Peepee Falls

Peepee Falls is a short, scenic stop in Hilo that pairs one of the Big Island’s most dramatic river settings with an easy, roadside-style viewing experience. The draw here is not a long hike or a secluded plunge pool; it is the look into Wailuku River State Park’s layered lava landscape, where the Wailuku River pushes through the Boiling Pots in a way that feels raw and distinctly volcanic. For travelers building a Hilo day around waterfalls, this is a compact, worthwhile add-on that offers something different from the more famous rainbow-view waterfall just downstream.

The Boiling Pots viewpoint is the real attraction

At Peepee Falls, the main payoff is the public overlook above the river rather than a close approach to the falls themselves. From the viewing platform, the water below can appear to churn and whip through terraced pools cut into lava rock, which is where the “Boiling Pots” name comes from. The falls themselves sit farther upstream and are more of a secondary part of the view, but they help frame the broader river corridor and give the scene its sense of scale.

This is a good stop for photography, especially when the river is running with more force after rain. The setting is lush and green, but the mood is more rugged than postcard-pretty. It feels like a place where geology is the main story.

A natural fit for a Hilo waterfall loop

Peepee Falls works best as part of a short Hilo-side itinerary rather than as a stand-alone destination. It sits near Rainbow Falls and only a brief drive from downtown Hilo, so it fits neatly into a morning or early afternoon loop that also includes other East Hawaiʻi sights. Because it is quick to visit, it is easy to combine with a coffee stop, a market run, or another waterfall without turning the day into a long drive.

The stop is especially useful for travelers who want variety. Rainbow Falls delivers the classic big-waterfall view, while Peepee Falls and the Boiling Pots show a more turbulent river scene shaped by lava rock and moving water. Together, they give a better sense of the Wailuku River than either one alone.

Short visit, clear boundaries

This is an easy stop in terms of access, with paved parking and restrooms on site, and no reservation or permit requirement. The tradeoff is that the experience is intentionally limited to the designated viewing area. That restriction matters: going beyond the overlook, descending toward the river, or trying to swim here is not part of the visit and is dangerous. The water can change quickly, especially after heavy rain, and the currents in the Wailuku River are no joke.

That makes Peepee Falls a better fit for travelers who want a safe, scenic pause than for anyone looking for a swim hole or a strenuous adventure. If the goal is to linger by the water or get into the river, another Big Island activity is a better match.

Best for quick scenic stops, not full-day planners

Peepee Falls suits visitors who appreciate geology, river scenery, and easy access. It is also a smart choice for families, road-trippers, and anyone trying to keep a Hilo day efficient. Those wanting a more immersive hike, a swimming spot, or a dramatic up-close waterfall may prefer to spend more time elsewhere. But for a brief, memorable look at one of Hilo’s most distinctive natural features, Peepee Falls earns its place on the itinerary.