From Hilo Waterfalls and Mauna Kea Visitor Center Experience

Explore Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots, and Kaumana Caves on this family-friendly Big Island tour, concluding with a visit to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center and a relaxing picnic dinner.

Overview

Itinerary

1. Rainbow Falls

   One of the most famous Rainbow Falls, also known by its Hawaiian name Waiānuenue (“rainbow water”), is located near Hilo on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. It plunges about 80 ft (24 m) into a large pool fed by the Wailuku River, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and vibrant vegetation. On sunny mornings, the mist from the falls refracts the sunlight to create brilliant rainbows — the sight that gives it its name. There’s also a natural lava cave behind the falls steeped in Hawaiian legend as the home of the goddess Hina.

2. Boiling Pots

   The Boiling Pots are a series of deep, circular river pools and cascades formed where the Wailuku River flows over ancient lava rock formations left behind by eruptions of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. As the river water rushes through these eroded channels and lava tubes, the currents swirl and churn, creating an effect that looks like the water is boiling.

3. Kaumana Caves Park

   Kaumana Caves are a natural lava tube system on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi near Hilo — formed when an 1881 lava flow from the volcano Mauna Loa drained away and left behind long, hollow tunnels in the rock.

4. Mauna Kea Access Rd University Of Hawaii 2.2 Meter Telescope

   Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset if the weather is permitting . See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.

5. Hilo

   Head back to Hilo

Know before you go

• Stroller / pram accessible
• Public transportation is nearby
• Infant seats available

Pickup, meeting point & start times