Waiale Falls (Big Island, Hawaii, USA)

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Waiale Falls (Wai'ale Falls)

Waiale Falls (or Wai'ale Falls) is a lesser known waterfall further upstream from both Pe'epe'e Falls and the popular Rainbow Falls near downtown Hilo. The falls itself actually consists of two tiers. The lower tier appears to be man-modified with a wall built over which the falls flow. I still have yet to figure out why this was done for this waterfall though I speculate it either has to do with erosion control or flow regulation further downstream. The upper tier doesn't appear to have this type of treatment.

Besides a roadside view of both waterfall tiers, an overgrown, sometimes faint 0.25-mile "trail" leads to pools at the top of the falls. When I tried this faint trail, I had no intention of swimming so I didn't finish the scramble as I realized the views of the upper waterfall got more overgrown and obstructed the further I went.

It has been said that Waiale Falls has noticeably greater water flow than Pe'epe'e Falls a short distance downstream, in part because of water seeping into the more porous lava under the river near Pe'epe'e Falls. Also, there is downstream water diversion just above Pe'epe'e Falls for the Waiau Hydro Plant.

Directions: From Hwy 19 in Hilo, take Waianuenue Ave (west) half a mile past its junction with Hwy 200 (Saddle Rd), passing the Pe'epe'e Falls Street (there's a Boiling Pots sign) turnoff and crossing the bridge over the Wailuku River. Immediately after crossing the Wailuku River bridge, there is a large pullout for Wai'ale Falls.

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Me scrambling through the overgrowth

Wai'ale Falls as seen during the scramble towards its top The falls as seen during the scramble to its top (plus a slight rainbow)

Wai'ale Falls in a very swollen state The falls in a very swollen state during an intense rain storm during Super Bowl XLII Weekend

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Fixated on the raging falls from the bridge