remember keep those legs together to avoid an unplanned enema.
So we swim around and jump some more, it was a great time. The water was calm and pretty chilly. I was told after heavy rains (the only kind of rain in Hilo) the water flows down from one pool to the next and it’s a little more dangerous.
Just as we’re leaving, a group of middle school kids are coming down the path. Instead of going down to where we were, no hesitation, they start launching off a ledge about 10 feet higher and several feet farther back.
Pwned.

As others have said, if you are already visiting Rainbow Falls, this is just a few minutes away (about 2 miles), so why not see what the water looks like before it becomes Rainbow Falls?
For tourists: it’s Pe’epe’e Falls, not pee-​pee, so say it like peh eh peh eh. :)
The name ‘Boiling’ Pots can be a little misleading at times. While the water is turbulent at times (due to underground lava tubes), it may not always appearing to be boiling. But don’t be disappointed if it’s not, it’s still a beautiful and easily accessible area. And the falls, while small, are pretty cool.
Like Rainbow Falls, there are two viewing options, you can easily look down over the railings, or you can hike down the trail (careful– mud can be slippery) to get closer to the water.
People do swim here, and some even jump/​dive in, just be careful if you do, as it is not always the safest area and you should pay attention to the rain and flow of the water, and of course, swim with a partner (there, now your safety lesson for the day is done). :)
Other useful info:
Restroom facilities are available
Small picnic area with drinking water is available.
It’s FREE to park and visit.

Apparently you can swim here but there is a current that sucks up people and kills tourists frequently. I don’t even know how you hike down there.
The view isn’t that great, you have to go to this very edge of a walkway and basically hang over the railing to get a picture. Total waste of time, you can hardly see the fall!