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Hilo Town Region
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.
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.
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'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.
Location: Hilo Town
The most notable location on the East side of the Big Island of Hawai‘i is undoubtedly Hilo town. Hilo is the island’s largest city (second largest in the state - population wise) and also takes the title for the wettest city in the United States (70+ inches yearly). Hilo is an especially lush city with several gorgeous orchid gardens, interesting parks (the most prominent being Liliu‘okalani Garden), museums, and other various attractions. Hilo borders a beautiful bay and is often cooled by sea breezes and tradewind showers.
The most notable location on the East side of the Big Island of Hawai‘i is undoubtedly Hilo town. Hilo is the island’s largest city (second largest in the state - population wise) and also takes the title for the wettest city in the United States (70+ inches yearly). Hilo is an especially lush city with several gorgeous orchid gardens, interesting parks (the most prominent being Liliu‘okalani Garden), museums, and other various attractions. Hilo borders a beautiful bay and is often cooled by sea breezes and tradewind showers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: Hilo Town
Known locally as "Four Mile" because of its distance from the post office (what? mail a letter then catch a wave?) James Kealoha Beach Park is pretty enough but there are slightly better beaches down the road. The swimming here is generally poor except on the eastern side of the park which is more protected. There are a few spots of white sand and during the winter the waves are popular with area surfers.
Known locally as "Four Mile" because of its distance from the post office (what? mail a letter then catch a wave?) James Kealoha Beach Park is pretty enough but there are slightly better beaches down the road. The swimming here is generally poor except on the eastern side of the park which is more protected. There are a few spots of white sand and during the winter the waves are popular with area surfers.
Location: Hilo Town
This is one of a few beaches in Hilo, Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite of local families because of the small, sand bottomed ocean pool which allows for safe swimming for the kids. There is a second pond near the north part of the beach, but is not protected from the ocean and has a lot of prickly residents - sea urchins. So, steer clear.
This is one of a few beaches in Hilo, Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite of local families because of the small, sand bottomed ocean pool which allows for safe swimming for the kids. There is a second pond near the north part of the beach, but is not protected from the ocean and has a lot of prickly residents - sea urchins. So, steer clear.
Location: Hilo Town
Located on the banks of the Wailoa River, the park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with many saltwater species to observe. Here is where you will find an ornate statue in the likeness of King Kamehameha off Bishop Drive. There are also two memorials, one in honor of Vietnam veterans and another to honor tsunami victims. The Wailoa Center, located off Pauahi Street, often features changing cultural displays.
Located on the banks of the Wailoa River, the park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with many saltwater species to observe. Here is where you will find an ornate statue in the likeness of King Kamehameha off Bishop Drive. There are also two memorials, one in honor of Vietnam veterans and another to honor tsunami victims. The Wailoa Center, located off Pauahi Street, often features changing cultural displays.
Location: Hilo Town
While this is not technically a “park” it is definitely worth a quick drive through.
As you circle around Waiakea Peninsula, you will notice that many of the banyan trees have small plaques in honor of the person that planted them. You will see names like Amelia Earhart, F.D.R., and Sen. Richard Nixon (whose tree died and had to be replanted). Banyan Drive is also the location for most of Hilo’s hotels and the Naniloa Golf Course.
While this is not technically a “park” it is definitely worth a quick drive through.
As you circle around Waiakea Peninsula, you will notice that many of the banyan trees have small plaques in honor of the person that planted them. You will see names like Amelia Earhart, F.D.R., and Sen. Richard Nixon (whose tree died and had to be replanted). Banyan Drive is also the location for most of Hilo’s hotels and the Naniloa Golf Course.
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