Hilo receives a whopping 150 inches of rain per year, but that doesn’t detract from the exceptional beauty of this part of the island. There are dozens of orchid farms and tropical nurseries throughout the area as well as several botanical gardens. Liliuokalani Gardens, Coconut Island, Hilo Gardens, Hilo Arboretum, Rainbow Tropicals, Nanimau Gardens are just a few of the noteworthy nurseries in area. All are open to the public and welcome visitors. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a breath-taking Garden located 8 1/2 miles north of Hilo on the four-mile Scenic Route at Onomea Bay. The Garden displays an extensive variety of palms, heliconias, gingers, bromeliads, and hundreds of other rare and exotic plants from all parts of the tropical world.
Many people don't realize that Hilo is home to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, which is tucked back in the jungle off Route 11. Aside from tigers and hippos, the zoo also features endangered indigenous fauna and a botanical garden. As the name implies, the zoo is in a tropical rainforest, which averages 125 inches of rainfall annually. It’s open Monday through Friday and the admission is free.
Akaka Falls, where water tumbles 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge, is a "must see" on the Big Island. A pleasant, moderately challenging half-mile loop takes visitors through a lush rain forest of philodendron vines, wild orchids, bamboo groves, hanging heliconia, palm trees, banana plants, banyan trees, and impatiens. The 100-foot Kahuna Falls come into view first, and they are impressive. But the Akaka Falls are breathtaking. The road approaching the falls provides lovely views of snow-capped Mauna Kea, the 13,796-foot peak that is the highest point in Hawaii.
The entrance to Akaka Falls State Park is at the end of Akaka Falls Road, Highway 220, 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu.
Wailuku River State Park is only a short distance from downtown Hilo and encompasses 16 acres along the Wailuku River. The park preserves two waterfalls and a basalt lava formation known as the boiling pots. The boiling pots are a succession of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over rocks on its way to the ocean. Rainbow Falls takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight. A cave lies beneath the falls, and legend says that it was home to Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.
If all this site seeing has made you hungry, The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory has a guided tour that gives the history of the nut industry on the Big Island. Afterwards, shop in the factory store, sample delicious products, and then stroll the gentle nature walk, where more than 30 exquisite tropical plants are in constant bloom. A hint to chocolate lovers: try the chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
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