Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Things to do in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Gardens
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,146 reviews
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 501(c)(3) Scientific and Educational non-profit, whose mission is to serve as a nature preserve and sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world. The Garden is dedicated to the collection and display of the world's tropical plants, and to the education of both children and adults about the plight of the world's rainforests. At a time when rainforest plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Garden is working to preserve as many species as possible for the benefit of future generations.
Reviewed By Paola010 - Oklahoma City, United States
This garden was an unexpected treat on a tour that included other attractions. Located on Onomea Bay, we reached it from the shipping port of Hilo. Admittedly, it was a long 500' walk down and then back up, but well worth it. (And, if you can't make it back up, a tram will bring you back for $10). It had it all, orchids growing on tree trunks and in their own little orchid garden, sparkling streams, a lush pool, unusual shades of anthurium, many varieties of ginger and dozens of other colorful plants and flowers. Eventually the path leads to a lovely view of the ocean, fringed by palms. Just delightful.
2. Liliuokalani Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,159 reviews
Reviewed By tutana - Tempe, United States
This is a beautiful park full of ponds, huge trees and lots of vegetation. Plus it's close to the bay so you get those views as well
3. Mauka Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Y9936ROsusank - San Francisco, United States
Really wanted to visit a botanical garden while on the Big Island and visit a coffee plantation.Amazingly I managed to do both when visiting Mauka Meadows. Gardens leading down from the parking take you thru beautiful native plants and fruit trees. A bonus is that you may eat any of the fruit you see on the grounds at no charge .The path eventually leads to the outdoor cafe where you are offered some of the delicious Kona coffee grown on the grounds. I bought some coffee beans after sampling the coffee. A great experience and kid friendly.
4. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 505 reviews
Reviewed By 88SteveA88 - Botley, United Kingdom
Like going to a garden centre... where they have loads and loads of incredibly cool stuff!! The variety of orchids on display here are incredible; and the facts about them all hugely interesting (including the number of unique hybrids which have been developed here). Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Only regret is that we couldn't buy any to take with us back to the UK!
5. Volcano Garden Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Volcano Garden Arts, a working Art Studio and Gallery is set on three lush acres in Volcano Village, a mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This unique gallery is housed in an old Hawaiian Estate, recognized as a World Heritage Site. You will be delighted to find art work from over 70 local artists, from fresh fun collectibles to works of significant impact. Enjoy our lovely, cultivated gardens and greenhouses and visit our spectacular 70 year old tree sanctuary. While visiting the Volcano Art Gallery, be sure to take some time to relax and have lunch, coffee or tea at our Cafe' Ono.
Reviewed By Podie - Sedona, United States
Take a walk through the gallery and garden sculptures even if you don't eat at the amazing Cafe Ono. If you're looking for gifts, this is the place! So many different items by so many people.
6. Hawaiian Vanilla Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,080 reviews
Reviewed By billk957
We greatly enjoyed the food, hospitality, service, and information we received at this family owned and operated farm. Three adult brothers provided a great experience, with the youngest being our waiter, the middle one the well-practiced chef, and the oldest the tour guide. The lunch was very tasty and satisfying, providing an appetizer, chicken sandwich, roasted potatoes, and a salad, with each item including some of their home grown vanilla as flavoring, in lemonade, chutney, and sauces. (The fact that vanilla was an ingredient in all of these items did not mean that the taste was uniform!) The tour involved a short hike down a steep but paved access road to the shaded growing areas, and a very informative talk by the oldest son, including answers to any and all questions from the group. We learned facts about vanilla that we will remember for a long time, and were pleased to purchase some beans to take home with us for making our own vanilla extract in the future, following the simple instructions provided. A dessert of (what else?) vanilla ice cream made in collaboration with a local dairy farmer brought our 2 to 2.5 hour experience to a delightful close.
7. Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
We are a non profit 501 3(c) educational and cultural facility set within a 7 acre Botanical Garden. We recently added a lovely gift shop and free coffee tasting. We offer self guided tours with an affordable admission and discounts for seniors, military and Kama'aina. Gently slopping land,mature shade trees, and expansive views from Kealakekua Bay to Place of Refuge allow one to wander through beautiful tropical displays and manicured foliage.Unique statuary, petroglyphs and the worlds only Galaxy Garden done in rare hibiscus provide great photo opts!
Reviewed By Tom-Heather - Seattle, United States
We were looking for a little hike and this was a fun way to meander through trees filled with nuts, fruits and flowers. If you take time to stop and look down there are some of those tiny fern plants that close their leaves when touched. Beautiful ocean views and plenty of little benches to stop and enjoy the scenery. We stopped and bought a loaf of banana bread on the way out. There are several roadside fruit stands along the route. Mahalo for the experience.
8. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
9. Nani Mau Gardens
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 53 reviews
This is an event venue that offers full catering to weddings, business meetings and family celebrations. With a variety of beautifully crafted menus to suit your needs, this is the perfect spot to host any gathering! The venue features a beautiful tropical garden. Situated 3 miles south of Hilo just before mile marker 4 (coming from Hilo). Turn by the big Aloha sign.
10. Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By O3642PDsf - Wellington, New Zealand
We stopped here for lunch. The garden is well kept and very peaceful. We enjoyed wandering round trying to decide which plant was which. There is also a very good thrift store there!
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