There is a beautiful waterfall on the way to Hilo and it’s a quick stop to see it. The hike to the waterfall is a short and easy one. I loved learning about the mythology behind the Rainbow Falls.
One of the most well-known stories is about the goddess Hina, who is the mother of the demi-god Maui. Behind the falls, there is a huge cave – where people believed Hina used to live. One day, Moʻo Kuna, a big lizard that lived in the Wailuku river, threw a huge rock into the river mouth, blocking the flow. Hina sensed that the cave might be submerged by the rising water level of the river, and cried for Maui to help. Maui quickly paddled his canoe to the mouth of the river, and destroyed the rock with one swift blow – saving his mother’s life.
But the story did not end there.
When Hina’s son Maui rescued her, he then chased the giant lizard all the way from Rainbow Falls upstream to the Boiling Pots – another waterfall off of the Wailuku river. Maui asked Pele – the goddess of fire – to heave lava into the river to get him out. When the lava hit the river it started boiling, evaporating all the water, and exposing the lizard’s hiding place. Maui was finally able to kill Mo’o Kuna, with one swift blow. The boiling water drove Mo’o Kuna out of his hiding spot, and also gave the Boiling Pots a legendary name. from Shaka Guide
There is a second waterfall slightly further away from Rainbow Falls. I’m told the hike is a little longer but well worth it. We didn’t make it there but I hope to see it one day!
I found a few children’s books about Hina for those who want to read more.
p.s. Related posts:
Hawaiian Folk Tales & Children’s Books About Hawaii
The Hawaiian Ukelele? All About the Ukelele for Kids!
We Learn About Native Hawaiian Culture
Our Vrbo Rental House in Hawaii’s Big Island
Family Reunion Vacation in Oahu, Hawaii
Family Challenge: 8 Mile (Death Defying) Hike
Exotic Fruit Challenge: Mamey Sapote
Exotic Fruit Challenge: Lilikoi or Passion Fruit
Exotic Fruit Challenge: Cherimoya (Take 2)
Exotic Fruit Challenge: Guyabano or Soursop
Hiking and Camping Books for Kids
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As an Amazon and IndieBound Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My books:
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BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
