Places to visit in Hilo, HI.
If you are visiting Hawaii, you may want to find out what you can do in Hilo, the biggest city on the island. It is home to an active volcano, Maui Lo, a rainforest, and the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. Hilo is a unique Hawaiian town. It has many attractions, museums, restaurants, and parks to visit.
The Hilo Farmers Market is a fun place to explore. Over 200 stands offer a variety of food. You can try authentic Hawaiian dishes or international foods.
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii is a great place to see a waterfall. The waterfall is impressive, and a paved loop trail takes you to a nice overlook of the falls. While there are no camping facilities, the park does have restrooms and drinking water. A ranger will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Akaka Falls is a 442-foot-high waterfall on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a popular tourist attraction and one of the best spots on the island to see a waterfall.
Akaka Falls is also associated with an ancient Hawaiian legend. According to the tale, a strong man named Akaka had a wife who was visiting her family in Hilo. Unfortunately, she was killed when she fell off a cliff. Although the legend was apocryphal, the name ‘Akaka’ was likely a reference to his strength.
If you plan to visit Akaka Falls, bring along water and snacks. There is a water fountain in the parking lot. In addition, you may want to explore the nearby Kahuna Falls, which is smaller and more accessible. After a rainstorm, the falls are more visible.
When you are done with the falls, look at the surrounding area. One of the most exciting things about the area is the lush tropical rainforests found on the island’s northern shores.
Wailuku River State Park
Located outside Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, Wailuku River State Park is a popular tourist destination. The park encompasses two of the most prominent attractions on the island, Rainbow Falls and the “boiling pots” of the Wailuku River.
Rainbow Falls is a large waterfall in the Wailuku River State Park. It’s named for the rainbow appearing on the mist’s bottom. But it’s not the only reason it’s a ‘wonder’ of the park.
The Boiling Pots of the Wailuku River are a series of terraced water pools forming underground, cascading water flows. The slow cooling of basalt lava formed these unique structures.
Although not as impressive as the other two, it’s an excellent way to see the wonders of the Wailuku River. Many locals recommend visiting this park early in the morning.
Hilo Farmer’s Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is one of Hawaii’s most popular farmers’ markets. Located in historic downtown Hilo, the market has 200 vendors. There are many unique items to purchase, including fresh local produce, exotic fruit, tropical flowers, handicrafts, and more.
Located at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue, the market is open seven days a week from 7 am to 3 pm. Parking is free, and the market has a food court area. This is where you can find a variety of street food vendors and live entertainment.
While the market is open all year round, the best time to visit is on Saturdays and Wednesdays. You’ll get the best selection of fresh, local produce these days.
Other highlights of the market include its artisanal foods and gifts, as well as its large selection of local honey. In addition, vendors are happy to share recipes and cooking tips with visitors.
Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is one of the Big Island’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Located in the quaint, scenic valley of Onomea Bay, this 40-acre natural garden is home to over 2,500 plants from tropical and exotic species. It is a nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve.
A self-guided tour of the garden is available. Adults can pay $25, while teens and children can take a day pass for $12. The garden is open daily. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours, which are available at a fee.
Several trails wind through the bio reserve, offering visitors breathtaking ocean views. In addition, visitors can enjoy various animal life, including a tropical zoo. There are also numerous plant species, including orchids, palms, and native Hawaiian plants.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
If you want to see exotic animals and tropical plants, you’ll love visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii. It is located on twelve acres of rainforest land in the Panaewa Forest Reserve and is home to 80 different animal species.
This zoo is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is open daily. The zoo features an extensive collection of orchids, a butterfly garden, and exotic water lilies. Visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is a fun family activity, especially for those who like to learn about nature.
There are more than 200,000 visitors to the zoo each year, which makes it a popular attraction in Hawaii. The zoo is free to visit. However, donations are appreciated.
You can view several animals at the zoo, including a white Bengal tiger, a nene, and an endangered Hawaiian crow. Visitors can also find a petting zoo and playground equipment.