Hilo
Touristy, no doubt. But mac nut fans might enjoy glimpses of Mauna Loa's plantation and working factory. From windows above, watch the prized mac nut move along the assembly line from cracking and roasting to chocolate dipping and packaging. Gift shop, which sells packaged nuts at decent prices, is open daily; factory is closed on weekends and holidays.
To get here, follow signage about 5 miles south of Hilo; along the 3-mile access road, see acres of macadamia trees.
23.98 MILES
Kilauea volcano lies at the center of activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The unassuming bump on Mauna Loa's southeast flank would be easily…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
26.07 MILES
Even among Hawaii's many wonders, this national park stands out. Its two active volcanoes testify to the ongoing birth of the islands: quiet Mauna Loa (13…
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The original Halemaʻumaʻu Overlook off Crater Rim Dr was closed in 2008 due to volcanic activity and the very real threat of death. For the next decade,…
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The gentle, 1.3-mile round-trip to Puʻu Loa (roughly, 'hill of long life') leads to one of Hawaiʻi's largest concentrations of ancient petroglyphs, some…
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Arguably Hilo's most beautiful spot, these sprawling Japanese gardens are perfect for picnicking. Named for Hawaii's last queen (r 1891–93), the 30-acre…
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The island's best ‘tourist waterfall’ is found at this outstanding, family-friendly park. Walk the paved path counterclockwise, on a loop that traverses…
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When 'Little Kilauea' burst open in a fiery inferno in November 1959, it filled the crater with a roiling lake of molten rock fed by a 1900ft fountain…
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
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A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this rainforest garden is beautifully situated by the ocean and superbly managed. A paved trail meanders through over 2000…
1.96 MILES
If you believe paradise is sweetest when earned, trek out to this pristine, postcard-worthy black and white sand beach in a protected cove on the Shipman…
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First opened in 1972, these gardens are past their glory days. The sprawling grounds feel rather forlorn, but they do make for leisurely strolling. The…
3. Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
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Hilo's 12-acre zoo is a terrific, family-friendly spot. Stroll along paved paths past tropical foliage to view a modest collection of tropical birds,…
4.99 MILES
Hawaii's Japanese immigrant community is sizable and influential, especially in Hilo. Here, learn more about this group through plantation-era artifacts,…
5. Waiʻolena & Waiʻuli Beach Parks
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Rocky and rugged, these side-by-side beaches (commonly known by their former name, Leleiwi Beach) aren't sandy or calm, but they're Hilo's best shore-dive…
6. Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center
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It's as if the ambitions of David Fukumoto have been continually cut back by fate – including an alleged $30 million pesticide disaster and severe…
5.42 MILES
Near the end of Kalanianaʻole Ave, this little pocket of black sand is a favorite all-round beach. When calm, the protected waters are popular for…
5.43 MILES
Although this beach may look rocky, the swimming area is protected by a reef, creating a safe lagoon. The anchialine ponds, which flow to the ocean, are…