Hilo & Nearby Hamakua Coast (and beyond)
Hamakua Sightseeing
This is a list of things to see and do just NorthWest of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast
A beautiful botanical garden and views of the Onomea Bay about a 5 minute drive from the home.
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyA beautiful botanical garden and views of the Onomea Bay about a 5 minute drive from the home.
A spectactular waterfall in the tropical forest. Make sure you go right at the fork of the paved trail and keep a lookout for the massive banyan tree and other sights. Oh, and read the information sign once at the overlook about the gobi fish. They are tenacious little things.
341 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal de las Cataratas de Akaka
875 Akaka Falls RdA spectactular waterfall in the tropical forest. Make sure you go right at the fork of the paved trail and keep a lookout for the massive banyan tree and other sights. Oh, and read the information sign once at the overlook about the gobi fish. They are tenacious little things.
The surf beach on this side of the big island. Just a 5 minute drive south of the home. Go there to watch the surfers and boogie boarders (or surf yourself) or to beach comb for sea glass (please leave all coral, shells and other natural materials where you found them).
It can be quite crowded on some days, but always worth checking out.
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Honoli'i Beach Park
The surf beach on this side of the big island. Just a 5 minute drive south of the home. Go there to watch the surfers and boogie boarders (or surf yourself) or to beach comb for sea glass (please leave all coral, shells and other natural materials where you found them).
It can be quite crowded on some days, but always worth checking out.
Cacao grows well on this part of the island. You can take a tour of the farm and learn how it's grown and made.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hamakua Chocolate Farm
27-2313 Hawaiʻi Belt RdCacao grows well on this part of the island. You can take a tour of the farm and learn how it's grown and made.
A nice short trail to see the coast! To get there you take the Onomea Scenic drive (4 miles) and you will pass both the botanical gardens and What's Shakin
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Onomea Bay Trail
27-547 Mamalahoa HwyA nice short trail to see the coast! To get there you take the Onomea Scenic drive (4 miles) and you will pass both the botanical gardens and What's Shakin
Mauna Kea Cacao
28-568 Kaupakuea Homestead RoadSee where cacao is grown and chocolate is made
The Hawaii Plantation Museum tells the story of the sugar industry on the Island of Hawaii,also known as the Big Island, from 1820 until 1996. The museum highlights how the sugar industry brought many immigrants to work for the sugar industry and transformed business and gave rise to Hawaii's multi-cultural heritage. Visit today, and learn about this remarkable history. Located in the historic plantation town of Papaikou on the Hamakua Coast few miles outside the town of Hilo. Just past the 6 mile marker on the Mamalahoa Highway turn left ...At the stop sign turn right the and park in front of the gray building with the plantation mural.
(our home is on the edge of the former sugar plantation)
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Plantation Museum
27-246 Mamalahoa HwyThe Hawaii Plantation Museum tells the story of the sugar industry on the Island of Hawaii,also known as the Big Island, from 1820 until 1996. The museum highlights how the sugar industry brought many immigrants to work for the sugar industry and transformed business and gave rise to Hawaii's multi-cultural heritage. Visit today, and learn about this remarkable history. Located in the historic plantation town of Papaikou on the Hamakua Coast few miles outside the town of Hilo. Just past the 6 mile marker on the Mamalahoa Highway turn left ...At the stop sign turn right the and park in front of the gray building with the plantation mural.
(our home is on the edge of the former sugar plantation)
When visiting Akaka Falls, on the way you might want to stop at the Honomu Goat Dairy's small gift shop where you can sample and buy goat milk products from soap to candy to cheese. Many days you can also play with the baby goats.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Honomu Goat Dairy
28-257 Akaka Falls RdWhen visiting Akaka Falls, on the way you might want to stop at the Honomu Goat Dairy's small gift shop where you can sample and buy goat milk products from soap to candy to cheese. Many days you can also play with the baby goats.
Just minutes from Hilo, take a tour of this large tropical farm, visit the shop, or better yet, buy a 'farm box' of local farm produce (fruits and vegetables).
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
OK Farms Hawai'i
1570 Maikalani StJust minutes from Hilo, take a tour of this large tropical farm, visit the shop, or better yet, buy a 'farm box' of local farm produce (fruits and vegetables).
Papaikou and Nearby Towns
There are several towns up and down the Hamakua coast. Though small, there are many things to do!
On the road to Akaka falls. Make sure to stop at the bakery for a huge selection of homemade tropical jams and sauces (and great pastries of course). There are a couple shops for clothing, a coffee shop and an antique shop that specializes in vintage glass bottles
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Honomu
On the road to Akaka falls. Make sure to stop at the bakery for a huge selection of homemade tropical jams and sauces (and great pastries of course). There are a couple shops for clothing, a coffee shop and an antique shop that specializes in vintage glass bottles
We are in Papaikou, though the center is just up Old Mamalahoa Hwy. There are a few things there to see including the plantation museum and a cacao farm where you can take a tour of the farm and how chocolate is made.
Papaikou
We are in Papaikou, though the center is just up Old Mamalahoa Hwy. There are a few things there to see including the plantation museum and a cacao farm where you can take a tour of the farm and how chocolate is made.
Pepe'ekeo Is just up from Papaikou and before Honomu. The Onomea bay, several trails, a USPS office and Mauna Kea Cacao farm and tours are here among others things
Pepeekeo
Pepe'ekeo Is just up from Papaikou and before Honomu. The Onomea bay, several trails, a USPS office and Mauna Kea Cacao farm and tours are here among others things
Hamakua (southeast) Food scene
Places to get food within a couple miles of the home
If you are going to the botanical gardens or akaka falls, make this a stop for lunch or snack. They have great smoothies and shakes (made from fruit on their farm), sandwiches and wraps
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
What's Shakin
27-999 Mamalahoa HwyIf you are going to the botanical gardens or akaka falls, make this a stop for lunch or snack. They have great smoothies and shakes (made from fruit on their farm), sandwiches and wraps
They open shop each morning and unleash the scent of homemade breads, pastries and cookies. But the star attraction has become the hundreds of varieties of mouth watering jams, jellies, sauces, butters, chutneys, mustards and marmalades – made from scratch from Island fruits, peppers, and spices.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mr. Ed's Bakery
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa HwyThey open shop each morning and unleash the scent of homemade breads, pastries and cookies. But the star attraction has become the hundreds of varieties of mouth watering jams, jellies, sauces, butters, chutneys, mustards and marmalades – made from scratch from Island fruits, peppers, and spices.
Kimura general store. Newly opened! Essentials like sugar, eggs, etc. Packaged food. Drinks, salads, sandwiches, warm foods like hotdogs and musubi and more (even fishing supplies). Turn left when entering Mamalahoa Hwy, just over the bridge to your right on the corner of the hwy and mill rd.
27-289 Mill Rd
27-289 Mill RoadKimura general store. Newly opened! Essentials like sugar, eggs, etc. Packaged food. Drinks, salads, sandwiches, warm foods like hotdogs and musubi and more (even fishing supplies). Turn left when entering Mamalahoa Hwy, just over the bridge to your right on the corner of the hwy and mill rd.
Favorite Hilo Restaurants & Cafes
Some of our favorite restaurants and cafes. Hilo has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants. Better and less expensive in general than the Kona side.
Great open dining, great food, great service. Often live music. Needs a reservation, they seem always busy.
128 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe StGreat open dining, great food, great service. Often live music. Needs a reservation, they seem always busy.
This is a small restaurant, but packs a punch. We love this restaurant! Reservations recommended.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moon and Turtle
51 Kalakaua StThis is a small restaurant, but packs a punch. We love this restaurant! Reservations recommended.
Excellent chocolates from the Big Island, coffees and a great cafe (try the frozen hot cocoa... best tasting oxymoron you'll ever have).
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe
277 Keawe StExcellent chocolates from the Big Island, coffees and a great cafe (try the frozen hot cocoa... best tasting oxymoron you'll ever have).
We love the pizza here, our favorite being the "Bradda Yosemite Sam" (bbq kalua pork...).
The real selling point in addition to good pizza is that you can play old style video games (Tetris and pac man anyone?) at your table, more modern games at large computers and board games.
They even have ramen on the weekends.
Antics Pizza
475 Kinoole StreetWe love the pizza here, our favorite being the "Bradda Yosemite Sam" (bbq kalua pork...).
The real selling point in addition to good pizza is that you can play old style video games (Tetris and pac man anyone?) at your table, more modern games at large computers and board games.
They even have ramen on the weekends.
Very good food with a great view of Hilo bay. Need reservations most days.
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StVery good food with a great view of Hilo bay. Need reservations most days.
If you want fast food, skip the national chains and go straight to Kozmic Cones. A large menu of burgers, fries, local Hawaiian favorites, shakes, daily specials. (closed Sunday & Monday)
Kozmic Cones
317 Waianuenue AveIf you want fast food, skip the national chains and go straight to Kozmic Cones. A large menu of burgers, fries, local Hawaiian favorites, shakes, daily specials. (closed Sunday & Monday)
Wanting Thai? There are a lot of Thai restaurants in town (surprisingly to us), this is just one.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine
110 Kalakaua StWanting Thai? There are a lot of Thai restaurants in town (surprisingly to us), this is just one.
Wait, what?! You haven't had the Hawaiian traditional "poke"? Well, change that and go either to the Poke Market or Poke and Sides (at the farmer's market). ONO!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Poke Market, LLC
41 Waianuenue AveWait, what?! You haven't had the Hawaiian traditional "poke"? Well, change that and go either to the Poke Market or Poke and Sides (at the farmer's market). ONO!
The best shave ice on the island. Syrups are house-made from local fruits, all sorts of toppings and stuffings. At the Hilo Farmer's market
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kula Shave Ice
57 Mamo StThe best shave ice on the island. Syrups are house-made from local fruits, all sorts of toppings and stuffings. At the Hilo Farmer's market
Try the locally brewed beers and the hard ciders, seltzers and teas made from locally sourced produce and a pretty good selection of food at the Ola Brew Taproom. I especially like the lemongrass hard seltzer because tastes good and they grow the lemon grass just down the road from us.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ola Brew - Hilo
1177 Kilauea AvenueTry the locally brewed beers and the hard ciders, seltzers and teas made from locally sourced produce and a pretty good selection of food at the Ola Brew Taproom. I especially like the lemongrass hard seltzer because tastes good and they grow the lemon grass just down the road from us.
Natural World of Hawai'i
Places to see the natural flora and fauna, geology and sky of the island.
Best snorkeling this side of the island & at low tide, on the far end of the beach, you will find many, sometimes dozens of Hawaiian Green sea turtles lounging in the tidal pools. Be warned, the fine for touching or bothering them is hefty, but this is about as close as you'll ever get. You will find them swimming in the reef too sometimes.
If you are lucky (going early in the morning helps with that luck), you will find families of the endemic (and endangered) Ne Ne geese wandering the tide pools (and other native and introduced ducks and waterfowl).
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Ocean Richardson
2355 Kalanianaole StBest snorkeling this side of the island & at low tide, on the far end of the beach, you will find many, sometimes dozens of Hawaiian Green sea turtles lounging in the tidal pools. Be warned, the fine for touching or bothering them is hefty, but this is about as close as you'll ever get. You will find them swimming in the reef too sometimes.
If you are lucky (going early in the morning helps with that luck), you will find families of the endemic (and endangered) Ne Ne geese wandering the tide pools (and other native and introduced ducks and waterfowl).
A 7 mile trail about 30 minutes from Hilo through ancient (and not so ancient) lava flows, dotted with "kīpuka," pockets of native forest spared from lava flows. These kīpuka are good places to see and find endangered endemic Hawaiian birds like ʻakiapōlāʻau, ʻakepa, and ʻalawī. (honey creepers, etc), native plants and more. You will not see these near Hilo and lower elevations as they have been outcompeted by introduced birds like cardinals, myna birds and saffron finches and decimated by introduced predators like outdoor and feral cats and mongoose.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pu'u O'o Trail
A 7 mile trail about 30 minutes from Hilo through ancient (and not so ancient) lava flows, dotted with "kīpuka," pockets of native forest spared from lava flows. These kīpuka are good places to see and find endangered endemic Hawaiian birds like ʻakiapōlāʻau, ʻakepa, and ʻalawī. (honey creepers, etc), native plants and more. You will not see these near Hilo and lower elevations as they have been outcompeted by introduced birds like cardinals, myna birds and saffron finches and decimated by introduced predators like outdoor and feral cats and mongoose.
About 3,000 meters (9,000 ft) in elevation, the visitor center is the best place in the world to view the stars. That's not an exaggeration, that's why there are many observatories at the top (14,000ft).
Recommendations:
*If you can to go within a few days of either side of the new moon if you are here then. Best viewing as the moon's light is not washing the stars out. Ask Trey, our family nerd, days and times that are best.
*It WILL be cold up there. In the 40's in the summer, colder in winter. Even snow. If you don't have warm clothing, we recommend going to one of the local thrift stores (Sally's, Goodwill, etc) and buying some cheap caps, sweaters, gloves, etc and then donating them back when you are done.
*The car headlights coming and going can be very annoying when you lose your night vision. If you are able, try to take a short trail from the visitors center (use a red filter on you phone flashlight so as not to disturb others' viewing) to go over the hill so as not to be disturbed by the light.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro Onizuka para la Estación de Información para Visitantes de Astronomía Internacional
Mauna Kea Access RoadAbout 3,000 meters (9,000 ft) in elevation, the visitor center is the best place in the world to view the stars. That's not an exaggeration, that's why there are many observatories at the top (14,000ft).
Recommendations:
*If you can to go within a few days of either side of the new moon if you are here then. Best viewing as the moon's light is not washing the stars out. Ask Trey, our family nerd, days and times that are best.
*It WILL be cold up there. In the 40's in the summer, colder in winter. Even snow. If you don't have warm clothing, we recommend going to one of the local thrift stores (Sally's, Goodwill, etc) and buying some cheap caps, sweaters, gloves, etc and then donating them back when you are done.
*The car headlights coming and going can be very annoying when you lose your night vision. If you are able, try to take a short trail from the visitors center (use a red filter on you phone flashlight so as not to disturb others' viewing) to go over the hill so as not to be disturbed by the light.
Kilauea is an actively flowing volcano. On good days and evenings you can watch the lava lake spew lava into the air. On not so great days, you'll see the glow! The entire park is fascinating to see the natural lava formations and geology. Definitely worth a day or two (and a night). It's about a 45 minute drive from Hilo.
880 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea is an actively flowing volcano. On good days and evenings you can watch the lava lake spew lava into the air. On not so great days, you'll see the glow! The entire park is fascinating to see the natural lava formations and geology. Definitely worth a day or two (and a night). It's about a 45 minute drive from Hilo.
A small and fascinating introduction to the Northwest atolls, small islets and marine world of Hawai'i that have been preserved as a national wilderness. You will probably never get to visit this remote and protected area, but you can learn about it and its beauty, history and fascinating life here.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha AveA small and fascinating introduction to the Northwest atolls, small islets and marine world of Hawai'i that have been preserved as a national wilderness. You will probably never get to visit this remote and protected area, but you can learn about it and its beauty, history and fascinating life here.
Explore the lava tube caves mauka (towards mountain) of Hilo. Fun and fascinating. No cost. Make sure to bring good shoes and a strong light source.
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kaumana Caves
1492 Kaumana DrExplore the lava tube caves mauka (towards mountain) of Hilo. Fun and fascinating. No cost. Make sure to bring good shoes and a strong light source.
Cultural World of Hawaii
Check out their website for some excellent local and historical art shows and often plays.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Hawaii Cultural Center
141 Kalakaua StCheck out their website for some excellent local and historical art shows and often plays.
Great museum to learn more about Hawaiian history and traditional culture, and the natural world. It's a small museum that just takes a short time, but well worth it.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lyman Museum & Mission House
276 Haili StGreat museum to learn more about Hawaiian history and traditional culture, and the natural world. It's a small museum that just takes a short time, but well worth it.
I had a difficult time deciding whether to put this in 'natural' or 'cultural' world as it gives a great overview of the traditional Hawaiian culture surrounding the stars, creation and navigating and also a great overview of astronomy. Definitely worth a visit and they have a nice cafe. We'd recommend you go the same day you go to see the starts on Mauna Kea for a day about the stars :D
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa PlI had a difficult time deciding whether to put this in 'natural' or 'cultural' world as it gives a great overview of the traditional Hawaiian culture surrounding the stars, creation and navigating and also a great overview of astronomy. Definitely worth a visit and they have a nice cafe. We'd recommend you go the same day you go to see the starts on Mauna Kea for a day about the stars :D
The goals of the Museum are to promote public tsunami education and to preserve history. You'll learn the history of tsunamis that have hit Hilo in the past, the science of tsunamis and more.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha AveThe goals of the Museum are to promote public tsunami education and to preserve history. You'll learn the history of tsunamis that have hit Hilo in the past, the science of tsunamis and more.
If you lucky enough to be here in April and can get tickets, the Merrie Monarch Festival, the largest hula festival of all, is a must. If you can't get tickets, the parade is free and also a must
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Merrie Monarch Festival
865 Piilani StIf you lucky enough to be here in April and can get tickets, the Merrie Monarch Festival, the largest hula festival of all, is a must. If you can't get tickets, the parade is free and also a must
The Hawaii Plantation Museum tells the story of the sugar industry on the Island of Hawaii,also known as the Big Island, from 1820 until 1996. The museum highlights how the sugar industry brought many immigrants to work for the sugar industry and transformed business and gave rise to Hawaii's multi-cultural heritage. Visit today, and learn about this remarkable history. Located in the historic plantation town of Papaikou on the Hamakua Coast few miles outside the town of Hilo. Just past the 6 mile marker on the Mamalahoa Highway turn left ...At the stop sign turn right the and park in front of the gray building with the plantation mural.
(our home is on the edge of the former sugar plantation)
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Plantation Museum
27-246 Mamalahoa HwyThe Hawaii Plantation Museum tells the story of the sugar industry on the Island of Hawaii,also known as the Big Island, from 1820 until 1996. The museum highlights how the sugar industry brought many immigrants to work for the sugar industry and transformed business and gave rise to Hawaii's multi-cultural heritage. Visit today, and learn about this remarkable history. Located in the historic plantation town of Papaikou on the Hamakua Coast few miles outside the town of Hilo. Just past the 6 mile marker on the Mamalahoa Highway turn left ...At the stop sign turn right the and park in front of the gray building with the plantation mural.
(our home is on the edge of the former sugar plantation)
An historic independent theatre with an eclectic range of shows and events from old movies, independent movies, musical concerts, plays and more.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palace Theater
38 Haili StAn historic independent theatre with an eclectic range of shows and events from old movies, independent movies, musical concerts, plays and more.
Consejos para la ciudad
Formas de ahorrar
Warm Clothes!
If you plan to go hiking or stargazing on Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea, you'll need warm clothing! Our recommendation is to buy what you need at a local thrift store and then re-donate when done! Saves money and carrying heavy clothing while traveling
Frases útiles
Hawaiian words and phrases.
You'll find that Hawaiian and pidgin vocabulary is used quite regularly on the island. Here are some of the most used words:
aloha - love, affection; greeting, salutation; Hello! Goodbye!
mahalo - thank you
keiki - children
kapuna - senior citizen
wahine - woman
kane - man
grindz - food
ono - delicious
mauka - towards the mountain
makai - towards the ocean
kamaʻāina - resident of Hawaii
and the list goes on
Frases útiles
Pronouncing Hawaiian Words
The Hawaiian language consists only of the consonants H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and an ʻokina, which represents a glottal stop in the voice when speaking, as in the English phrase, uh-oh. Consonants are never doubled up.
There are 5 vowels, each have a single pronunciation:
a makes a short “ah” sound
e makes an “eh” sound like the e in “let”
i makes an “e” sound like the e in “easy”
o makes a short “oh” sound like the o in “pole”
u makes an “oo” sound like the oo in “moo”
A macron (-) above a vowel lengthens it.
Often you the glottal stops ('okina) and macron are omitted in writing.
Costumbres y cultura
Try Hawaiian Foods!
Hawaii has a rich culinary heritage from the indigenous Hawaiian to the foods brought and adapted by immigrants from Japan, Portugal, Philippines and more.
Lau-lau: a traditional food of pork (or chicken) w/ salted butter fish wrapped in taro leaves and Ti and steamed.
Poke: traditionally a raw fish cut up (the meaning of the word poke) w/ salt, kukui nut and limu (seaweed). There are MANY variations. You can find this in just about every grocery store, many poke places, gas stations and more!
Malasadas: a Portuguese donut-like pastry, often with fillings.
so much more... ask me!