Peepee Falls (Pe'epe'e Falls)

Peepee Falls (or more accurately Pe'epe'e Falls) is a lesser known waterfall about 1.5 miles upstream from the popular

Although it has been said that Peepee Falls plunges 80-100ft, it certainly didn't look that way. Based on a crude method where I saw people standing behind the falls and stacked them up in a photo (see the Quick Estimation method"), it seemed more like 50 or 60ft tall instead. In any case, the plunge pool is surrounded by lava rocks believed to date back to the eruptions of the Mauna Loa (over 3,000 years ago) and Mauna Kea (about 10,000 years ago) volcanoes.

The view of the falls from the official lookout certainly beckoned us for a closer look since it was about a quarter-mile away. However, we only did so with trepidation as many people have died here before in flash floods or who foolishly tried to cross the stream in high water. Needless to say, this was something we only attempted when Wailuku River was in low flow, and when we saw plenty of other people swim or cross the river (sort of a sign of confidence that lots of other people thought it was relatively safe).

A primitive scramble path on the right side of the overlook descended to the lava rocks on the banks of the Wailuku River. From there, we were able to continue upstream along the river before we saw where the river crossing was reasonably short but not dangerously fast-moving and deep. For sure, I got wet doing this. Julie didn't join me so she held the keys and wallet (keeping me from drenching them accidentally). I just kept the camera high over my head trying my best to make sure not to fall.

Once I got to the other side, I had to scramble a bit more before I finally got to the plunge pool right across from the Peepee Falls. To the left of it, I saw another waterfall that would otherwise be hidden from anyone who didn't make this scramble.

Directions: From Hwy 19 in Hilo, head west on Waianuenue Ave, which has "Boiling Pots" signs to help guide you. About 2 miles past the Hwy 200 junction (1.5 miles west of Rainbow Falls turnoff), turn right from Waianuenue Ave onto Pe'epe'e Falls Street and continue to the Wailuku River State Park car park on your left

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View of the falls under normal conditions

The flooded falls during Super Bowl XLII Weekend

Boiling Pots were really churning on that day!

When the Boiling Pots are calm, you might see people like this couple swimming in it

Scrambling to get closer to Peepee Falls

View from the "island" in the middle of the river

Closer look at the falls

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Fixated on the falls with the sound of an aircraft overhead

Left to right sweep starting at the Pe'epe'e Falls and ending at the churning Boiling Pots

Left to right sweep of the Wailuku River and the falls itself

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TRIP REPORTS

• February 2, 2008
• February 22, 2008

GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCES

NEARBY WATERFALLS

• Rainbow Falls
• Wai'ale Falls
• Kulaniapia Falls

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