Oct 6, 2023


When was the last time you took your kids and spouse on a picnic? If it’s been a while, keep reading to discover some of the best picnic spots in the Hilo, HI area.

Just Down the Road: 4 Favorite Picnic Spots Near Hilo, HI

1. Wailoa River State Recreation Area

Our favorite place to picnic nearby is at Wailoa River State Recreation Area at 799 Piilani St. You can reserve a 15-person pavilion, 60-person pavilion, or 500-person pavilion, so it is a great place to get together with your extended family for a picnic.
There are plenty of other ways you can enjoy this state recreation area, too. For example, you can explore the Wailoa Center between 9 and 4 on weekdays. This free center is open to the public and home to two galleries.

2. Gilbert Carvalho Park

We also recommend picnicking at Gilbert Carvalho Park, conveniently located in Wailuku River State Park at 2-198 Rainbow Dr near Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Drive and Pe’epe’e Falls Drive can be accessed by Waiānuenue Avenue, and Boiling Pots is at the end of Pe’epe’e Falls Drive.

3. Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

You should also strongly consider picnicking at Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden at 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy. There is a great place to stop and enjoy a refreshing poke bowl outdoors along the Ocean Vista Trail. You can also find picnic tables at the entrance of the park and benches along the: 

  • Lily Lake Trail
  • Cook Pine Trail
  • Torch Ginger Trail
  • Alakahi Stream Trail

  • This beautiful collection of gardens is open daily from 9 to 5, and you may want to visit around 11 for an early lunch by the pond at the entrance of the gardens. However, we strongly recommend hiking along the trails once you’re done picnicking. Everyone over the age of five must pay an admission fee, and there are several peaceful streams and tranquil ponds you can enjoy.

4. Wai’uli Beach Park 

Finally, we recommend picnicking at Wai’uli Beach Park, sometimes referred to as Leleiwi Beach Park, at 2279 Kalanianaole St. There is parking available at this park, and there are covered pavilions you can eat under and BBQ pits you can grill in. If you want to snorkel among the protective wall of lava rock, you will be delighted to know that there are also showers you can use before you get back in your car.  

There are several beautiful places to enjoy a picnic worth driving to. However, you need dependable transportation to have the opportunity to enjoy these spots at your leisure. If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle, look no further than the 2024 Honda HR-V. To take it for a test drive, visit us at Tony Honda Hilo today.

Image by Tide He from Pixabay

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