AKAKA FALLS
Located outside of Hilo, you can experience the Natural Habitat of the Big Island plants around Akaka Falls and Hike around the trail provided. ʻAkaka Falls State Park is a state park on Hawaiʻi Island, in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The park is about 11 miles north from Hilo, west of Honomū off the Hawaii Belt Road at the end of Hawaii Route 220.
ADDRESS: Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
HOURS: Open - Closes 6pm
ADDRESS: Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
HOURS: Open - Closes 6pm
RAINBOW FALLS
This waterfall is locate just on the skirts of downtown Hilo. This a convenient place to see if you don't feel like traveling far also just a street up is boiling pots a popular place to hike. It is 80 ft tall and almost 100 ft in diameter.
HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
At its heart are the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes. The Crater Rim Drive passes steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which features volcanology exhibits and a viewpoint overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater. Thick ferns mark the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). The Chain of Craters Road weaves over lava. Trails crisscross the park.
ADDRESS: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
HOURS: Always open Monday-Sunday
ADDRESS: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
HOURS: Always open Monday-Sunday
PUNALU'U BLACK SAND BEACH
Punalu’u beach is the most famous black sand beach of Hawaii. Another reason for the popularity of this beach is that you can often see endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun, on the beach. Punalu’u beach is just off highway 11 between Volcano Village (31 miles) and the town of Naalehu (10 miles).
WAIPIO VALLEY
Waipi’o (or Waipio) Valley is named after the river that runs through the valley (wai-piʻo means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. Towards the back the valley splits into many ‘fingers’, each one with its own waterfall. The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a beautiful black sand beach that is cut in two by the river.
ADDRESS: 48-5561A Waipio Valley Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727
ADDRESS: 48-5561A Waipio Valley Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727
HONOLI'I BEACH PARK
Just a little outside of Hilo, you can surf the waves of Hilo with other surfers and collect seaglass at Honoli'i Beach.
MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii during the week after Easter. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula.
ONOMEA BAY
Onomea Bay is one of the lushest areas on the Big Island. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located right on this bay and features waterfalls, streams and a raised wooden boardwalk leading to the ocean. The bay is located just a short drive north of Hilo and is considered by many to be an area not to be missed. Past mile marker 7, the 4-mile (6.4 km) scenic drive on the Old Mamalahoa Highway begins. Make a stop at the botanical garden and do a self-guided tour.
FARMERS MARKET
Located in the heart of downtown Hilo, you will find our most popular place to go, Hilo Farmer's Market, where you will find homegrown produce, handmade crafts and jewelry, and various of other activities and cultural booths. Regular market days are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.