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12 Places You Shouldn't Miss While You're In East Hawaii

By Hakalau Vacation Rental

12 Places You Shouldn't Miss While You're In East Hawaii

07/05/2016 I wanted to write and share with others a short list of what I think are some locations well worth taking the time to visit while your on the Hilo side of the Big Island of Hawaii. I have quite a bit of experience in the area since I own and manage a vacation rental in Hakalau, a small town just 15 miles north of Hilo near Akaka Falls.


Once you've chosen your accommodation(s), whether its a Hilo vacation rental home, condo or hotel, it really helps to know ahead of actually getting here where some of the best attractions and destinations are.


In this top 12 list of locations near Hilo, you'll find a few obvious ones that you were probably already going to visit, but there are some here that you probably never heard of. So, you just might want to bookmark this, or print it out for your next Big Island Trip!


1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – This location seems like a no-brainer, especially since it;s touted as being Hawaii's No. 1 attraction. Check to see what the volcano and lava is up to while your visiting, it changes almost daily.


2. Rainbow Falls in Hilo – This spectacular waterfall is free to visit and to be able get some gorgeous photos from your new smart phone or camera. Be sure to also stop at Boiling Pots, it's along the same Wailuku River almost another mile up the road.


3. Akaka Falls – See the mother of all waterfalls on the Big Island. It is uniquely a free-falling waterfall that plunges 442 feet to the bottom. Try to imagine what that sounds like.


4. Waipio Valley Lookout – Even if you don't venture down to the bottom of Waipio Valley (4 wheel drive required), you'll get some dramatic views across this expansive valley and shoreline. You'll be able see a series of cliff slopes jetting down into the ocean from the fantastic vantage point.


5. Lapahoehoe Point – Provides some beautiful lush scenery as you venture down Lapahoehoe Road. There's a County Park with restrooms and launch ramp. Picnic tables to stop for lunch in this rustic part of ocean with many black lava rock outcroppings.


6. Hakalau Beach Park– This now recently designated County Park was once the site of thriving sugar plantation mill, it still has many interesting relics and ruins from the past. The park location is at the bottom of Hakalau Valley where Hakalau stream meets the ocean. Picnic tables are available and restrooms.


7. Richardson's Beach Park – Located in Hilo, near the south end of Kalanianaole Ave. You'll find a beautiful swimming and snorkeling beach area protected by a natural lava rock break water. You'll likely see many sea turtles, either in the water or sunning themselves on the sand. The park has restrooms, outdoor showers and a lifeguard present.


8. Kopoho Tide Pools – This is great snorkeling location in Puna, with abundant tropical fish and coral diversity. If you plan on getting into the water, be sure to check the tides, as anything but low tide will give a good snorkeling experience. Some kind of shoes with soles are necessary, it's rocky!


9. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden- Even if your not the gardening type, these gardens are quite incredible. The meandering paths that travel under a canopy of various tropical trees and flora, will eventually lead you to the picturesque Onomea Bay. The property has numerous streams and waterfalls that create a surreal lush environment. I've never heard anyone say they didn't love it!


10. Umauma Falls Zip-Line Adventures -This triple-deck waterfalls and stream sports 9 different zipline rides over beautiful water falls and rain forest canopies, including a 200 foot wide suspension bridge high above Umaumau stream. Swimming and kayaking in the Umaumau stream is available.


11. The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens – This amazing zoo is as much of a zoo as it is a tropical botanical garden. They have a sizable amount of exotic mammals, reptiles and aviary. The grounds are filled with tropical plantings that are lovingly cred for and established my many of the area's groups and societies, specializing it various botanical species Free to to enter, donations excepted.



12. Hilo Farmers Market – At this market your sure to see tropical fruits and vegetables you've never seen before! A lot fun can be had trying the various samples and items that vendors give away and sell. A variety of craft vendors are set up in the craft section, with many artisan made crafts. Also an even bigger Maku'u Market in Puna, is open on Sundays only. The Hakalau Foodshare Market in Hakalau, is open every Tuesday after 3:30 pm until whenever.

About This Author

Hakalau Vacation Rental

Hakalau Vacation Rental

Discover the Big Island's Hamakua Coast and east Hawaii from our centralized accommodation in Hakalau, Hawaii. Being just 15 miles from Hilo, makes Hakalau Vacation Rental an excellent lodging choice from which to see many of Hawaii's popular attractions and sites of interest! Easily see the Hawaii …

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