Pololu Valley Lookout
Pololū valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island.
The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip.
Waipi'o Valley Lookout
Waipi‘o valley was home to old Hawaiian kings and once upon a time was densely populated. Now however, the valley is mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields (Taro is a traditional Hawaiian staple food) and a couple of dozens of inhabitants.
Waipi‘o (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley (wai-piʻo means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. Towards the back the valley splits into many ‘fingers’, each one with its own waterfall. The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a beautiful black sand beach that is cut in two by the river.
Laupāhoehoe Point
Nestled along the emerald green sea cliffs along the Big Island’s Hamakua coastline sits Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park. Meaning “leaf of lava,”Laupahoehoe, refers to the angular lava tip or peninsula formed by ancient pāhoehoe (smooth lava) flowing to create the mantle on which this village of Laupahoehoe was built. This Beach Park has breathtaking ocean panoramas, crashing surf and craggy lava rocks surrounded by lush vegetation. Despite this picturesque splendor, Laupahoehoe is a treasured piece of Hawaiian history with an unfortunate past.
Akaka Falls State Park
Entrance Fee: Credit Card Only - Non-Residents = $5.00 Per Person
Parking Fee: Credit Card Only - Non-Commercial Vehicles Non-Residents = $10
Pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. (65.4 acres)
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
808-964-5233
Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Entrance Fee: $30.00 per adult January 2025 not yet available for purchase as of September 2024.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a stunning 17-acre nature preserve located in Papaikou, Hawaii. Nestled in the lush Onomea Valley, this garden is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
332 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720
WE’RE OPEN:
Tuesday - Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Mondays CLOSED
Island-inspired fresh cuisine, including local caught fish, farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Locally-produced beers, specialty cocktails and a comprehensive wine list. The only open-air restaurant in downtown Hilo! Entertainment Thursday thru Sunday. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to Pau.
Wailuku River State Park
2-198 Rainbow Dr, Hilo, Hi 96720
(808) 587-0400
Rainbow Falls: Daily During Daylight Hours
Boiling Pots: Daily 7:00am – 5:30pm
Gates lock at 6:00pm
Both park sections are accessed via Waiānuenue Avenue, downtown Hilo; Boiling Pots Area at the end of Peʻepeʻe Falls Drive;
Rainbow Falls Area on Rainbow Drive.
Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interest along Wailuku River. There are two separate park areas. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. (16.3 acres)
The Saddle Road
2-198 Rainbow Dr, Hilo, Hi 96720
(808) 587-0400
Saddle Road, also known as State Route 200, is a 54-mile stretch of road which connects the east and west sides of the Big Island of Hawaii. It lies between the "saddle" of two of Hawaii’s largest mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
The road was constructed in 1942 by the Department of the Army to provide access to the largest military training facility in the state, the Bradshaw Army Airfield. It also offers the shortest route to travel from one side of the island to the other at just a little over an hour and half.
The thoroughfare started out as a one-lane rough road which was widened and paved over the years. However, the below par improvements and poor maintenance made Saddle Road one of the most dangerous highways in the state because it had many rough areas including nasty curves and risky rises. In fact, there are several small crosses along the road that are believed to serve as memorials for the people who have died while traversing the infamous road. For a time, many car rental companies also forbid use of their cars on Saddle Road due to its bad condition.
The Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA) and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) have since joined hands in improving Saddle Road which has now become a popular route especially among the adventurous. The road offers diverse scenic landscapes such as dried lava flows, rolling grasslands, desert-like fields and lush rainforests. Apart from access to the slopes of Mauna Loa and the observatories atop Mauna Kea, there are also trailheads that lead to several hiking trails.