The scenic Wailuku River, a popular tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii, hides a deadly secret.
In the last 29 years, 27 people have lost their lives after being swept away by the river current.
The river’s appeal lies in its impressive waterfalls, including the iconic Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, a series of terraced pools formed by ancient lava flows.
However, strong currents, underwater dangers and flash floods make the river a dangerous place, even for experienced swimmers.
Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind guardrails, some choose to ignore these precautions.
Notable tragedies include the death of a San Diego couple who were swept away by a current near Rainbow Falls in November 2017.
The woman, Gladys Novinger, 62, of Spring Valley, California, was found in the pool below the falls and rescued by the fire department helicopter before being pronounced dead at the hospital.
Her husband, George Novinger, 61, remained missing until Dec. 1, when his body was discovered at the base of a 35-foot cliff along the Wainaku coast, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The scenic Wailuku River, a popular tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii, hides a deadly secret
Pictured: Adam David Broom, 37, who died in the Wailuku River in March 2022. His body was found floating face down at the base of the falls.
In another incident that occurred in March 2022, Adam David Broom, 37, was also a victim of the river’s strong currents and fell over Rainbow Falls.
Responding to reports of a body floating face down at the base of the falls, rescuers airlifted him from the water and transported him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The most recent death at Boiling Pots occurred in September when Stanley Walker II, 42, of Pensacola, Florida, was swept under rapids. His body was later recovered 30 feet under water.
Despite its name, Boiling Pots isn’t actually hot.
On calm days, pools look like bubbling pots, but during turbulent conditions, the water appears to boil.
Even on calm days, swimmers have drowned, trapped by powerful currents and a treacherous underwater terrain of tunnels, ridges and platforms.
Hawaii County Councilwoman Jennifer Kagiwada said helicopters and other emergency personnel will spend hours and days searching for people.
The most recent death at Boiling Pots occurred in September when Stanley Walker II, 42, of Pensacola, Florida, was swept under rapids.
Pictured: Gladys Novinger, 61, and her husband George, who died in November 2017 in the Wailuku River.
Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind guardrails, some choose to ignore these precautions.
‘Given that around half of the deaths on this part of the river were visitors and half were locals, it is important that everyone is aware of the dangers that exist here. “Some very strong swimmers have died, along with visitors with less skills in the water,” he said. SF Gate.
This approach has been effective in other hazardous areas. On Oahu’s Olomana Trail, six hikers died in 13 years, but the deaths stopped after a sign was installed two years ago. Similarly, handmade signs along Kauai’s Kalalau Trail remind visitors of past deaths, encouraging them to carefully evaluate conditions before crossing streams.
However, Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd emphasized that while the additional signage is helpful, it cannot be placed in all dangerous locations along the river. Public education about the dangers is crucial.
“Educate visiting friends, family, relatives or even just people disembarking from various ships that come into port as part of tourism operations,” Todd said. Hawaii News Now.
Kagiwada, who called a community meeting in November to discuss the proposed new sign, is actively collaborating with the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the agency responsible for managing the state park, and sharing comments and concerns from local residents .
The DLNR has acknowledged community input and noted that any revisions to approved signs could take weeks to produce and install, with specific dates and locations yet to be determined.