9/7/04

After hiking Mauna Kea we still had the afternoon to kill so we decided to take in some of the sights around town. Most of these were related to waterfalls, go figure. The first stop was to Pe'epe'e Falls and the Boiling Pots. Unfortunately the falls were not running, but the Boiling Pots more than made up for it! These were separate bowl-shaped depressions formed in the rocks with small streams and small waterfalls attaching them. They make for perfect little swimming holes and a beautiful area to chill out and wonder about life. Next we stopped at Rainbow Falls just down the road which is a huge waterfall to gawk at and take pictures. Just over 10miles outside of town is the 420ft Akaka Falls. It's a short (but very cool) hike through jungle-like terrain and past all kinds of colorful and huge vegetation.
Around the town of Hilo are several gigantic Banyan trees as well. It's a really cool town that seems a bit more low key then Kona and right on the ocean as well. We scored a room on the top floor on the ocean side above the town park. Sure couldn't beat the views.

Separate pools of the Boiling Pots; Sunshine Falls

420 ft Akaka Falls; View from our hotel room