Beautiful Hilo, HI is on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii, the largest in the Hawaiian Archipelago, and boasts an array of spectacular local attractions. Head down the road and discover the island magic behind the wheel of a Honda HR-V, Pilot, or Passport, swim and snorkel in the azure blue ocean, stroll through breathtaking rainforests and tropical gardens, and watch magnificent cascading waterfalls.
Take the Honda and Discover These 3 Local Attractions Near Hilo, HI
1. ‘Akaka Falls
The spectacular 442-foot-high ‘Akaka falls in the ‘Akaka Falls State Park is the most beautiful waterfall on Hawaii Island. You can see the falls from the parking lot, but an easy and short 0.4-mile hike down the trail through the lush tropical rainforest will reward you with a far better view. Stroll down the path through beautiful scenery and catch glimpses of the falls through the bamboo groves, wild orchids, and draping ferns along the way.
Address and Hours
ʻAkaka Falls State Park is roughly 15 miles north of Hilo at 875 ‘Akaka Falls Road in Honomu and is open daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
2. The Panaʻewa Zoo and Gardens
The Panaʻewa Zoo and Gardens is the only zoo in the United States inside a tropical rainforest. So, bring your sunscreen, raincoat, and umbrella, or purchase rain gear at the zoo gift shop and go on a unique one-of-a-kind animal safari.
Walk down scenic paths through the zoo’s lush tropical botanical gardens with over 100 varieties of palm trees to see more than 80 species of Hawaii’s indigenous critters, including spider monkeys, lemurs, and nene geese, Hawaii’s state bird.
Address and Hours
The Panaʻewa Zoo and Gardens is approximately six miles from downtown Hilo at 800 Stainback Highway. The zoo is open daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free, but please leave a donation.
3. Carlsmith Beach Park
Hilo is famous for its beautiful beaches, making it difficult to pick only one. Carlsmith Beach Park, also called Four Mile, is Hilo’s most popular. Four Mile doesn’t have a sandy shore, but the lava rocks and the reef make up for it by keeping the waves low, making it the ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
People flock to the beach on hot days to splash around and cool off in the ponds fed by cool water from the white sand lagoon, relax on the manicured lawn, enjoy picnics at the picnic tables or pavilion, and watch the sunset before heading home.
Address and Hours
Carlsmith Beach Park is four miles from downtown Hilo at 1815 Kalanianaole Avenue. A lifeguard is on duty on weekends and holidays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Drive around Hilo and discover amazing and unique places you’ll only find on Big Island. Stop at Tony Honda Hilo today and find the perfect Honda to take you on exciting excursions around the island.
Image from Hawaiian Islands
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