Did a day trip to Big Island to see the volcanoes and decided to see this as well. So glad we did! Gorgeous! Hike is not strenuous, although there are stairs involved. I have RA and did the round trip with no issues. Highly recommend!

About a 30 minute paved walk through lush tropical forest, in a creek valley, and overlooking a beautiful tall waterfall. Pictures probably don't do the trail justice, it's very green with a variety of tropical trees and plants. Path is well maintained, but it feels like we should have gone counter clockwise (go right instead of left at the entrance...), the right side had a lot of stairs and the left had more sloping paths, both lead down to the falls. So taking the clockwise route led to an impromptu stair master exercise session.

You can easily see one large waterfall, and more if it has rained recently. Parking is $10 and the park fee is $5 per person. Nice bathrooms and picnic tables are available. The entire walk is fairly easy following the one-way.

From the moment you turn off the highway till you go down the stairs to where the waterfall comes into site you will enjoy beautiful sites. There are restrooms and they are in good condition for being half outdoors. If you park on the side of the road you don't have to pay for parking but you'll most likely need a vehicle with higher clearance to do street parking. The hike to the falls requires a bit of physicality but it's nothing too strenuous. If you come after a few days of hard rain it will be raging otherwise it may be smaller.

We loved seeing the waterfalls here. Entry is $5/per person, parking was free. If you are a resident with a state park pass, entry for your party is free. Restrooms are available by the parking lot. There is a paved walkway with handrails to take you to the main waterfall. You can take the longer, more scenic path on the right or a shortcut on the left. The scenic path is very pretty with lots of green vegetation to look at. There are several smaller falls tucked in along the path. This place is absolutely beautiful.

A stunning tropical location and rain forest that offers a different perspective each time you visit. You do pay a small fee that doubles as parking and admission. The walking paths and support rails are added in a way that allows you to see breathtaking views without being impeded by views of tourists. Some days its beauty is revealed by clear sunny skies, many days the shadows are drowned out by overcast, and if you're lucky, you'll experience the rain and mist that often subdues the area, giving it the enhanced version of a Jurassic Park. It's a fairly easy walk around the entire path, which essentially makes a circle.

Short walk with the stairs that go up and down but an easy in difficulty level. Amazing scenery. There is a 5 dollar fee for entry if you are not a Hawaii resident. There is also paid parking within the gate, but that was full, so we parked outside of the gate along the road.

Was a nice thing to visit, 20 minutes walk to see quite a high waterfall from the distance. Entrance fee $5 per person if you park outside the yellow fence. If you use the official parking $10 come on top.

There is a short route to the left and a longer route at the y intersection the longer route does connect with the shorter route but it takes you around the akaka Falls. you can't see the Kahuna falls as it is overgrown but you can hear it. Lots of stairs if you have weak knees take the left route. $10 parking. Plus ticket costs. We went off the Pride of America Cruise excursion.

This is a paved walking path that features 2 waterfalls. You can view the Akaka falls at a distance bur not go down to them. The other waterfall Kahuna is barely visible and not water accessible. Beautiful tropical plants to take pictures of.

One of the most beautiful trails I've seen. The flora is so abundant and diverse along the loop that visits two falls. Akaka Falls is spectacular, the second falls is a bit obscured. The asphalt trail provides a great walking surface and has railing/fencing the entire way. It is a magical place. Some things I definitely don't mind paying for and this is one of them.

A beautiful park. You might feel like you are in the movie Honey I Shruk the Kids. The vegetation is enormous and satisfies your tropical desires. Some things to note: - There are about 100 stairs to get down to (and back up from) the falls. - These are some of the easiest falls to access. - If you park outside the gate you can save yourself $10 - It costs $5 per person for park access - Credit card payment only - The restroom was clean and well stocked

A great stop totally worth the $5 entry fee. Moderate-easy hike on a paved path with varied altitudes ( good amount of steps). The falls are amazing, the jungle is impressive on its own. Parking is a little sketchy but do able. Highly recommend

Awesome falls! I think the parking price is a lot... we paid $20. But we did the loop and it was a good walk on concrete stairs. Glad we were under the trees most of the time since they provided shade. If you want a shorter walk to the falls, go left.

Beautiful paved path to view waterfalls. Kids friendly! It’s $5/ person and $10 parking is a bit much but enjoyed the views exploring flora, fauna and waterfalls! It gets crowded to go early.

Quite a few stairs but an easy loop trail. $5 per person to get in and $10 for parking which is a bit ridiculous. You can park just outside of the entrance for free. Took all of an extra minute to walk in.

It's a short hike but all stairs. There are two waterfalls actually. The entire trail is one loop hitting both waterfalls, Akaka fall being the larger one and Kahuna the smaller one.

Beautiful state park. Lucky for us, it sprinkled down some rain, so it kept the crowds away. We were able to circle the park a couple of times with very few people around. It is a short loop, so you might as well go around twice.

Between parking and accessing the Falls it's $15. The trail down and backup is easy - it's paved with a steel railing. I was disappointed though that I was not able to go all the way down to the base of the Falls. There were several trails that were blocked off due to construction.

Great scenery while walking down the steps to get to the falls. From the huge bamboo to giant ferns and various trees, it's like walking through a jungle. The direct path to view the falls was under construction when we were there.

One of the trails is being maintained and was closed. This means the existing trail was more crowded. The falls are definitely beautiful, but with a lot of people wan1ting pictures, it feels like you can't relax and take them in for a few... go when it is less busy. :)

So beautiful! Very easy hike with my family of 8. Our youngest is 5 and is paved the whole way. Very pretty views and we're so glad we came!

2nd visit, and I love it. The drive and cost don't bother me. It's a beautiful place, rain or shine. Highly recommend. I actually think it's cool that you can't see the bottom, feels mysterious. The jungle sights along the way add to the beauty.

You cannot get into the water, waterfall is beautiful, I went at 7am but didn't see the rainbow. I was there for about 15-20 minutes.

It was a very pretty spot but very busy with tour buses when we arrived at 10am. There was no rainbow when we were there because of the overcast but it was still nice. There were various lookout points of the falls and had an added feature with lots of banyon trees to view at the peak of the falls. It’s a quick stop but makes for great photos.

Absolutely beautiful place. I am pregnant and can't get around the best; there is parking within feet of the view so it's accessible for anyone. There's also a small "hike" up a path/stairs on the left side of the water to the top of the falls if you're more mobile. Best to go on a sunny day so you can see the rainbow in the waterfall.

Our family of five from Texas and Oklahoma visited Oahu and the Big Island for Spring Break! The waterfall and area is Amazing!! I love waterfalls and this one did not disappoint. You do not have to hike to this one, right at the parking! It was very cloudy the day we visited so no rainbow.. The only negative I have is there was a lady while we were there that was climbing all over the rocks right by the water so we could not get good pictures for a while. She was on the rocks for quite some time… People were yelling at her to get back and I noticed some people were downright mad that she was out there! I do not blame them! Then on our way home from our trip, I read about a man that fell and had to be rescued by helicopter and is seriously injured and this accident happened 2 days after we had visited!! Not sure why people try this stuff, they are only going to ruin it for future guests as they will not be able to visit at all if they block the falls from everyone! Would definitely recommend this waterfall to everyone!!

Easily accessible attraction. The falls are beautiful and there is a plaque to explain the Hawaiian mythology about the creation of the falls. Parking is right nearby along with a restroom. You can walk up the stairs to see nearby Boiling Pots as well.

Beautiful place to visit. The waterfall is beautiful but my favorite part is the majestic trees. Defenitly a place I love to visit and connect with the earth.

Great photo spot of a waterfall without the rainforest hike to get to it. Short paved walk (less than one min to the falls' viewing platform) from the parking lot. A few stairs or a ramp take you to that viewing platform. There can be a short wait if the parking lot is full. It can be a 5 min stop. This is one waterfall worth checking out.

Great place to see waterfall up close. Easy to walk to. Even for seniors or handicapped. 😁 We gotten to see an actual Rainbow. 🌈🌺🤙

An easy and enjoyable waterfall to visit while in Hilo. Taking the stairs to the overlook over the waterfall provides a different vantage point of the river before and after the waterfall and the lush surrounding greenery. But make sure to take in the main views first! Bathrooms also on site.

If you're there shortly after rain, you can see a much higher flow of water in the falls. If you go there when it's sunny, you can see a rainbow in the falls

This place is so beautiful 🤩 we came very late(after 6pm) that’s why it’s so dark on my videos. I wish we’ve came earlier because people told us, that there are beautiful rainbows almost every day when it’s sunny, but it was raining all day long, so we decided to do it later)) anyway it was very beautiful and the sound of the waterfall is magnificent ♥️

Easy quick stop if you are in or near Hilo. However this means it is a quick and easy stop for giant tour buses. If you can catch this gorgeous spot at a good time it is well worth it. Super easy access for everyone and less than a few steps to see the falls and beauty. In addition to the falls, what was actually even more impressive to us was one of the largest and oldest banyan trees in the world. Pictures do not to it justice. This is a site you need to see for yourself. The roots are twisting and sprouting everywhere, like something you would see in Stranger Things. Absolutely a must see. Mother Nature is always surprising us! Again though, tiny parking lot, but because it’s not a big area to see, people done stay too long and spots open quick.

Beautiful view of the rainbow falls. When we visited it was cloudy and sunny so no rainbow. It was still beautiful. You don't need to trek at all, it's just next to the parking.

This location is beautiful. It was busy when we stopped by. On the right side, there is a ramp for wheelchairs and/or strollers. The left side has stairs to go up the side of the falls. Parking is small, but people are constantly going in and out, so the wait is not that bad. There are restrooms on site, and it is close to restaurants.

Easy, pleasant walk from the parking lot. Nice, not too large falls, beautiful setting. You'd have to be lucky to see the rainbow though. And if you're unlucky enough to catch tour buses it gets really crowded.

This was one of my favorite places on the island. The waterfall was beautiful but what I enjoyed the most was the amazing trees!! The trees blew me away. We weren’t the only ones who enjoyed them. Humans from young to old turned into monkeys and climbed high amongst the trees. We felt like kids weaving in and out of the roots! So cool!

It was a short drive from downtown Hilo. We managed to get a parking spot right away. We changed into our shoes for the short hike to the falls. There are plenty of vantage points and areas for viewing the falls. The boiling pots are also a short hike further up the trail. There is a plaque with an interesting local folklore story about the rainbow falls located there, which makes gor a good read.

Beautiful waterfall, even more beautiful rainforest forest with absolutely incredible trees. Free access but just touch to find parking. Highly recommend

Beautiful waterfalls. Near by Hilo and very easy access with plenty of parking and bathrooms. It's best to go early to catch the sun. You might catch a rainbow at the bottom of the falls. 🌈💙

A gorgeous waterfall, with lots of tourists visiting. The free parking lot isn't large, but people constantly come and go. There are a couple of educational signs and a horde of tourists pining for a shot of the falls. Visit before noon to see the rainbow. Don't miss the epic tree, just walk up the steps to the upper area and you can't miss it. Worth checking out as it is really easy to access.

You can get to see the beautiful falls after crossing the parking lot. No hiking required. Free. Do not miss it.

An easy visit to see a waterfalls, but the real start of this place is the vegetation surrounding the waterfalls and the old banyan tree that sprawls out for quiet some ways that is a great place for some photos. A very accessible mini trek around the area with plenty of parking that can be crowded from tourist buses.

We went to the Mauna Kea last night and it was beautiful. We only went to the visitors center as we had two children, but it was still nice. We got there around 6pm and went inside the visitors center (closes at 7pm). You still have to wear masks inside, which we didn't have. However, they provided masks and hand sanitizer. They do have some items for purchase inside to keep you warm because it gets cold. Their restrooms also close at 7pm so after that you have to use the port-a-potty. We walked across the street to see the sun set and came back down to see the stars. If you walk over there keep in mind to wear good shoes as it is gravel and dirty, which gets slippery. Plus it is dusty and gets a reddish-brown dirt on your shoes and pant legs. We went back to the vehicle to wait for the night to fall with our headlights OFF (some people forget this). We could see the stars there, but at times it was difficult to get pictures because of the vehicle headlights. Either way it was beautiful there and would recommend it.

Beautiful sunset experience... you feel like you are in a world of your own above the clouds! Surreal...pics don't do it justice! Don't forget to dress warm...wind is very chilly! If you want to make the drive up to the top, plan in advance and confirm you have an AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicle. Plan to wait 30 minutes before you make the final drive from the visitor center. We didn't make it to the top, so these pics are all around the visitor center.

Beyond AMAZING!! Gorgeous views! Well worth the altitude sickness. I did bring supplemental oxygen, easy to order from Amazon. I would recommend bringing some oxygen monitoring pulse ox if not travel on a tour with guide. Stargazing was wondetful!! Even seen 2 shooting stars 🌠 Oh make sure to look at the silver sword located in back of center at 9k feet. It is only located in Mauna Kea and no where else in the world.

Everyone with a decent ride can get to the Visitor Center on this site at 9,000 feet, but once there you will not be allowed to go further without a 4x4. The highest point is 13, 796 feet. 4 Miles of it beyond visitor center is gravel 4 miles are paved. The park rangers will make sure you're prepared before climbing .. If not they will not allow your entry past visitor center. So it's worth renting a 4x4 if you want full experience. Just don't tell car rental place where you're going! Also anyone with high blood pressure, asthma, heart issues, shouldn't go but that's left at your own risk if you lie to them. Coming back down they will check your brake fluid for boiling, so you can pull over at visitor center and cool of before going back down fully. The views... Breathtaking.. Pics do it no justice. Well worth the adventure..well worth the climb to get those views that are once in a life time without hiking for them. There are some interesting areas around visitor center to hike. So there's options once there without a 4x4. Bring plenty of water and snacks eat before you go and look at weather. It's a long drive and further after fully climbing. The hills get covered in fog quickly during certain conditions. Also take warm clothes, temperature drops up there nearly 20° or lower on some days! Seeing the telescopes are like being on another planet. You do not go inside those though. And very important to know there are portalets at certain levels.. the climb is bumpy and you may need a restroom break halfway up! You will get dizzy, you will feel the altitude. Be safe and walk slowly getting out of vehicle. Monitor your breathing and physical changes climbing. Most do just fine, better to be aware than not though. Enjoy and have fun! Take a day to see it all!

Loved visiting here. Way above the clouds to you can get awesome photos. The workers are super friendly and knowledgeable. You are only able to drive to the visitor center unless you have a 4 wheel drive. There are people checking cars after that. Just a note, when you park your car, please turn off your lights so it doesn’t distract others taking pictures.

At 1h30 min drive from each side of the island, this is where you will have the most impressive sunset picture from the big island. But , First, you should always call their information phone number before planning to go. They will tell you if the road for the sumit is open. They will also give you all the information's for the sunrise , sunset , and other weather information. Based on these factors, plan your timing, including 30 min of acclimatization at the visitor center. You will need a 4X4 and a least Half-tank of gas. It will take you approximately 30 min drive to reach the top. In conclusion, it is highly recommended to be 1h30 min prior sunset time at the visitor center.

> Any car can make it to this point. However, a 4x4 is required for the summit. There will be staffs to check your vehicle > There is a hilltop where you can see the views, which required a bit of hiking uphill to get there (beware of the high elevation) > The sunset is much better at Mauna Loa observatory, if that is what you are coming for > No entrance fees

One of the best places to visit in this island! Get a 4x4 and do not skip going to the top of the mountain. The store in there could sell drinks, snacks and a little more souvenirs. But hey it's Hawaii they do it their way, just think you would be way more profitable and convenient for weary travelers. It is in the middle of no where and probably logistical nightmare so I do understand their limitations! Do not skip this I REPEAT DO NOT SKIP THIS!

Beautiful sunset/scenery on the top of the hill with clouds. This time clouds were way up around the hill as opposed to the last time we had to drive through clouds and we got to enjoy clear view. It was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit at the visitors center. Dress up properly because you will spend at least one hour outside, climbing up, taking pictures, and coming down.

It was cold. Dress appropriately. Like cold and windy. 42 degrees cold. No. More clothes than that!! Lol... There is an informative display. However, I felt like I was at a high school science fair. It wasn't very cohesive. The gift shop prices were a bit high, but they have a captive audience, and they weren't totally outrageous. Bathrooms were small and had a line to get in-some tours were heading up the mountain, so the shuttles and tourists were there. There were three stalls, heated lamps, and cold water. Brrr.... It didn't help that the doors were open, but with that many people in line, it couldn't be helped. If you have time, make the trek. If not, you're not missing a ton if you're are only heading to the visitors center/gift shop, like we were. PLEASE NOTE: If you are going all the way up to the summit,.. BE AWARE that you NEED to have at least half tank of gas, 4x4 vehicle and be in good health. Due to elevation sickness, you will HAVE to stop at the visitors center for at least 30 minutes to an hour to acclimate to the high elevation. Don't try to be sneaky either... They physically check every vehicle leaving the parking lot heading to the summit, and you don't want to get elevation sickness that far from medical help!!

We headed up to the visitor information center before sunset, walked up to the viewpoint (20 minutes, just follow others or talk to a ranger) for the sunset, then ate a picnic in our car and waited for the stars. The parking lot had some spots the entire time, but it was tight by 6. The stars were incredible and worth the trip. The viewpoint was incredibly windy the day we were there but also beautiful. You can't stay up at the summit past sunset. I would recommend planning your trip around the visitor information center.

We thought we were going to the summit and watch the sun set with the observatory in the back ground however after they told us they do not recommend anyone under 13 years of age we decided to change our plans and just go across the street and hike to the top of sunset mountain I believe is what it was called. It's an easy hike but the lose lava rocks can make it slippery and parts are steep but not anything unmanageable with good shoes

Such an incredible place to see the sunset and star gazing. If you have any interest in either of these, don’t miss out on this hidden gem. You can take your own vehicle and get up to this location. Get there at least 1/2 hour before sunset if it’s tourist peak season.

I've always known about the observatories and actually haplessly visited by chance since I was in the neighborhood and was told a great place to see the sunset. Of course it was only upon arrival to the visitor center that I was merely miles away from them. But there was just a minor problem. You are required to be driving a 4x4 vehicle in order to progress further. So close and yet so far! Now I understand why so many people rent Jeeps! My trusty Avis corporate discount full size wasn't going to get us there. So be prepared, also for the long line and wait. It will only be a short hike for me and a spectacular sunset pictures this trip. Don't show up right at sunset like a few people did. The look of disappointment on their facesis palpable as we make are egress from the peak after just basking in all that Maunkea sunset glory. I'd say show up 1-2 hours ahead and just take in the view, and drive a 4x4!

We arrived without a tour to the 10k elevation visitor station (kids allowed) for a breathtaking sunset, don't miss it!!! The experience is amazing driving through the clouds and then getting to the station. Research what time the sunset is and come early to get parking. We arrived at 6:15 for a 645 sunset time (late August). (Note: You can only go to the summit with a 4x4 car and with all over 13 yrs of age. 2 out of 4 of us had mild adverse affects with the altitude and had to walk a little slower up the hill. Bring water. There are restrooms. Parking is limited so go early. We were on the Big Island for 10 days and did a number of adventures, this was hands down our #1 experience, and it was free!!! Pictures and video don't even do it justice. There is a steep incline to walk and expect a rocky dirt road (I recommend closed toed shoes with a grip but you'll be ok without if you go slow).

Now this one was my favorite place on the whole Big Island of Hawaii. You don't need to drive all the way up to the summit, because the sunset and stargazing take place here at the height of the Visitor Information Station. You will be driving through and above the clouds, then find a parking spot on the right side and cross the street to walk up a small hill. Be aware of the altitude sickness, because this is serious. Symptoms are headaches, nausea and shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms occur, take a break. Also always focus on your breathing: take long deep breaths through your nose and slowly breath out through your mouth. The air is thin and hence you will not inhale as much oxygen as at sea level. Wear warm clothes and layers of them - especially if you want to see the night sky (totally worth it - see my pictures). Also take some night lights/torches with you, when you walk back down the path in darkness. For this trip you don't need a 4x4 or AWD car, but a simple 2WD or front-wheel drive car will do. When driving back down, gear down to use the engine break or just down accelerate that much in the first place. You will have a great time, trust me! Those are the actual photos I took (also the night sky). Hint: For the perfect night sky select a night, where there is no or only little moon visible.

Beautiful, tranquil setting to enjoy a lunch in the park. After your meal, stroll through the gardens, enjoy the breeze, observe the many songbirds, occasional nene & ducks. If you're fortunate enough you may even see a fisherman or two. Great place for young kids to run up & down hills.

The gardens was kept up meticulously. There were just enough tranquil settings to accommodate our 25 minute visit. If you can, use the Hoppa On, Hopper Off bus tour that allows the stop to be taken in properly without spending too much time onsite. Worthy of the daily outing especially if coming off of the cruise ship!

The gardens are free to enter and enjoy. There's free street parking all around them. This is as much a city park as it is a Japanese garden area. There are picnic tables and benches on both sides and many birds and trees. The water in the Japanese garden could be cleaner but it doesn't distract too much. Be careful on the concrete bridges as they do hold water when it rains and they don't drain.

If you visit Hilo, I highly recommend you go visit King Liliuokalani Garden. It is an ornamental Japanese garden with absolutely stunning views. It is very well maintained, and a great park to relax and enjoy the shore. There are 2 beautiful arching bridges over ponds, a little tea house, a few benches, sculptures, some incredible trees, many giant yellow bamboos periodically scattered around, wildlife, flowers, and picnic tables. It is a very good spot to enjoy some fresh air. A big plus is there is no entrance fee and there is plenty of parking spaces. This place was absolutely gorgeous, and definitely worth going to!!!

Beautiful and well preserved area with different kinds of landscapes including large trees, plants, grass, lakes and bridges.

Absolutely stunning and serene park. Going early to mid day was the perfect spot to just feel at peace. Highly recommended stopping here when visiting the big island

Very beautiful Japanese garden. Perfect for a nice walk or a place for meditation. Would recommend 🙏🏾💚

What a beautiful garden and it’s free. Decent parking spots, I have seen lot of people doing their morning walk routine. The big islands peak is clearly visible from here on a sunny day. The green trees, blue sky and the water makes you feel very fresh. Highly recommend this place for pictures.

Serene and peaceful park+pond. A perfect place for a meditation or a quiet picnic. Expansive park area inspired by Edo style Japanese gardens. These stunning and tranquil gardens were named after Hawaii Kingdom's last reigning queen, Lili'uokalani. There's a long walking trail around the entire park surrounded by the pond and pleasant, well kept landscaping. Water fountain available in the park (love that it has alkaline option too!) Nice to have bathrooms available when the park is open

Wow! Who knew that a city park could offer so more. The scents from all of the flowers were just amazing. I loved seeing everyone come through with friends and family to just relax and converse. The smell of bbq was simply divine and reminded me of home hanging with the family. So many different birds, plants and trees. The Banyan trees and ferns are just breathtaking.

This park is a must-see while visiting. Follow the rules, pick up your trash, and enjoy!

Nice park/garden. 20-30 mins are enough to explore this small park and all scenic spots.

Nice gardens. Not really a tourist destination, but if you are in Hilo area, you can come chill here a little before you continue with your trip

Beautiful garden right next to water with picturesque trees and ocean views, little bridge like fairy tales, ducks, and walk to coconut island. There is a walking path around with lookouts near the ocean front. Lush green grass and huge ancient trees. Great, relaxing experience. With ample parking, near Hilo airport, and right next to some good hotels, this place is not to be missed when visiting big island.

Beautiful garden area! You can wander paths past huge banyon trees that lead to a Japanese style garden. It was a lovely and relaxing walk through this lush site. There are bathrooms on site but they were closed while we were there.

Beautiful park with phenomenal trees! It's nice to sit by the water of the bay, which is calmer than most. A lot of people were out walking with their dogs or families. It's also close to some great food: look for the fish market or the bay Cafe!

A beautiful park overlooking the water. Pretty place to have a picnic and enjoy the view. There is a public restroom nearby and parking along side of the park.

Nice, quiet park to walk and reflect on the beauty of the area. There are walking trails around the park, and around the water features. We saw fish, crabs, many birds, and even a few cats loitering around a tree. It's a couple minute walk to Coconut Island, which is also worth the walk. We didn't have any problem parking. There seemed to be access all around the park.

Beautiful Asian garden. Great place to sit and have lunch/dinner. Very peaceful.

One of the highlights of the Hilo Farmers Market is the opportunity to interact directly with the farmers and vendors, learning about the products and the stories behind them. The friendly atmosphere and sense of community make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you're looking for a tasty snack, unique souvenirs, or simply want to soak in the sights and sounds of a bustling market, the Hilo Farmers Market has something for everyone. Be sure to come hungry and with a spirit of curiosity to fully enjoy all that this lively market has to offer.

I loved doing the farmers market! On Saturday’s & Wednesday’s additional small businesses join the market selling all kinds of edible goods! It’s not super big but is so worth going through it all to look at all the native crops that are harvested. 10/10 recommend going through it!

Very kind people with some yummy fruits and veggies! Honey something mango was really good. White pineapple was amazing! As long as it is correctly ripe - the first one we had was not great. Same with mountain apples, some were not ready to be picked let alone eaten, but the good ones were great. Red lychees are much better than brown as well.

Don’t go there if you look like a tourist. Prices is 2x3x more if you look like one. We went here wearing every day clothes and they charged us much less than when we went dressed up. One lady sold us something else instead of passion fruit ( check my pictures) Otherwise good selection of kinda local/ local fruits and veggies . There is a food stand right across the street with normal prices, check them out first before going to farmers market Fruit suggestion: longun( yellow-orange soft and firm) sour sop( green with black and soft) jackfruit( orange- brown and smell like juice fruit gum) avocado( don’t be fooled by its color they should be soft but still firm) pineapple ( orange and smells like pinacolada ) sweetsop,( yellow with black) local oranges( they looked like they not ripen)

Great place to experience Hilo and get something to bring back to the mainland! People are friendly and ready to make a deal! It was pretty busy but super fun!

Very fun to go on a Saturday morning. There are so many interesting fruits and vegetables and samples of some of them. These were the best prices I found for fresh fruit and souvenirs.

One of my favourite places in Hilo. They have a great range of fresh fruit of all varieties plus chocolate, macadamias, souvenirs and more. There are also sometimes food vendors serving items from tamales to vegan soul food.

Local tropical fruits available. Many varieties including the very exotic ones like mangosteen and durian. Negotiation with the vendors are highly suggested for the best price.

Awesome freshness and great prices for fruits and vegetables. Prices are comparable at most stalls so do make your rounds and try to buy from all not just the first stall you came across. Saturday brings out the most vendors with lots of baked goods. Street parking are easy to find.

Hilo farmers market might be quite a drive, but it's all worth it. There is lots of exotic fruits like soursop, star fruit, lychee, rambutan, and tons more. And especially, the most expensive type of pineapple, the white pineapple. The white pineapple is yellow and with red spots, and it's really good.

Fun and colorful Farmers market with many fruit stands and produce of all exotic and local produce. Better prices than the Kona side and much more to choose from.

If you love tropical fruits you would love Hilo Farmer’s Market! Lots of fruit stands. They open from 7 to 3. My fav: Mangosteens, strawberry papayas!

The Farmers Market is better than it ever was before. There are more varieties of island fruits, vegetables, and herbs, to be found at this market. The vendors for artistry, wood workers, and local jewelry, were astounding. The choices of products were abundant and quite impressive. What an improvement.

Always a fantastic time at the open-air market in Hilo. The market boasts a big selection of vendors, making it a true treasure trove of local goods. What stood out to me was the abundance of fresh fruits, which were not only delicious but also a great way to support local agriculture. While some vendors prefer cash, I appreciated that many were flexible and accepted credit or even Apple Pay, making transactions convenient. It's a testament to the market's adaptability in the modern world. The overall atmosphere was lively and vibrant, offering a glimpse into the local culture and craftsmanship. It's an excellent place to explore, taste, and connect with the community. I highly recommend a visit to this open-air market in Hilo for a taste of local flavors and culture.

Very beautiful farmers market in the heart of the town. Wide variety of shopping options. Vegetables, fruits of different types. If you are in need of coconut water this is the best stop. So many different varieties of fruits which I have not seen any where else like this must stop.

Lots of souvenirs and fresh fruit to choose from with varying price levels. Locally grown items and local artists made this place great.

Fresh fruit, across street is also farmers market for clothes and tourist items. Tram to and from docks for visiting ship passengers. If you miss last bus. Go across main road across from market. Tram can take you. Free if you have a wrist band. Great shops and grocery store short distance from here. Would visit again.

Awesome must stop place! I wish there was something similar back home. Local products and lots of fruits and veggies.

Very colorful a lot of nice people Can get very packed with tourist and parking can be a problem. If u want to try fruit, here’s your spot across the street they have small shops at good prices.

Great little island with beautiful views of the waterfront. There are areas for swimming and fishing and plenty of space for sitting on grass. The island isn’t very big but it does have toilets, water fountains and picnic tables for guests to enjoy. It’s a nice place but if you’re looking for a place to sit and enjoy the view, you pass many other options on the way here.

We absolutely loved going here! It was a very neat locale and the views were great. Lots of fun to visit for the afternoon.

Cute place for a picnic, beautiful views, calm and relaxing spot. Worth visiting if you're around.

This is a fun little spot. Lots of locals appear to bring their dogs to play in the grass- which was fine as they didn’t disturb us as we had a picnic. If the tide is high there is a tower to jump off too. Wear shoes when you jump because the lava rocks are very sharp as you climb out.

Wow, what a great place to do some jumps I high medium and small and did I mention how beautiful this place is. Tons of turtles in the water everywhere. Lots of locals, must be the place to hang so you might get some dirty looks from them if your a tourist but a must see area on the other side of the bridge.

We absolutely love this little island. It’s a short walk over a bridge to coconut island. There’s a few picnic tables to have lunch at or bring a blanket because there’s plenty of grass to sit on. So we bring lunch and then go jump off the old ruin spot. My kids love it! There’s also a few sandy swimming spots and some good snorkeling if you want to explore.

Easy walk via wide bridge. Restroom facilities and some shade.

Really cool place to chill and relax. Tons of grass and tables to sit at and spread out, and another place where you can jump off into the water. Water is fairly calm because of the protective jetty barrier in the bay.

My travel angels said, worth a look. I got a nice story about the deadliest tsunami in modern Hawaiian history. And I got some tips on how to survive tsunami‘s. Great knowledge if you’re staying near the ocean in Hawaii.

Wonderful museum staffed by lovely folks who are happy to see you. The museum is well done and I learned quite a lot about tsunamis in general and the Hilo region in particular. Recommend a visit.

This was a good museum dedicated to tragedy. There's a lot of information on the walls to read. I wish there were more interactive exhibits though--for kids, the reading is tough. They also had a theater where you could view a 30-minute video about tsunamis. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Overall, this is a well-done museum about an important and tragic subject.

Lovely staff and informative staff and Museum. Touching stories

Mixed feelings on this museum. It contains tons of useful and very important information. It is critical not only for locals but also for visitors to understand the dangers that a tsunami can pose. That being said this place is in need of an update. There were no bathrooms some of the interactive exhibits could use an upgrade. I was also a bit perturbed when I asked the lady to call her dog back to her because my mom is allergic. I started by calling the dog back but she did nothing to stop the dog. Cute dog but I think it's important that they realize that not everyone can be around them. Despite this my mom still very much enjoyed the museum as did the rest of us. Ticket prices are now :$15 adults, $10 military & senior, and $5 kids.

Wonderful museum. Staff are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Great displays, videos and photos. Some displays are interactive which definitely helps keep the kids interested.

Very educational museum describing tsunamis in the Pacific. Not huge, but packed with information. Recommend you watch the short movie first, then walk through the exhibits.

Interesting displays for older children and adults. Definitely watch the video in the bank vault theater. Visit the free marine museum one block away instead if you are short on time.

Small museum. Lots of information. Even if it's a self-guided tour, volunteers are there to answer any questions you might have on tsunamis, and more specifically on those that hit Hilo in the past. Very interesting museum with great staff. Thanks.

This is a beautiful memorial to those people who died in a tsunami. Very educational and historical display. I really enjoyed all the photographs and artifacts.

Such a fun little museum. Not so much for kids though.

Nice small museum. Lots of reading so not as enjoyable for a young child. The displays and videos are dated, but the information is still relevant and informative.

It's small museum (adequately sized for their displays) but what it lacks in size it makes up for in a detailed historical count of Tsunami's impact on the Pacific corridor, specifically Hawaii. There are exhibit stations that chronologically take you through the time periods of documented Tsunamis and the socioeconomic and environmental impact. This is a unique opportunity to understand the devastating effects Tsunamis have in the Pacific region.

Very informative and eye opening. We all are exposed to mother nature sometime in our lives. Experience not only the pre tsunami signs but also the stories of great herorism. Your family will walk away changed for the better.

Super informative museum about tsunamis. The best part was the video interviews of survivors.

The museum is housed in an old bank building and in fact, they show an informative video in their small theater, which happens to be the old vault room... very cool idea! The staff were very friendly and upon entry gave us a bit of an oral introduction to Hilo and it's history with tsunamis that was unsolicited, but also much appreciated. Nice touch. There's tons of information, photos, and stories for your perusal and you could take it all in within an hour or so, but I'd advise taking your time, maybe 2 or three hours, to really appreciate it all. It's clear the staff tries hard to make this a nice experience for visitors and that's something they should be proud of. Oh, and I can vouch for the bathrooms working, my wife used them! :)

Nice place to learn about past and recent history regarding Tsunamis. Staff friendly and knowledgeable.

I was intrigued by the many stories the museum displayed. I love to read historical fiction and non fiction. This was a book on the wall. Here's the issue I have with this museum; I can go to a library, for free and read same material! The library would also have a working bathroom. Furthermore, some of the areas had non- working hands-on screens or equipment. I think they could do much better with this exciting material.

After wanting to come here for years, I finally visited. The museum does a great job of telling the history and effects of seismic activity in Hawaii. It focuses on the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis in Hilo, but also has information on other tsunamis in Hawaiian history and some of the notorious tsunamis around the world

Okay, so maybe I'm biased against verbosity but there was a LOT to read. Kind of overwhelming. And when you don't absorb it all or you miss something you will feel lost as to the point. I needed an infographic of the timeline, or a map of the areas affected, etc. The highlight, and the biggest reason we went, was the soothing live music they had.

I LOVE museums, and have been to many, from NYC to Hawaii. This is one of the best. Small but packed with information presented in very attractive displays, many interactive. There is a special children’s area and a docent who I could have listened to for hours. A must see!!!

On our third trip to the Big Island we were finally able to visit this amazing gem of Island history. To read and hear about the families-those who survived and those who did not, gave one a glimpse of the impact of that tsunami!! Very interesting and we will definitely come back again!!

This beach was fabulous. Black sand beach and a great snorkeling spot. We saw so many beautiful tropical fish and a sea turtle while snorkeling. I didn't have water shoes with me and it was no problem here! There is still some construction on the bathrooms, but there is still a drinking fountain and makeshift showers available for use.

So far our favorite beach on the Big Island. Great protected snorkeling area suitable for smaller children but at the same time offering lots of cool fish and the occasional turtle. In addition you can check out the waves crashing onto the rocks on the ocean side.

Beautiful snorkeling, stick to the right side for shallow water and close up views, the middle for a mix of shallow and deeper and the left side for deeper until you get to the other sections of the park that are shallow again. The showers to rinse off after your swim are super helpful.

What a beautiful hidden gem! It was our first real "Black Sand" beach that we visited on the Big Island. And in fact, it is a "Green" sand beach too! It has a green tint to it and the locals told us that the green sand travels up to this beach from the famous Green Sand beach further south. This park has jungle forest surrounding it and a cute little beach. Public restrooms and a lot of parking. It was a rainy day, so we didn't try the swimming or snorkeling, but I imagine it would have been fantastic.

Delightful beach with facilities and a brand new parking lot. Be sure to check-in with the lifeguards about hazards and water conditions. Beyond the lifeguard tower is a rocky outcrop and soaking pond frequented by the basking turtles riding put low tide.

Loved walking around on lava rocks in the ocean. That nook I was in is great for exploring before the ocean current get too strong further out. Nice grassy area with shade options. I saw families with grills out and seems like an ideal place to grill, relax, get into the shallow part of the ocean

Thanks to the locals, this snorkeling spot was suggested to us. I am so thankful for this. This was the place where I saw and swam with my first sea turtle. I kept my distance but thanks to the clear water it was as if it was right next to me. We saw tons of other colorful fish and even came across an eel. It was a bit intimidating but such a great experience. Heads up this beach was packed and parking was difficult to find. Also, this area is very rocky so prepare for this by buying some nice (thick soled) water shoes.

This unique beach was a wonderful depiction of the prized black sand beach near Hilo, HI. The entrance is only a 3 minute walk from the main road. Be careful with your footing getting to the beach over the lava rocks and you will do fine. Treat yourself to a peak of this unique treasure ⛱️ that only the locals can truly appreciate.

This is a great local, public beach. My son had a blast here. There are big turtles too here out past the guardshack. Rocks are a little knarly in places but definitely recommend it for the black sand and great atmosphere.

What a lovely place to enjoy the view. This black sand beach is beautiful to look at and to have under your feet. When we were there, the currents were strong, and no one was there. There is a lifeguard on duty, and beautiful trees and beachside sights to see. This park has showers, toilet, water fountain, picnic tables and a parking lot (it’s not huge, so go early).

Great multifunction park. On the left side, you have a pick-nik table available and a nice green patch. You have a washroom available. On the right side, you have a black sand beach. Great area snorkelling and swiming. You will find fish and l Other sea life. You will find people surfing and they have lifeguard on-site. The parking is decent size but really busy. Park is very well maintained.

Gorgeous place! Parking was easy, there’s a small lot we found a space in. Black sand beach was beautiful. Saw about 8 sea turtles too!

Snorkeling in August 2022 is amazing! The bath house and pavilion are closed currently for renovations, but the snorkeling is phenomenal. So many species of fish and sea turtles! Also, many types of coral. Definitely the best along this stretch of shore

Nice little beach park close to Hilo airport. Perfect if you’re trying to dip your toes in the water one last time before flying out. Sand is a very unique black and green color. You’re able to see turtles here pretty easily and the water is supposedly great for snorkeling. Facilities are under renovation so keep that I mind but it does look like it will be quite nice once completed.

Nice family beach.. black sands area, quiet tree covered area, nice snorkeling area, great spot for swimming tide pools. All around a great beach.

Lovely black sand beach. Quite small in terms of actual sand area. Small funnel shaped entrance to the ocean. There is a lifeguard on duty and there are public restroom facilities. The ocean is super clear once you get away from the shore. Best fish I’ve seen on this side of Hawaii. Currents can be rather throng, so you just have flippers. There is an area just west of where you enter to surf. Would definitely recommend and go again for the snorkeling!

Great spot, cool volcanic black sand at beaches. Lava flow terrain, not your typical thinking beach that you would walk straight into the ocean. There are some parts you can walk in but most areas are volcanic rock, good water shoes recommended. Still a very cool place to visit, if you are looking for a quick ride out there I suggest Lyft or Uber. Plenty of drivers when ships are in port and only about $10-$12 a ride. There are bathrooms but make sure to bring your gear, snacks, and water with you. No stores around.

Our airbnb host recommended this as a nice swim and hang out spot near hilo. He was spot on. Clean showers, black sand. Decent snorkeling. Some great boogie boarding waves out past a sand bar. Some beautiful ponds and resting areas for dozens of sea turtles!!!

Pretty low key area for snorkeling. The parking was pretty easy and overflow went along the road. Shower area and bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. I really thought that it would be wet and gross and was pleasantly surprised. I did go during the earlier part of the day though, to be fair. In the water, there’s a bit of a rock barrier that makes it relatively easy to get in to the snorkeling side without damaging the reef and fishies. If the waves are strong, you do get a little bashed about if you’re not careful. There’s actually two swimming sides to Richardson’s - one side that has steps to get into the water (this side I found to be calm but kinda dirty), and the ocean side with the rock barrier that was beautiful and super clear. To the right of the ocean side is a little protective cove where we saw upwards of 15 turtles!! It was super cool. Overall, glad we found this little spot to have our longest snorkel adventure in!

Wow. Amazing green-black beach just outside of Hilo (not a true green beach, like Mahana Beach near the Southernmost Point, but waaay more accessible). Dramatic views and amazingly diverse coastline. Full facilities and packed with locals on weekends and holidays.

Great place for snorkeling, swimming, exploring and coming to peace with your not big and this world is not small. You can see turtles here. Don't get close and don't ever touch them but they are usually here even at 4:30pm sometimes.

Nice black sand beach! Very rocky. It was crowded when we arrived. Parking was hard to find. We only stayed a few minutes to watch the sea turtles! There was a life guard on site, and the water was rough compared to other beaches. Overall, it was a nice experience to visit but we prefer Hapuna Beach if you are looking to swim.

A nice quaint little zoo with quite a few animals to view. Amazingly donation based and it costs nothing to enter if you don't want to. The staff is friendly and the animals are worth a look. The children's play area is good too and the kiddo had a blast!

What a great little treasure. This zoo is free! A great stop o your visit. Clean and well maintained property. Smaller than a typical zoo but very walkable for most (has inclines but paved) with lush landscaping. Animals seem well cared for. Seems the state of Hawaii and donations fund this zoo. Bird handlers walked around with the parrots on the day/time we were there. There is a large playground and sitting area that would be ideal for children to exert all their energy. It was just my husband and I and think we saw everything in about an hour taking our time. Bathrooms located before entry and by playground inside and are clean.. I feel this is a must do at least once if you love animals and you can not beat the price, FREE!

Very nice zoo; free entrance and better than many expensive ones! Definitely worth the visit. It’s not very large, you could walk all around in fifteen minutes if you rush through; but with many interesting animals, better allow an hour or more. I liked the White Tiger and the many birds most, but they are quite versatile and have many different species.

This is a small zoo and botinacal garden. Has lots of birds some free roaming. Tigers , slots and other mammals. Beautiful plants as well. Friendly staff and helpful. Great snack and picnic area and playground for kids. Cool benches some animals some flowers Really different. We are older no kids but we really enjoyed it.

We absolutely love this zoo. We have gone twice now. They have 2 tigers, lemurs, monkeys and all kinds of birds and other reptiles. There are peacocks and the occasional chicken roaming around the beautifully kept grounds. This is a fantastic place for families. It is free to get in, but visit the gift shop where they are stocked with great gifts. You can also leave a donation there!

This is a wonderful little zoo to take the kids and spend an afternoon. There are plenty of unique and well kept animals and plants. The location is easy to get to with free parking. There is a playground and petting zoo for the children. The gift shop is well stocked with snacks and gifts. The staff was very friendly.

Very nice free zoo. It's not huge, but they have some lovely exhibits. Plus the plants are awesome and flowers were blooming everywhere!

If I understand correctly this zoo originally was a botanical garden and then was converted into a zoo. The various trees and flowering plants are worth the walk. This is a smaller, older zoo that allows you to get closer to the animals. There is also a large modern playground for kids. Plenty of shady places to picnic.

FREE botanical gardens and zoo. They do accept donations or you can support by purchasing at the gift shop. They provide maps and have signs everywhere. There is a nice playground. We had a blast drove from Kona took the scenic route. So glad we came. Check it out!

Great place to bring kids as there's a jungle gym. Free to enter through the gift shop. Donations accepted. Great quality cages and loved the trail set up. Easy to visit all the animals and great quick read on the animal. Really enjoyed the last minute unplanned visit to the zoo.

What a fabulous little gem!!! Can't believe they don't charge an entrance fee and is only based on donations!! This space was a lot of fun...must visit if you get a chance. Go and see Romeo the Salmon-Crested Cockatoo....he will steal your ❤️!! Enjoy.

First time on Big Island and this was one of our hidden gems! The staff was friendly, helpful and informative! We spend more than 90 minutes in the pouring rain enjoying this 12 acre FREE facility! The grounds were immaculate! So many colorful benches, great play equipment and flowers everywhere!!! The animals appeared to be well taken care of and friendly plus interactive! Be sure to check it out!

What a great experience for all :) We’ll maintained , nice staff , animals are feed& cared for properly. Best of all it’s a free Zoo Open To The Public , also with free local bus to ensure all people can afford to visit. I was very satisfied here :)

I loved this zoo! The lemurs were my favorite. I felt a little sorry for the tigers (they didn’t look mistreated at all, but they were pacing, which I’ve read can be a symptom of stress/boredom). Overall, I had a wonderful time here. It’s beautiful and the animals appeared clean and well cared for. Plus, it’s free! You can support the zoo by making donations or purchasing from the gift shop.

Best free zoo! Great tropical experience for the whole family! Lots of variety, really nice kids play area and picnic area. Hubby and I are always happy to see reptiles!❤️ If you are considering a road trip from Kona to Hilo, you must check out this zoo!

What a treat!! The kiddos loved this. The zoo is very well maintained and FREE!!! The highlight had to be the tiger pacing in front of us rubbing it's head on the fence looking like a cat looking for a scratch. The playground is also a huge plus!

Entry is free for this zoo. It has good collection of animals, the main attraction for me was white and normal Bengal tigers in same enclosure. There are male and female peacocks just roaming freely all across the zoo.

Not only is the zoo free to roam around, it is set up very well. The staff is very friendly amd there are so many beautiful creatures to see. All of the animals looked happy and well fed. We have been to other zoos that look run down and sickly animals. This zoo was the best maintained one we have been too. Fun fact - Panacea zoo is classified as the only tropical zoo in the United States. This zoo not only has amazing animals, but many unique plant species as well. Defitnely worth the trip.

The zoo is run by the county parks and recreation department. It's free admission. Being what is is, this is an amazing zoo. This is a must see if you are in the Hilo area, especially if you have children. The zoo is well kept, the animals are in good care despite their captivity. Clean, well cared for. The children's play ground is the best. Our family had a great time. Please support the animals with a purchase at the zoo gift shop.

We loved this place! There is so much to see & learn. Plenty of hands on activities for children of all ages and lots of information stations and things to read. The theater dome is really cool and the shows are different and our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. The mural in the entrance is amazing and we loved how the culture is integrated into the lessons and traditional stories are passed down. I am considering a family year pass. The bathrooms are nice and there is an outside covered picnic table area so you can bring lunch and enjoy the day here. We went with our school class for field trip and we had the place to ourselves on a day they are usually closed. I saw there is a cafe area but it was not open when we went as it was not a regular, full-staff day. The parking lot seemed sufficient.

Best to bring your children here, even the show we attended that was 100% adults was geared towards children. It's great that children are being catered to in a way that is easy for them to learn, but the show should be able to be altered to not have take off sounds made by the staff when it's only adults. Other than that it's a cool place to see some hawaiian culture, just if you're an adult I'd avoid the shows

1st time here! Their dark side of the moon show was recommended to me by colleagues/friends and it did not disappoint! Wow! What an incredible show and experience! I cannot wait to come back! Only downside was the volume being VERY loud…my ears are still ringing and my watch said volume was between 90-98 decibels for 60 mins. Not enough to warrant less than 5 stars but be aware!

We just became pass holders and will be going many more times! We had a blast with the dinosaur exhibit, but there are so many rad astronomy exhibits we want to spend so much more time here.

Rented out the Moanahoku room for a grad party 10 months after renting it out for a wedding and customer service was terrible. Had multiple conversations via phone and email with the head of Imiloa's facility throughout the 10 months prior to event and the day before my event she changed things and said that she didn't remember what we discussed which added stress to me. Day of my event the workers at the the front desk were not friendly at all and didn't know what they were doing sending 3 different workers to me with different information each time. They definitely need to communicate better with each other. Scotty, who was our attending customer service worker at the time of our event was sooo awesome and helpful in so many ways. His customer service was excellent and with so much ALOHA. He was the best and helped make our event successful.

Extremely well-done! We learned a lot about the universe and the Hawaiian history and culture. Our kids loved the experiments - especially coloring their own fish for the animated reef.

Flexible membership options, very kid friendly and fun. Amazing work put into having all the signs in Hawaiian and English. Lots of info about the observatories on Maunakea as well as astronomy in general. Planetarium shows are great!

Lovely planetarium with a little museum. The show we saw was informative, and the museum had some impressive exhibits given its size. The museum activities are aimed at middle-school aged kids, but we adults and my 1.5 year old son all found parts we thoroughly enjoyed. The museum staff were also very kind and friendly. Highly recommend if you have any space nerds in your group!

It's been a few years since we visited but it got even better. Lots for the kids to do!

Stopped by here before our flight back to Maui. A wonderful facility with learning and exploration around every corner. My child loved being able to touch everything and explore freely. Nothing like this on Maui so it’s nice that it’s a short flight away.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this one. Clearly there was going to be an educational aspect and planetariums are fairly self explanatory, but you have an hour before the show even starts. So what exactly is there to do here? When I was a kid we took a field trip to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio. This was similar to that experience, but on a smaller scale. Imiloa provides an abundance of entertaining and educational activities that are geared towards children, but that didn't stop my wife and I from playing some of the games or engaging with the interactive toys. This place is ideal for getting children interested in science. I watched one kid putting together a carbon nanotube six feet tall with tinker toy style blocks for like half an hour. There was a globe that could display flight paths or Facebook connections (or just a map... but that would be boring) on demand. There were displays that touched on subjects like the stars, chemistry, biology, ecology, the human body, and other common areas of science. What was really special about this place though was that it also touched on topics like how Hawaiians (and other peoples around the Pacific) navigated, sailed, and lived. On top of that nearly every exhibit was presented in both English and Hawaiian language! That's right hit the right button and a video describes how lasers work in the native language of the land! At times there can be a fine line walked between respectfully representing the heritage and culture of a people who have suffered much at the hands of what the world at large might consider progress and the actual progress represented by the advancements of science. Imiloa shows that the two are not mutually exclusive. The ancient Hawaii stories bear much more in common with the discoveries of modern science than even the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it was nice seeing that on display here. Bring your kids or if you are a big kid bring yourself. Any way you slice it you will come away learning something new. Also, koa trees are way more evolved than I realized... I also got the explorer kit just to see what it was. It is comprised of three small kids activities. Mine has two punch out animals to build and a coloring page. I wouldn't recommend it for adults. For those concerned about sanitization, everything is cleaned thoroughly between groups, there are hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipes for the displays all over the place, and they run these cool little sanitizing humidifier things between groups to clean the air as well. The groups themselves are kept small so social distancing wasn't a problem, but that also means if you really want to go you will need to book at least a week in advance. They do offer walk-ins if there is available space, but you can't count on it, and you would still need to time it with one of the 3 groups they offer each day.

Really great to have this in town. Kids really enjoy going here.. They have a special show on Saturdays and Sundays first sing in the morning for kids.

This place is worth going to. There are many hands on exhibits for kids, but it's kind of small. I have seen better planetarium shows, but this one was decent and included in the ticket price. We went to the Cyber Canoe session and the presenter was fun and friendly. A good 2-3 hour activity.

The cave is beautiful! It goes back for over 4 miles, but there is no outlet, so you have to hike all the way back out. I would recommend headlamps, hiking sticks, and sturdy boots if you intend to go deeper inside as the path is pretty rough and uneven. Highly recommended for the adventurous!

Wow! This place was so awesome! In fact, we loved it so much, we went back to explore again on another day. There is plenty of parking and a has a restroom and picnic area. Bring a flashlight and closed toed shoes or else your fun will end very quickly. We explored for an hour or more each time and enjoyed the lava tubes. Every few yards, there is something new to see and enjoy. Our favorite part was the "stalactite" type lava drops on the ceiling. This is a must see if you are the adventure type.

Nice lava tube to explore. This is a 4 miles length. Bring good hiking shoes and flashlight. The entrance is spectacular as you see really observe how deep and large the cave it is. The real entrance is on the right side of the stairs. The parking lot is small on the opposite side of the road. Please be aware that vehicles come down fast from the hill and the curve. Washroom 🚻 table pic-nik tables on site

Fun experience. We (group of 7. Ages 10-55) took the cave to the left. It was pretty straight, with no forks. It went about a quarter mile before it came to the surface on the opposite side of the road from the entrance. After that, there is a rugged hike back to the parking lot. It is pretty overgrown and unsteady, but navigable even for inexperienced hikers and children. It comes out in the trees at the parking lot. Bring multiple flash lights. At least one per person. If the batteries die there may not be anyone going in as far as you and it can be dangerous. Cell phone flashlights work, but not as well as you would expect. Some rocks can be unsteady and some drop offs could hurt you.

Probably doable to an extent with your phone light but you’d definitely want a strong flashlight for a fuller experience. Left cave is easier to traverse once you crawl through the first gap. Right cave has some interesting structures but there’s definitely more crawling involved. Good to wear some headgear for protection.

Free to see the caves. Be prepared with a flashlight if you want to go further into the caves. It was a very neat place to visit and see the lava tubes. You can see all the different designs the lava left the place. We didn’t go too far since we only had a phone flashlight. We spent about 20 mins admiring the cave. It’s a neat place to visit and see the lava formations.

Open as of 29Feb2024. Bring a headlamp (or flashlight) and good shoes. If you are going a long way, wearing gloves to protect your hands is helpful. The opening to the left starts wide and has a narrowing before opening up again. There are several openings along the way, but the openings are onto private property. Amazing experience. The caves were cool and slightly damp. Some areas are more rocky than others. You will enter and exit the same way.

This was an amazing experience! We took the left-hand side cave first once you come down the stairs, took that to the very end until it comes above ground. Took the forest trail back, then went back to the right-hand side cave and went for about 30 minutes into it. Lots of crouching and crawling, definitely got wet, don’t trust the arrows spray painted on the walls either. 10/10 experience you won’t regret even if you don’t go far into the caves!

Really nice lava caves to explore, stairs down are pretty steep, so be careful, also make sure to bring a light, if you want to support local, buy a light from the nice gentleman in the parking lot. The inside of the cave is nice and cool, and that was nice in the heat of the day. The cave to the right was said to be the more difficult section and the one to the left opened up to a lager size you could stand up and walk through easily. Private property on both ends of the cave.

Beautiful caves. Definitely come prepared with a real flashlight and some shoes that will protect you from the sharp rocks. We didn’t go very deep but it was worth the stop just to see the scale of them at the entrance to the cave. To get to the caves there is a staircase, so make sure you’re comfortable on narrow stairs before planning a stop

The staff at the helicopter tour enjoyed this cave, so we tried it. Do not go unprepared, have lights, not a phone, watch your head! Watch your step. This is a beautiful view of the lava tunnels, but it's not level and gets slick. It's super cool for outdoor adventures.

This was a cool experience! We entered the caves located to the right after the stairs. It was pretty cool inside! The hike down into the cave was a bit rough for those who never hiked. There was loose gravel in some areas, but it was doable. The cabes are miles long. We had our baby with us, so I stayed in the naturally lit area while my husband and oldest child went in. They described the Cave reduces in size, the further you go in. You also lose light, and it's hard to see and breathe the deeper you are. Visit with caution, know your limitations, and don't push too hard to show off. This is a nice place to visit but it is dangerous if one is not careful. Wear close toe hiking shoes, preferably, bring a flashlight and water. It gets hot in there.

Went for as far as we could into the cave until we had to literally crawl on our back. This lava cave could go on for miles, just whether you are okay with crawling or not.

VERY fun entry site, especially with the hanging vines. It's lava, so wear appropriate footwear with solid bottoms. We saw some kids in there. But you need to go slow. Husband had headlamp, I used phone flashlight. Some VERY interesting lava looks & formations along the way. Some looked like thick melted chocolate! With the darkness & carefulness required, we only went several yards back. An opposite opening to the caves is larger, but we only wandered around the opening. We were glad we saw it and it's nice that it's free. Be careful crossing the road, the parking lot is on the opposite side of the road.

Very very very cool caves! Well worth it. Very small walk to them- steep steps take you down to the caves. The left one gets tight and you need to kinda crawl a bit before it opens up again. It’s long and comes out of the ground somewhere. Make sure to have flash lights as the ground is uneven. We wore water shoes, it’s quite wet inside. The right cave is taller and easier to walk through. There are bathrooms on site and parking across the street. You can visit for just a few minutes or take 45 mins or more the explore the entire tubes. The greenery is spectacular around as it’s in a tropical jungle! Enjoy!

Very cool. The caves seem to go on forever. So cool to see all of the different details in the rocks / cooled lava.

Very cool experience. Don’t forget to wear good shoes and bring a flashlight. Parking lot signage warns you not to leave valuables or belongings in your vehicle - appreciate the heads up. Stairs to the caves are across the street. These stairs are very steep! The cave to the left when you reach the bottom of the stairs leads to a large shelf; you can crawl under it to get to a pathway that opens up. The cave to the right is bigger in diameter (at least as far as I went in) and has more of the smooth lava ledges on the sides. Both are very interesting to walk through, especially when considering how they were formed. It’s a humbling experience.

You MUST take a flashlight to enjoy the cave. We had a battery pack with a flashlight and that worked pretty good! Phone flash DOES not do justice for you to enjoy the views. It’s very dim in there. I used my iPhone to record video and it looked great with the flashlight I had. GoPro didn’t cut it even after changing the settings. The cave goes in deep! Wear comfy shoes as the lava rocks can be sharp, if posible id wear pants if going deep in the cave. You’ll have to crawl through some areas.

This is by far the best museum I found on Hawai‘i. It’s like a mix-up of various botanical gardens and the Bishop Museum on Oahu. The exhibit about Hawai‘i‘s flora and fauna is awesome I really did appreciate how thoughtful it was designed. The history part on the upper level is very compact but still accurate. I like that there was a whole room about how the United States annexed the Kingdom of Hawai‘I and how Liliuokalani was full of love for her people and land but had to sign the resignation in order to save lives. If you have the chance to step by, definitely visit!

Interesting museum with lots of different displays. It's worth it to take the house tour. A very detailed tour.

A local gem! Literally They have a variety of cultural items. Information about volcanoes. Parking can be difficult. Staff very nice.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Lyman Museum in Hilo, Hawaii, and it exceeded all my expectations. As a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Hawaii's islands and its people. The exhibits on volcanic origins, unique flora and fauna, and the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture truly brought the story of Hawaii to life. The section dedicated to Hawaiian culture was a particular highlight for me. The artifacts and displays beautifully showcased the customs, traditions, and beliefs that have shaped the vibrant society of Hawaii today. It was an immersive experience that left me with a deep appreciation for the indigenous culture. I highly recommend taking the guided tour of the historic Lyman Mission House, the oldest wood frame building on the island. Stepping inside this piece of history was like stepping back in time. The tour provided fascinating insights into the lives of 19th-century missionaries and the challenges they faced.

Great little museum covering the rocks, minerals, geology, history of colonization of plants, animals, and people. Also, the industrial development of the island, political changes, and present culture. The museum also has a historic house tour but you need to reserve your place on a tour prior to arrival as they are booked days in advance.

Wow! Enjoyed this experience immensely! Beautiful facility with very nicely done exhibits! Obsessed a bit with the mineral room!

Nice and polite staff and personel. Very interesting exhibits. Just buy your tickets for the museum at the same time slot as the Mission House which is a guided tour of about half an hour.

Lovely museum, we did not take the mission house tour due to time constraint but we visited in June 2023 and it was a very nice museum, learned so much and especially love their mineral and shells exhibit. My husband loves all the historical facts and beautiful depictions of how Hawaii came to be. WWe

First class museum, a must see for the cultural history of Hawaii, but als the geologic history. Compact, yet full of wonderfull exhibits. Reservation kept the crowd minimized.

Very cheap entry fee: $2 for 6-17year olds, $3 for students, $5 for adults Lovely environment great visual and audio effects, was quick to get round. Great collection of different minerals. Gift shop was also lovely and reasonably priced, they had: miniature stone turtles, crystals, earrings, books, tea towels, small cute candles. Overall really recommend and everything is wheelchair accessible.

Excellent small local museum that covers Hawaii natural history and political history. Great collection of minerals and gen stones. The guided tour of the Lyman house is well worth it.

There are so many beautiful outdoor places in Hawaii that I didn’t imagine this would be so impressive. It gave great context for Hawaiian history, volcanoes, and ecosystems. It was well worth the time and the inexpensive admission. My kids ages 11-17 loved it.

Found this museum while driving around Hilo. Parked in wrong place, but staff made a call then said I could go out side door to save steps walking back to car ( I am old and need a cane to walk. The staff went out of their way to be helpful and friendly. They took me up in elevator and also told each other to point me to the seashells as I wandered by. I will visit again . MAHALO ONE AND ALL!!

This museum is like a Hawaiian history lesson all in one place. We also toured the Mission House and lots of interesting history as well.

Definitely a beach you would want to visit. He went on a hot day and the sun was shining bright. A plus about this lovely secluded lagoon was that we were sitting on grass and wasn't affected by too much sand. This is definitely an ideal place for small children to swim in a safe secluded lagoon while also having access to the ocean. The waters were not that deep and clear. We were able to see some sea turtles.

I really liked this park not only for the beautiful views of the ocean but for the fact that there was a place where I could easily get into the ocean without climbing down the lava rocks. There was a rock walkway leading to a set of rock steps with a ladder to get into the ocean. I have RA so this made it easy for me to get in and out. The water was beautiful and refreshingly cold. We even had a sea turtle swim by us. *No pets were allowed.

Such a pretty place! Lots of places to jump in off the rocks. All sheltered coves. It is very rocky and it's jagged lava rocks so bring water shoes. Also the water is pretty cold because of the natural spring coming through there. But that makes the water brackish so it's not so salty and you don't get sandy.

Mother nature's very own swimming pool! This place was freaking incredible!! The snorkeling was amazing! With so many fish to see and a safe lagoon to enjoy. They have swimming pool ladders that help you get in and out of lagoon. Public bathrooms and tons of parking, this is a must see in Hilo. My pictures don't do justice to how cool this place really is. There were hundreds of people there, but it is so big, you can easily spread out and have the place to yourself. The lagoon has a sandy bottom so you can walk out and relax in the calm waters, or go exploring in the more wild waters towards the reef. It truly felt like a swimming pool. So cool!

The best beach/seafront in Hilo and a must visit. It's like a giant pool with water that is not so salty. A popular spot among locals and tourists, parking gets full and finding a good spot on the lawns is challenging at times. But you will find space and there is an open shower and toilets. Do carry your beach blankets and snorkel if u like to see some local fish n turtles.

A good place to visit from the cruise ships if you want to do some snorkelling. Quite attractive place. Not a beach with sand but a series of rocky lagoons. Some easy access points but also some tricky ones. Saw loads of fish and four sea turtles that came up close while swimming. Grassy areas are great for lying on a towel with no sand in your toes. Wear water shoes in the water as much of it is a mixture of sand and rocks. There is a lifeguard and toilets.

Beautiful beach. So far the best part of our trip in the Big Island. Recommended by my friend who is a local in Hilo.

This beach rocks! Water is a little colder here because of an underground natural spring. It's so cool! I couldn't hardly drag my 7 year old away from it. Highly recommend it!

A perfect beach for swimming, floating and snorkeling 🤿. This gem of a place has water which very tranquil and transparent which will give a very good visibility of the Habitat. The turtles and fishes will pass by when you are water it’s an amazing experience. I definitely recommend this beautiful where you can do snorkeling for free if you have your own equipment free for charge with a free parking (less space). Wash rooms are also available. Don’t miss this place lo you are in Hilo.

Really nice park area with a protected spot to snorkel. Was able to swim with several turtles and some really nice fish. The tide was good so you could just stand if need be. Went to this park since we were over that way to see the falls and the west side of island had high surf warnings.

Very rocky but very protected swim areas. Small island 🏝 with some sand. Easy to walk around. Did a little bit of snorkel and did see some different pretty fish. Water was a little murky at times. Easy to park and walk down.

Good snorkeling spot around Hilo. Water can be a bit murky and weather/current can be a little unpredictable. But overall it’s safe. There’s a public restroom. Please leave the turtle alone as some tourists are just too close to the turtles.

This is one of my favorite places In Hawaii. When you walk into the park, it reminds me of pictures representing paradise on earth. Not trying to be religious in any way, but that's what comes to mind.

Perfect for surfing, snorkeling, or leisurely floating—this beach caters to everyone. Ample green grass provides a comfortable space under the shade of trees or in the warm sun. Limited parking, so arriving early is advised to avoid roadside parking. During our visit, we explored the park's rocky areas and were delighted to spot a turtle in the water. In summary, a fantastic beach experience for all.

Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo, Hawaii, is a beautiful and popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Located on the east side of the Big Island, this park is known for its calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and even seeing sea turtles up close. The park features a picturesque black sand beach, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and shallow tide pools perfect for exploring marine life. Visitors often enjoy picnicking on the grassy areas, taking leisurely walks along the shore, and simply soaking in the stunning ocean views. One of the unique attractions of Carlsmith Beach Park is the chance to witness honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking in the sun or swimming near the shoreline. These gentle creatures are protected, so it's important for visitors to keep a respectful distance and not disturb them. The park also offers facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, making it a convenient and comfortable place to spend a day by the ocean. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Carlsmith Beach Park is a must-visit spot in Hilo, Hawaii.

Really cool lava rock beach park. Once you get to the shore, the waters are calm and most of the waves crash about 50 yards away from the shore line. The views is what you come out here for. If you’re into snorkeling, super easy to do. I’ve read that others were able to see sea turtles!

Carlsmith Beach Park is a picturesque and popular spot on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's known for its calm, clear waters, making it a fantastic location for snorkeling and swimming. The park also offers picnic areas and a serene ambiance, making it a wonderful place for a relaxing day by the ocean. Visitors often appreciate its natural beauty and the opportunity to witness marine life in its crystal-clear waters.

By far, our family's favorite beach. Turtles, easy access, great water, awesome. It can be crowded, but it is well worth it.

We visited only for a short stop to watch sunrise and it was beautiful. The water was flat and very clear. Nice reflections. A few people were swimming and snorkeling. Finding the park and parking were easy. Would definitely recommend.

Gorgeous! Such a cool, chill beach with snorkeling and a rope swing. My kids loved it. Highly recommend. They saw sea turtles swinging next to people.

Private tour of a lava tube! We went about half a mile into the tube, crawled over some rocks, ducked under a few low ceilings, had a great time. Only one other person in our group, made it very personable and our guide Steve was very enthusiastic.

Absolutely incredible tour! If you’re up for climbing and some crawling definitely do the Adventure Tour. It was an amazing experience to be immersed in a 500 year old lava tube. Monica was a fantastic guide! If walking is more your speed, go for the walking tour. Highly recommend!!!

We booked a one-hour tour with Steve. The tour was interesting, and we learned a lot more than in other Lava Tubes. It was clear that Steve likes sharing the knowledge about it. We followed Steve's directions and were able to find the place. Part of the way is the dirt road, so having a 4x4 would be helpful. Be aware that the place is located on the private property and you are literally driving into someone's backyard in the end of the dirt road. The whole situation felt very sketchy. A more professional welcome from Steve would probably help to change this impression.

Worth every penny. Offers three tours, took the middle one. Involves a ladder and definite scrambling over rocks and boulders but I’m 62 and managed fine. Tubes are cavernous in some areas and well worth experiencing. Lava formations were beautiful. Gives a huge insight to the island formation. Two thumbs up. Steve was our guide and we enjoyed ourselves completely.

Made an appointment to go explore the caves with a guide. We showed up a bit early, but that was OK! So we headed off through tropical plants and climbed down a ladder into one spectacular cave system. Tour was GREAT! THANKS!!! Took a lot of photos, all our questions and more were answered. Super nice owner! 👌 HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Wow! If you are reasonably fit, do the 3 hour tour! Our guide, Steve, was incredibly mellow yet super knowledgeable. We found the lava tube very relaxing. Left all our cares on the surface and were totally mesmerized by this unique volcanic subterranean world. There is a little bit of rock scrambling in the beginning and a little bit of crouching, but basically pretty easy. You can take your time and navigate carefully. The formations get better as you go. I loved the shark fin lava and the lava straws, make sure you see the "unicorn!"

Highly recommend this excursion - it definitely was an experience of a lifetime! Our guide Monica was so knowledgeable and patient and the lava tubes were amazing! This is a must see when on the big island!

So good! Definitely something to do once, so glad we did. We found it interesting, educational, fun, lots to look at. Steve (our guide) did a great job explaining things and showing us all kinds of formations and unique features of the tube as well as some local folklore. The 3-hour walk was not difficult but definitely bring some solid shoes. Did not feel closed-in at any time or trapped like some caves. Not cold either, just a bit wet. What a great addition to going to the Volcano Park!

Excellent tour. Our guide shared a lot of information with us while we walked through the lava tube. We brought our seven kids (ages 9-1) with us and we made it through. The helmets didn't fit our youngest four children and they kept falling off during the tour. Recommend little kids leave the helmets behind because they are short enough that they won't bump their heads on the ceiling anyway. The lowest ceiling you'll encounteris about 4 feet high but it's only about 30 feet long. The rest of the time the ceiling is higher than 6 feet. You'll also wear light cotton gloves to protect your hands and the lava tube. The tube is pretty cool so gloves won't feel hot. Lastly, wear good shoes. Tennis shoes will work just fine. You don't want shoes that expose your skin.