Location: North Hamakua Coast
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After a taking a short set of stairs turn left and you will be led on a paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants, bird of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner you will catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 feet through a green-lined gorge. In our opinion, the best time to photograph the falls is early in the morning on a slightly cloudy day.
... Akaka Falls State Park details continued
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After a taking a short set of stairs turn left and you will be led on a paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants, bird of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron.
You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner you will catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 feet through a green-lined gorge. In our opinion, the best time to photograph the falls is early in the morning on a slightly cloudy day.
... Akaka Falls State Park details continued
Location: Volcano
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. Visitors are also witness to the world's largest volcano Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Mauna Loa, meaning 'long mountain,' encompasses a huge chunk of the Big Island (see our geology page). In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
... Hawaii Volcanoes National Park details continued
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. Visitors are also witness to the world's largest volcano Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Mauna Loa, meaning 'long mountain,' encompasses a huge chunk of the Big Island (see our geology page). In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
... Hawaii Volcanoes National Park details continued
Location: Hilo Town
One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. Its name originated from the fact that on some early mornings a rainbow can be seen arching across the falls. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name which means “rainbow seen in water.” Like all waterfalls, Rainbow Falls’ display is dependent on recent rainfall. ... Rainbow Falls State Park details continued
One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. Its name originated from the fact that on some early mornings a rainbow can be seen arching across the falls. Waianuenue Falls is its Hawaiian name which means “rainbow seen in water.” Like all waterfalls, Rainbow Falls’ display is dependent on recent rainfall. ... Rainbow Falls State Park details continued
Location: North Hamakua Coast
The captivating triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls is only accessible through the World Botanical Garden. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the falls. The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
... Umauma Falls details continued
The captivating triple-tiered Uma Uma Falls is only accessible through the World Botanical Garden. In a few more years this will be a truly spectacular garden, but now it is too young to offer the same variety of mature plants that other gardens have to offer. Admission is a steep $11, but it does include an exclusive view of the falls. The drive to the falls begins across the street from the ticket booth and is a bit bumpy as it passes through marked native trees. You will reach a small parking lot and the lookout for Uma Uma Falls. The three levels which Uma Uma Falls flows down resemble great lava stone steps with recesses that create tranquil little pools surrounded by tropical plants and trees.
... Umauma Falls details continued
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls.
Hi'ilawe Falls share the same cliff wall with the often dry Hakalaoa Falls. Lalakea Stream above the brink of Hi'ilawe Falls had been partially dammed to provide water for developments in the area. Apparently the dam is now no longer required, but still exists, and many local groups are trying to get it removed so the falls can revert back to their original state. ... Hiilawe Falls details continued
Hi'ilawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. The falls is between 1,200 and 1,600 feet tall (depending on who you ask), making it the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii. It was a lava flow from Mauna Kea that formed the cliffs on the side of the falls.
Hi'ilawe Falls share the same cliff wall with the often dry Hakalaoa Falls. Lalakea Stream above the brink of Hi'ilawe Falls had been partially dammed to provide water for developments in the area. Apparently the dam is now no longer required, but still exists, and many local groups are trying to get it removed so the falls can revert back to their original state. ... Hiilawe Falls details continued
Location: Hilo Town
Pe'e Pe'e Falls (pronounced Pay-a Pay-a Falls) is fed by the Wailuku River which also feeds Rainbow Falls further down river. Getting an up close view of Pe'e Pe'e requires a short hike down a hill and some rock skipping. The flow is determined by rainfall. The multi-spouted falls fills up a small pool at the base. Beware of mosquitoes.
... Pe’epe’e Falls details continued
Pe'e Pe'e Falls (pronounced Pay-a Pay-a Falls) is fed by the Wailuku River which also feeds Rainbow Falls further down river. Getting an up close view of Pe'e Pe'e requires a short hike down a hill and some rock skipping. The flow is determined by rainfall. The multi-spouted falls fills up a small pool at the base. Beware of mosquitoes.
... Pe’epe’e Falls details continued
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide. ... Waipio Valley details continued
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide. ... Waipio Valley details continued
Location: South Kau
The turnoff for South Point Road is between the 69 and 70 mile markers with a large green sign pointing makai. The traditional Hawaiian name for South Point is Ka Lae meaning “the point.” The two-lane paved road cuts through macadamia nut groves, pasture land and a Mauna Loa lava flow. About five miles into the 12 mile trip to Ka Lae the road shifts to a one-lane rugged passageway through vast, flat pastureland. Short, scrubby plants cling to the fields while cattle graze. A little further down the road you’ll see rows of metal giants reaching toward the skies, their huge metal arms straining against the fierce South Point wind. When it was built in the late 1980s, the Kamoa Wind Farm had over 30 operating turbines. Some of these massive windmills may still spin but many, rusted and broken down are a bit sad against the landscape. Off the road and closer to the point are Tawhiri Power’s 14 brand new GE turbines, which when completed in early 2007 were expected to bring power to 10,000 Big Island homes.
... South Point at Ka Lae details continued
The turnoff for South Point Road is between the 69 and 70 mile markers with a large green sign pointing makai. The traditional Hawaiian name for South Point is Ka Lae meaning “the point.” The two-lane paved road cuts through macadamia nut groves, pasture land and a Mauna Loa lava flow. About five miles into the 12 mile trip to Ka Lae the road shifts to a one-lane rugged passageway through vast, flat pastureland. Short, scrubby plants cling to the fields while cattle graze. A little further down the road you’ll see rows of metal giants reaching toward the skies, their huge metal arms straining against the fierce South Point wind. When it was built in the late 1980s, the Kamoa Wind Farm had over 30 operating turbines. Some of these massive windmills may still spin but many, rusted and broken down are a bit sad against the landscape. Off the road and closer to the point are Tawhiri Power’s 14 brand new GE turbines, which when completed in early 2007 were expected to bring power to 10,000 Big Island homes.
... South Point at Ka Lae details continued
Location: Hilo Town
Nothing hits the spot on a warm Hilo day like looking down the mouth of a lava tube. Just a little north west from Hilo you will find Kaumana Caves Park. From Hilo take Waianuenue Ave. mauka for about a mile. Kaumana Dr. will branch off to the left. The park is located on the right between the 3 and 4 mile markers. The parking lot is across the street and on a blind curve so be careful when crossing the street. The entrance to the cave is marked with a railing. A very steep set of stairs descends into the cool darkness of this relatively young lava tube. ... Kaumana Cave details continued
Nothing hits the spot on a warm Hilo day like looking down the mouth of a lava tube. Just a little north west from Hilo you will find Kaumana Caves Park. From Hilo take Waianuenue Ave. mauka for about a mile. Kaumana Dr. will branch off to the left. The park is located on the right between the 3 and 4 mile markers. The parking lot is across the street and on a blind curve so be careful when crossing the street. The entrance to the cave is marked with a railing. A very steep set of stairs descends into the cool darkness of this relatively young lava tube. ... Kaumana Cave details continued
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end. ... Four Mile Scenic Route details continued
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end. ... Four Mile Scenic Route details continued
Location: North Hamakua Coast
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree. ... Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden details continued
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree. ... Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden details continued
Location: Hilo Town
One of the most gorgeous views of Hilo Bay is from the edge of the gardens. The sun glistens on the calm bay waters while palm trees gently sway in a warm breeze, and in the distance you can see clouds banking on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Lili'uokalani Park was named in honor of Hawaii’s last queen and features a meticulously manicured Japanese landscape ringed by sprawling banyan trees. ... Liliuokalani Park and Gardens details continued
One of the most gorgeous views of Hilo Bay is from the edge of the gardens. The sun glistens on the calm bay waters while palm trees gently sway in a warm breeze, and in the distance you can see clouds banking on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Lili'uokalani Park was named in honor of Hawaii’s last queen and features a meticulously manicured Japanese landscape ringed by sprawling banyan trees. ... Liliuokalani Park and Gardens details continued
Location: Kohala
As you pass the 28 mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of our next stop, Pololu Valley. On a sunny day you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley. A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
Early morning is the best time to visit, when you'll have a chance of snagging a parking space in the small lot. Pololu is the end of a string of seven major valleys carved into the northern Kohala coast of the Big Island which ends with Waipio Valley. This now uninhabited valley was once used to grow taro. The root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the Hawaiian diet. ... Pololu Valley Overlook details continued
As you pass the 28 mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of our next stop, Pololu Valley. On a sunny day you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley. A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
Early morning is the best time to visit, when you'll have a chance of snagging a parking space in the small lot. Pololu is the end of a string of seven major valleys carved into the northern Kohala coast of the Big Island which ends with Waipio Valley. This now uninhabited valley was once used to grow taro. The root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the Hawaiian diet. ... Pololu Valley Overlook details continued
Location: Kona
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without. After you pay your $5 per vehicle fee and walk past the educational displays, you round a corner and are transplanted into the world of the ancient Hawaiians. You are walking on the grounds were generations of ali'i (ruling class) Hawaiians lived and worked.
... Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park details continued
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (poo-oo-ho-noo-ah o hoe-now-now), formerly known as Place of Refuge at Honaunau, is an incredibly beautiful and educational experience that no trip to the Big Island should be without. After you pay your $5 per vehicle fee and walk past the educational displays, you round a corner and are transplanted into the world of the ancient Hawaiians. You are walking on the grounds were generations of ali'i (ruling class) Hawaiians lived and worked.
... Puuhonua o Honaunau Historical Park details continued
Location: Hilo Town
Just outside of downtown Hilo, 16-acre Wailuku River State Park is home to several of the most striking waterfalls in the area.
Among the several falls which occur along the Wailuku River are 80-foot Rainbow Falls which takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight, Pe'epe'e Falls (upper right) and Boiling Pots, a series of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over many rocks en route to the ocean. The depressions are caused by swirling rocks. ... Wailuku River State Park details continued
Just outside of downtown Hilo, 16-acre Wailuku River State Park is home to several of the most striking waterfalls in the area.
Among the several falls which occur along the Wailuku River are 80-foot Rainbow Falls which takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight, Pe'epe'e Falls (upper right) and Boiling Pots, a series of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over many rocks en route to the ocean. The depressions are caused by swirling rocks. ... Wailuku River State Park details continued
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