Linda's Guide to the Big Island: North Hilo

Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens

As you drive north from Hilo, there are an abundance of scenic waypoints to pull off and enjoy the view. Worthy stops include Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, and Pe’epe’e Falls (pronounced peh-eh peh-eh).

Also don’t miss the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden. Be absolutely sure to have completely and totally doused yourself in mosquito repellent before entering the garden, carry water with you, and wear comfortable walking shoes. It is a short but steep walk down to the base of the garden and a (seemingly) much steeper walk up out of the garden. For those who need assistance, a golf-cart-like ride can be arranged. Due to the dense jungle atmosphere, it is also quite hot, therefore, carrying water is a necessity. Do not skip on the bug spray. I literally sprinted out of the park because I was being eaten alive by mosquitoes, which for some reason were immune to my liberal dousing of bug repellent.

On second thought, I’d recommend wearing light-weight long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in addition to your bug repellent. Yes it will be hot, but at least you won’t spend the rest of your vacation trying not to scratch the hundreds of bug bites. Even with these warnings, I still highly recommend a visit to the botanical garden. The variety of flora is stunning and there is a nice little waterfall about half-way down the walkway to the base of the garden.

Southpoint

Black Sand Beaches

Hilo Town

North of Hilo

Botanical Gardens

Puna District

Volcano

Kona Coffee

Drive Hilo to Kona

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