One of the deadliest places on the island of Hawaii is the Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The park is home to the state’s second longest river and features two lookouts, Rainbow Falls and “Boiling Pots,” which include multiple waterfalls and pools. However, despite its natural beauty, the river is also a major source of danger, having claimed the lives of 27 people over the past 29 years.
Visitors and locals alike are drawn to the area, where they can picnic and enjoy the scenery. However, warnings signs caution against venturing beyond the trail and railings, as strong currents and underwater geology can trap swimmers and make it impossible to resurface. In recent years, there have been a number of fatalities, including the deaths of a San Diego couple in 2017 and a Hilo man in 2022.
The Hawaii Fire Department and local officials are taking steps to educate visitors and locals about the dangers of the river. Hawaii County Councilmember Jennifer Kagiwada has proposed the installation of new signs listing the dates of when people have died in the section of the river, which could help to discourage visitors from bypassing the other warning signs. The signs would be similar to those installed on hiking trails and near streams on other Hawaiian islands.
While an additional sign may help, fire department officials emphasize the importance of sharing information about the dangers of the river with friends, family, and tour operators. The state department is considering community input and plans to install the sign once the revision process is complete.