The tropical rainforest surrounding Hilo on the east coast of the Big Island is one of the wettest regions in Hawaii with an average of 130 inches of rain each year. Backed by steep tropical mountains, numerous waterfalls cascade over gulches fed by a series of streams that feed off Mauna Kea. Several of these waterfalls are truly spectacular and offer easy public access.
Rainbow Falls, a few miles inland from downtown Hilo can be viewed from the parking lot, and is the most visited of the waterfalls. Upstream from Rainbow Falls is the compelling and infrequently visited Boiling Pots, a series of falls that spill violently into churning pools. A few miles north of Hilo along the coast is the Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive. Within the valley is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a serene tropical garden with colourful flowers and orchids, flanked by valleys and ocean to either side.
About 10 miles north of Hilo is the impressive Akaka Falls which can be viewed along an easy 10-minute stroll along a paved trail through tropical flora. Akaka Falls plummets 442 feet into a pool below and is quite a spectacle. A few miles further north is Umauma Waterfalls and Gardens, a commercial botanical garden with arboretum and garden walks leading to an impressive 300-foot triple waterfall.
Our top big island travel attractions are:
1) - Archaeological sites of the ancient Hawaiians
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
2) - Volcano National Park,
lava flows; volcanic crater; walking trails; unique flora
3) - Hiking Waipio Valley,
lush valley, black sand beach, waterfalls, strenuous hiking
4) - Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens of Hilo,
Tropical rainforest, short trails, cascading waterfalls
5) - Waimea Countryside and Pololu Valley,
horse riding; cattle ranches; valley and coastal trails;
6) - Summit of Mauna Kea,
13,796 feet; observatory and star gazing; snow in winter;
7) - Kona coffee and Macadamia nut farms - South Kona
coffee tasting; tours; bed and breakfast
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Activities Guide
Fiji Activities Guide
Samoa Activities Guide
Tonga Activities Guide
Tahiti Activities Guide
Hawaii Activities Guide
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