Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island, is home to many exciting events and holidays celebrated annually. Richardson Ocean Park is a favorite with all ages looking for fun beach activities while shopping in the city reveals plenty of opportunity to find some of the best souvenirs on the island during a Hilo Hawaii tour. Hilo enjoys more rainfall than any other US city allowing the islands native flora to flourish vibrantly. Along roadsides wild ginger blooms radiantly and lush vegetation is showcased all around the city.
Visitors who take pleasure in discovering the diverse
array of native plants shouldn’t miss a trip to
the LiliuoKalani Garden. LiliuoKalani is a stunning, authentic
Japanese garden named after Hawaii’s monarch. The
once reigning Queen LiliuoKalani was married to the governor
of Maui and Oahu
in 1862. Hawaiian history
denotes she took over the throne after her brother’s
death in 1891 and gave up the throne in 1893.
The park was built circa 1900 in honor of thousands of Japanese immigrants who worked at the local pagoda at the Queen’s plantations. It features Yedo-style gardens developed around the central Waihonu Pond. Those visiting the LiliuoKalani Garden during a Hilo Hawaii vacation can find the gardens situated off Banyan Drive in Hilo. The more than thirty acres of lush garden environment at LiliuoKalani is best toured in the mid-morning hours when the sun is less intense and many flowers have opened up to soak up the warm Hawaiian sunshine.
LiliuoKalani Garden is a favorite with tourists and locals alike and offers a tranquil place to spend some quiet time during Hawaii holidays. Big Island tours throughout the garden’s grounds offer many things to do for visitors. The gardens showcase a host of exotic Asian plants, meandering pathways, charming bridges, pagodas and ponds. Plenty of shaded areas offer idyllic places to enjoy lunch hour during a Hilo Hawaii vacation. The sprawling grounds of LiliuoKalani Garden provide a picturesque place for children to play and couples to enjoy a romantic stroll among the scented arrangements.
After a Hilo Hawaii tour of the Japanese gardens there are many options to fill up a day out. Across from LiliuoKalani is the well-known and fun Coconut Island. The island is accessed by a narrow footbridge stemming from the row of hotels along Banyan Drive. It’s also a great place for an afternoon picnic, swimming and fishing and has a shaded pavilion, showers, restrooms and a dive platform made from stone. The tower is one of the only surviving remnants of the old connecting bridge destroyed by a large tidal wave.
There are many other fun activities easily enjoyed during a Hilo Hawaii tour via a short drive. Hawaii tours in Hilo should include a trip to the breathtaking Akaka Falls where two cascading waterfalls are featured along the one-mile Hawaii hiking path. Another of Hilo’s beautiful natural attractions is Rainbow Falls, a gushing stream of stunning falls found on the edge of town. One of the top things to do during a Hilo Hawaii vacation is a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to explore the many distinct and fascinating environments. There are also some Big Island beaches, aside from Coconut Island, in the area ideal for many exciting water sports or just relaxing in the afternoon sun with a good book.
