07/05/2016
I
wanted to write and share with others a short list of what I think
are some locations well worth taking the time to visit while your on
the Hilo side of the Big Island of Hawaii. I have quite a bit of
experience in the area since I own and manage a vacation rental in
Hakalau, a small town just 15 miles north of Hilo near Akaka Falls.
Once
you've chosen your accommodation(s), whether its a Hilo vacation
rental home, condo or hotel, it really helps to know ahead of
actually getting here where some of the best attractions and
destinations are.
In
this top 12 list of locations near Hilo, you'll find a few obvious
ones that you were probably already going to visit, but there are
some here that you probably never heard of. So, you just might want
to bookmark this, or print it out for your next Big Island Trip!
1.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – This location seems like a no-brainer, especially since it;s touted as being Hawaii's No. 1
attraction. Check to see what the volcano and lava is up to while
your visiting, it changes almost daily.
2.
Rainbow Falls in Hilo – This spectacular waterfall is free to visit
and to be able get some gorgeous photos from your new smart phone or
camera. Be sure to also stop at Boiling Pots, it's along the same
Wailuku River almost another mile up the road.
3.
Akaka Falls – See the mother of all waterfalls on the Big Island.
It is uniquely a free-falling waterfall that plunges 442 feet to the
bottom. Try to imagine what that sounds like.
4.
Waipio Valley Lookout – Even if you don't venture down to the
bottom of Waipio Valley (4 wheel drive required), you'll get some
dramatic views across this expansive valley and shoreline. You'll be
able see a series of cliff slopes jetting down into the ocean from
the fantastic vantage point.
5.
Lapahoehoe Point – Provides some beautiful lush scenery as you
venture down Lapahoehoe Road. There's a County Park with restrooms
and launch ramp. Picnic tables to stop for lunch in this rustic part
of ocean with many black lava rock outcroppings.
6.
Hakalau Beach Park– This now recently designated County Park was
once the site of thriving sugar plantation mill, it still has many
interesting relics and ruins from the past. The park location is at
the bottom of Hakalau Valley where Hakalau stream meets the ocean.
Picnic tables are available and restrooms.
7.
Richardson's Beach Park – Located in Hilo, near the south end of
Kalanianaole Ave. You'll find a beautiful swimming and snorkeling
beach area protected by a natural lava rock break water. You'll
likely see many sea turtles, either in the water or sunning
themselves on the sand. The park has restrooms, outdoor showers and a
lifeguard present.
8.
Kopoho Tide Pools – This is great snorkeling location in Puna, with
abundant tropical fish and coral diversity. If you plan on getting
into the water, be sure to check the tides, as anything but low tide
will give a good snorkeling experience. Some kind of shoes with soles
are necessary, it's rocky!
9.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden- Even if your not the gardening
type, these gardens are quite incredible. The meandering paths that
travel under a canopy of various tropical trees and flora, will
eventually lead you to the picturesque Onomea Bay. The property has
numerous streams and waterfalls that create a surreal lush
environment. I've never heard anyone say they didn't love it!
10.
Umauma Falls Zip-Line Adventures -This triple-deck waterfalls and
stream sports 9 different zipline rides over beautiful water falls
and rain forest canopies, including a 200 foot wide suspension bridge
high above Umaumau stream. Swimming and kayaking in the Umaumau
stream is available.
11.
The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens – This amazing zoo is as
much of a zoo as it is a tropical botanical garden. They have a
sizable amount of exotic mammals, reptiles and aviary. The grounds
are filled with tropical plantings that are lovingly cred for and
established my many of the area's groups and societies, specializing
it various botanical species Free to to enter, donations excepted.
12.
Hilo Farmers Market – At this market your sure to see tropical
fruits and vegetables you've never seen before! A lot fun can be had
trying the various samples and items that vendors give away and sell.
A variety of craft vendors are set up in the craft section, with many
artisan made crafts. Also an even bigger Maku'u Market in Puna, is
open on Sundays only. The Hakalau Foodshare Market in Hakalau, is
open every Tuesday after 3:30 pm until whenever.
Discover the Big Island's Hamakua Coast and east Hawaii from our centralized accommodation in Hakalau, Hawaii. Being just 15 miles from Hilo, makes Hakalau Vacation Rental an excellent lodging choice from which to see many of Hawaii's popular attractions and sites of interest! Easily see the Hawaii …
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