Hawaii in Contrasts: Rain and Waterfalls

Now that we’ve completed the 50 Facts about the 50th State series, let’s revive the Hawaii in Contrasts series by looking at what a difference rain makes to Hawaii’s waterfalls. You may find this difficult to believe, but the following photos are of the same waterfall – Pe’epe’e Falls and Boiling Pots in Hilo on the Big Island. The photos were captured from slightly different vantage points, but I promise they photos are of the same waterfall.

This first photo shows Pe’epe’e Falls on a “normal” day when there hasn’t been a heavy rainfall. We took this photo in April, 2008.

Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots

We captured this next photo of Pe’epe’e Falls in April 2004, after a heavy rainfall.

Pe'epe'e Falls in Hilo

Rain makes quite a contrast, doesn’t it?

While we’re on this topic of rain and waterfalls, it’s probably a great time to remind you that you need to be careful around streams when there’s rain in Hawaii. Flash floods can occur with very little warning. So, do keep a safe distance around streams and waterfalls. Be sure and read these additional safety tips for visiting Hawaii’s waterfalls.

4 comments
  1. Wow! You’re right, rain makes a BIG difference. Wish some of it would blow our way in L.A., now that we’re on fire…again.

    I love that almost everywhere you look on the Big Island, there’s an African tulip tree. Their bright orange-red blossoms seem to glow when it’s raining — a beautiful effect you’ve captured here in the second photo!

  2. Hawaii is probably the best place to go to when you want to relax and be surrounded by nature at its best. I’d be sure to pass this along to my readers. Great post!

  3. @ Melanie – at last I have the name of that tree in writing. I have probably heard the name of that tree dozens of times, but keep forgetting the name. On Maui, my parents love that tree and wanted to know the name. Now, I know I have a spot where I can always find it, thanks to your comment. 🙂

    @ Jet Set Life – oh, yes, I definitely agree that Hawaii is a relaxing destination.

  4. Great illustrating photos as usual.

    We’ve seen similar discrepencies along the road to Hana on trips during different parts of the year, but haven’t captured something as drastically different than this.

    Truly a contrast.

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