Discover Hilo, Waves & Waterfalls

Hilo Town: Drive through the historic and graceful town of Hilo, reminiscent of the charm of Old Hawaii. Downtown Hilo is a charming town offering museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Banyan Drive: Experience Banyan Drive, known as the Hilo Walk of Fame for the banyan trees planted by celebrities in years gone by. The trees honor movie stars, religious leaders, political leaders, famous authors, adventurers and local Hawaiians.

Liliuokalani Gardens: Stop at the peaceful Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. This beautifully landscaped park features arching bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse. It was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii's first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island of Hawaii's sugar cane fields.

Akaka Falls State Park: Enjoy a scenic drive along the “Old Road” through lush rainforests that will bring you to the magnificent ‘Akaka Falls, a 442-ft. free-falling waterfall plunging over the sheer cliffs of dormant Mauna Kea Volcano. A short, paved hiking trail leads to a lookout over 'Akaka Falls and smaller Kahūnā Falls.

Shinmachi Memorial: Visit to the beautiful Shinmachi Memorial, erected in honor of the many residents of Hilo who lost their lives to the Tsunami of 1946. It will be even more powerful as you understand the magnitude of the devastation.

Big Island Candies: Visit the factory where cookies and other treats are made with Big Island macadamia nuts.