Parks, Gardens & Cemeteries

On the far end of the Big Island's Windward side is this pretty little park noted for its magnificent waterfall. The hike to the waterfall overlook is short (less than a half-mile) and not too difficult. The path is even paved. The waterfall is impressive; it is a 440-foot cascade over a volcanic cliff. Lush greenery blankets the area. Visitors enjoy quite a few nice places for pictures or picnics on the 65-acre property.

This garden has over a 1000 species of orchids grown and tended to by Moriyasu Akatsuka, an expert in the plantation of this exotic flower. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in close proximity, so you may plan your garden visit accordingly. Award-winning robust orchids are on display, and the gift shop is worth dropping by too - stocking stuffers, bath-products, T-shirts, fragrances, and the like are available.

Some visitors hail this as the most beautiful area in Hawaii. Visitors can expect to see rushing rivers and trickling streams, vivid orchids and delicate hanging ferns, birds and flowers in every color of the rainbow. Waterfalls, lily ponds and several miles of coastline add to the astonishing aesthetic beauty of the garden. A gift shop is onsite and umbrellas are loaned out free of charge when it rains, which adds even more to the tropical setting.

More than two million people visit the active Kilauea Volcano each year, enthralled by the sight of the forbidding black mountain and the fiery streams of molten lava that flow from it. The other active volcano, Mauna Loa, is the largest one on earth; the summit towers at more than 13,000 feet above sea level. There are many hiking trails in the park, which spans 217,000 acres. The Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum offer the chance to learn more about the park's history and geology.

Established in 1978, this park is still comparatively new, but it attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year. It is situated on an ancient settlement and is a must-see for anyone interested in authentic Hawaiian culture and heritage. On the 1,160 acres that comprise the park, visitors can view heiau (places of worship), petroglyphs, fishponds (man-made stone ponds used to raise fish) and other remnants of an ancient community. There is no visitor center on the park, so arriving guests are encouraged to visit the headquarters.

Snorkelers and divers flock to this bay, which is a designated marine preserve and home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles and even some dolphins. Kayakers also enjoy the calm, warm waters. History buffs will be more interested in the monument to Captain James Cook, the first British sailor to venture to Hawai'i. Cook was at first revered by the Hawaiians, who believed him to be the god Lono, but eventually they killed him in a skirmish upon his return to the island.

This is one of the Big Island's best places to swim, sunbathe, picnic and bodysurf. A dirt road off Highway 19 leads out to Mahai'ula Beach, where a picturesque crescent of golden sand meets the head of a protected bay. Kua Bay, located about a four-mile hike north from the beach, is a good place for more activities. Divers frequently visit the underwater tunnels and the shipwreck off shore. Vehicles that aren't four-wheel-drives will have a difficult time with the one-mile unpaved road to the beach.

The Hawaiian name for this park is Laaloa, but it's also referred to as Disappearing Sands, White Sands and Magic Sands. The sands of the beach really do pull a disappearing act when the crashing winter waves come, reappearing gradually as the weather and waves calm down. When the weather is fine, there's plenty of sand on this beach and plenty of people to enjoy it. Bodyboarders, swimmers, sunbathers and picnickers descend upon the pretty little crescent of "magic sand" in the heart of touristy Kailua-Kona.

Ever heard of the snows of Mauna Kea? This is where you find them. In the winter, the slopes here get plenty of snow. The reserve is noteworthy for several other reasons, as well. Natural deposits left by Ice Age glaciers are easily visible to any science buff. People with an interest in archaeology may want to hike the 40-minute path to Lake Waiau, where an archaeological site still shows remnants of ancient pre-contact Hawai'i. Plenty of other people come here to get a good look at the island from the vantage point of 13,000 feet above sea level. Note: Limited access to rental cars. Check before attempting to make the drive.

If you can get to Mauna Kea at night, you can enjoy some of the world's best stargazing. However, no one ever said it was easy to get there. The place is located 35 miles inland of Hilo inside the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Not only is it 6,500 feet above sea level, it is also only accessible by a winding, bumpy mountain road that is strictly off-limits for most rental cars. Spring for a 4x4 and a camping permit (get it ahead of time) and do it right. Alternatively, book a place on one of the many guided tours that head up the mountain. By day, you can hike and explore. At night, observe the glory of the night sky.

It is no wonder that this place is a favorite of couples looking to tie the knot. The 20-acre botanical garden full of colorful blooms, quiet lily-filled ponds and splashing waterfalls, provides hundreds of places to kiss, hold hands, or just relax and drink in all of the beauty. The gardens are split into several sections, including the formal European Garden, the vivid Orchid Garden and the serene Water Garden. A museum, gift shop and two restaurants are onsite. Admission for adults is USD7 and for children between 4-10 years of age USD5.

This spectacular natural attraction is located seven miles north of Hilo, at Onomea Bay. Known as the "Garden in the Valley on the Ocean", Onomea is considered by many to be one of Hawaii's most beautiful places. Follow nature trails through rain forest landscape, including a variety of rare and endangered flora. Many of the plants here were brought from other parts of the world; others are indigenous to the region. A park highlight is the orchid garden and oceanfront waterfall garden.

This is a site that encompasses the cultural heritage of the Hawaiians. Set up in 1961, this 182-acre park has immense historical value for the locals. As legend goes, in the early 19th century this park was a place of refuge for retreating warriors and condemned offenders. The park includes archeological sites, temple platforms, shacks, and fishponds. You can take a 30-minute self-guided trail, or indulge in various activities, such as bird watching, fishing, hiking, swimming, nature walks, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for children that is both fun and informative. Entry fee: $5

A nicely maintained park in central Hilo, this place is great for family outings or group picnics. The park, which spans a little more than 130 acres, has a picnic area, a boat ramp, a visitor center and a war memorial. People can choose to boat down the river or to stroll through the park and take in the scenery. The Wailoa Center, located on the property, often features displays and exhibits by local artists, while the outdoor pavilions sometimes are the sites of special events.

The best-known sight at this 16-acre park is Rainbow Falls, so named because of the rainbows that form at the base when the sun hits the mist. Another sight to see is Boiling Pots. Several large pools bordered by lava-rock columns. The water that flows through the pools appears to be boiling, though it is actually just turmoil caused by the rush of water over rocks. There are numerous other photo opportunities and scenic spots within the park. Hiking trails and restrooms are in the facility.