Hilo, Hawaii

Akaka Falls

Located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, Akaka Falls lies within Akaka Falls State Park and is one of two waterfalls in the park. The Akaka Falls plummets 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge and is one of the island’s most famous waterfall. The magnificent falls can be viewed on a pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike that winds through the surrounding tropical rainforest, which is full of bamboo groves, draping ferns, and wild orchids. The second waterfall in the park is the 100-foot Kahuna Falls, which can also be seen from the hiking trail.

Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728

Hawaii Route 200

Hawaii Route 200, also known as Saddle Road or the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, spans the width of the Big Island of Hawaii for 52.7 miles from downtown Hilo to the junction with Hawaii Route 190 near Waimea. Hailed as being notoriously dangerous, Saddle Road is named after the “saddle” between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, reaches a maximum elevation of over 6,600 feet, and provides access to the volcano observatories that branch off the road. Most of the trail has now been repaved, and significant parts have new re-alignments to modern standards.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Located on scenic Route 19 off the Old Mamalahoa Highway, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a nature preserve and botanical garden that is home to more than 2,000 plant species. Set in a scenic valley with spectacular views over Onomea Bay, the garden was created by Dan J. Lutkenhouse and features a collection of over 200 palms, more than 80 species of heliconias, over 80 species of bromeliads and a selection of century-old mango and coconut palms. The garden is also home to three-tiered waterfall known as Onomea Falls, with stunning views over Boulder Creek and the lava tubes on Onomea Bay.

27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, Phone: 808-964-5233

Recommended Activities for Families

Hilo Farmers Market

The Hilo Farmers Market is a year-round open-air market that features over 200 vendors selling their wares, which range from fresh produce, arts and crafts, and tropical flowers to homemade food, certified organic produce, souvenirs, and gifts. Local farmers and crafters come together at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo to showcase their products in this famous market, which is open every day of the week throughout the year. The market is also home to several restaurants and cafés and hosts live music and other entertainment throughout the week.

Kamehameha Avenue, Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720

Honoli'i Beach Park

Located on the Big Island's east coast just north of Hilo, Honoli'i Beach Park is a favorite seaside park with a rocky beach and fantastic waves and is popular among the local surf crowd. Honoli'i Beach Park offers excellent surfing all year round, with summer being ideal for beginners and winter offering more challenging surf. Honoli'i Beach Park also features a tree-shaded grassy area with a dense grove of native trees, a small stream and rolling lawns for picnicking, restroom and shower facilities, and a county lifeguard on duty. There is also a pond at the northern end of Honoli'i Beach, which is ideal for swimming.

180 Kahoa St, Hilo, HI 96720

Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is an astronomy and culture education center that highlights the culture and history of Hawaii through astronomy and the stars. The family-friendly center features a range of exhibitions showcasing Hawaiian culture and history and science and explains how the three are interconnected through interactive and immersive displays. Featured exhibits include Hawaiian Theories and Beliefs, which focuses on the sacred mountain of Maunakea and its significance to the Hawaiian people, and Astronomy Theories and Beliefs, which shares the Hawaiian understanding of the evolution of life.

600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720

Attractions for Couples

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

The Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park along the shores of Hilo Bay that is home to the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. Located on Banyan Drive, the 24-acre park features Edo-style Japanese gardens, which were established in 1917 and contain the Waihonu Pond as well as pretty bridges and pagodas, tranquil ponds, statues, torii, and an authentic Japanese teahouse. The park is also home to a small island called Moku Ola (meaning “island of life”), which was once the site of an ancient temple dedicated to healing and is now a perfect spot for picnicking and swimming. Visitors can get to the little island by a footbridge that connects the island to the park and soak up spectacular panoramic views from a stone tower on the east side of the island.

189 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720

Lyman House Memorial Museum

The Lyman House Memorial Museum, also known as the Lyman Museum, is a natural history museum that documents the history of the region through an extensive collection of artifacts and items that document the natural and cultural history of the islands. Established in 1931, the museum was initially based in the 1838 Lyman family mission house before moving to a modern building next to the house in the 1960s. The original Lyman family mission house is now part of the museum as an exhibit of the oldest surviving wood-framed building on the island. Collections in the museum include ancient Hawaiian tools and weapons, feather capes and leis that used to adorn Hawaiian royalty, cookware, and games. There is also an interesting mineral and seashell collection and a tour through a simulated lava tube.

276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720

Nani Mau Gardens

Nani Mau Gardens is a beautifully maintained botanical garden that features over 20 acres of exotic tropical flowers, plants, and trees. Located 3 miles from Hilo, the garden was established and opened to the public in 1972 by a Japanese immigrant, Makato Nitahara, and features a variety of artistically landscaped displays of native and exotic tropical flowers and plants, rare palms and tropical fruit orchards, and a spectacular orchid garden. Nani Mau Gardens, which translates to “forever beautiful” is a popular venue for weddings and special celebrations. The gardens also have a restaurant that serves delicious fare and a gift shop offering an array of exclusive Nani Mau gifts and souvenirs, both of which are open daily.

421 Makalika St, Hilo, HI 96720, Phone: 808-959-3500

Pacific Tsunami Museum

The Pacific Tsunami Museum is dedicated to the Pacific tsunami of 1946 and the Chilean tsunami of 1960, both of which devastated much of Hilo and the eastern coastline of Hawaii. Established to educate visitors about tsunamis, their causes, and effects, the small museum features a variety of interactive multimedia displays, including short videos, stories, and photographs as well as a re-creation of an early tsunami warning system. Docents and tsunami survivors work at the museum as guides and share their stories and experiences with visitors while leading them through the displays. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.

130 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, Phone: 808-935-0926,