Big Island – The East
Big Island - Hawaii
...a short remark in advance...
As already mentioned on the overview pages, we visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2000. At the time these pages are created (February 2020), our visit will be almost 20 years ago. Although we have fond memories of our three weeks on the islands, all of our assessments are based on 20-year-old memories. Even though the locations we describe here still exist, the circumstances have certainly changed. We ask you to keep this in mind. All opening hours and entrance fees are as of February 2020.
Tropical Botanical Garden
Description: The Tropical Botanical Garden is, as the name suggests, a botanical garden on the east coast of the Big Island, north of Hilo. From the entrance, the path winds down a mountainside to the ocean. Along the way, you walk through a lushly blooming garden and see lots of tropical plants and flowers.
Our rating: The visit of the Botanical Garden was next to the Hawaii Volcanic NP our highlight on Big Island. It bloomed and greened everywhere. There were an insane number of beautiful flowers and plants to admire. We had a lot of fun here.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 25$/person
- Open daily from 9am - 5pm.
For the GPS: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
Akaka Falls SP
Description: The viewpoint over the 443ft high Akaka Fall can be reached via a short, easy to walk, tarred path. On the way you also have a good view of the 299ft high Kahuna Waterfall.
Trail length: 0.4mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: 98ft
Time needed: 1 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: We liked the little hike through the lush Hawaiian vegetation very much. Of course, the two waterfalls were the highlights, but also the trail was quite nice and entertaining.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 5$/car or 1$/person
- Not covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily from 8.30am - 6pm.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
The northeastern coast
Description: Because of the rugged canyon landscape in the northeast of the island, there is no coastal road around the island. If you come from the south from Hilo, the road ends at Waipio Valley Lookout. Here tourists can only continue on foot. If you come from the north, the road ends at Pololu Valley Lookout.
Our rating: Unfortunately, the weather was suboptimal during our visit, but we still really liked the views of the Valleys and Canyon. We can recommend both.
Rainbow Falls
Description: Rainbow Falls is formed by the Wailuki River, which plunges 79ft here in the west of Hilo. The waterfall is located directly on the road and is very easily accessible. There is also a parking lot, so you don't have to stop at the side of the road.
Coordinate: Latitude 19.718761, Longitude -155.108567
Our rating: The waterfall offers a very nice photo motif and is a nice little location in the west of Hilo. If you are in Hilo, you should definitely plan a stop here.