The 10 Best Things to Do in Hakalau, United States

February 8, 2018 Russell Mellin

Discover the best top things to do in Hakalau, United States including Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, The Umauma Experience, Skyline Eco Adventures - Akaka Falls, Hawaii Volcano Tours, Botanical World Adventures, Hakalau Beach, Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, Honomu Goat Dairy, Kolekole Beach Park, Akaka Falls State Park.
Restaurants in Hakalau

1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, Island of Hawaii, HI 96781-7746 +1 808-964-5233
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical 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 James M

There is not a great deal to see or do in Hilo but there is a phenomenal botanic garden just outside of town. It is about 20 acres of jungle on the edge of the ocean and has been left relatively undisturbed. The garden has been in this location for about 50 years. In addition to the natural flora, flowers from all of the world have been brought here and planted in this jungle setting. It is a very natural setting and more interesting to me than the Missouri botanical gardens or the botanic gardens in Denver which are developed and sculpted. Here one has the sense of walking through a natural setting where these plants would be found in their respective locations around the world. If you travels take you near Hilo, do not miss this place.

2. The Umauma Experience

31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Hakalau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96710
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

The Umauma Experience

The Umauma Experience is home of the only viewing area for The Famous Triple-Tier Water Falls. We have a 9-Line zip line adventure, tropical garden, river walk, swim and kayak experience. It's an experience of a lifetime! We have over a dozen waterfalls on our zip line adventure and beautiful ocean, mountain and river views. Come and see the natural beauty of the Big Island.

Reviewed By retirederic2018

GPS will get you close, but follow the detailed directions on the brochure. The staff was courteous and fun. I would have given it a 5 star minus the price. Our whole family enjoyed the thrill and adventure.

3. Skyline Eco Adventures - Akaka Falls

Honomu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96728
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Skyline Eco Adventures - Akaka Falls

Skyline Eco-Adventures was voted the #1 Zipline Company in Hawaii 2017 by Hawaii Magazine's Best of the Best Readers Choice Award and Skyline Akaka Falls was voted the #1 Zipline tour in the Hawaiian Islands. Skyline Eco Adventures near Akaka Falls is the best Zipline Tour on Hawaii Island. Cascading nearly 250 ft. privately owned KoleKole Falls is one of the World's most spectacular waterfalls. KoleKole Falls passes under your feet as you glide effortlessly 500ft high through the air. An adventure which is unmatched in Hawaii, with ziplines that pass above jaw dropping scenery along unrivaled spans - Skyline Eco Adventure sets a new standard for family adventure along the Big Island's famed Hamakua Coast. Our ziplines start off small and gradually increase in length and height, allowing zippers to prepare for line #7 which reaches a length of over 3,000 ft! Number of Ziplines: 7 ziplines. Tour length: 2-2 1/2 hours. Location: Honomu, Big Island (Near Akaka Falls State Park)

Reviewed By Dave L

Great time with my two teenagers today! Our guides/instructors, Charles and Miles were outrageously engaging and entertaining to bring the diverse group together. Thanks for the adventure, Skyline!!

4. Hawaii Volcano Tours

28-3087 Beach rd., Pepeekeo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96783
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 11 reviews

Hawaii Volcano Tours

I'll take you on a personally guided tour of Hawaii Volcano National Park,Waterfalls,and Botanical Garden. I'll tell you about the birds, animals, plants, and history of the Big Island of Hawaii an much more! You'll get more for your money from Hawaii Volcano Tours! Just read the Trip Advisor reviews.Thanks to everyone who took a tour with Hawaii Volcano Tours.

Reviewed By Traveltroupe

We met Don when our cruise docked at Hilo. His tour covered everything you want to see on the island. Lava tubes, Volcano National Park, black sand beaches, gardens and so much more.

Don is very laid back and flexible and he is very knowledgeable in his commentary. Great value, great tour!

5. Botanical World Adventures

31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hwy 19 at Mile Marker 16 - 16 Miles North of Hilo, Hakalau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96710
Excellent
65%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 418 reviews

Botanical World Adventures

Botanical World Adventures includes Zip Isle Zip Line, Segway Off-Road Adventure, the World Botanical Gardens, Maze, Waterfalls and more. Drive right to the viewpoints for the impressive Kamae'e Falls best in Hawaii or Hanapueo Falls with its intimate beauty. Take a Guided Tour (reservations, please) or on your own Self-guided Audio Tour with our Audio Wands. Discover the hidden beauty of Hawaii as you explore hundreds of acres by car and on foot. Stroll through the lush Rain Forest Walk. Immerse in our Rainbow Gardens filled with scores of tropical species. wander the adjacent Arboretum and the huge Maze, one of the largest in the world! spectacular vistas include snow-capped Mauna Kea, pastoral grazing and sweeping ocean views. The Gardens is home to the family friendly Zip Isle Zip Line with Eight thrilling lines and suspension bridge. Segway Personal Transporter Tours are a truly exciting experience and another great way to see the botanical gardens with family and friends!

Reviewed By Johnboy535 - Delta, British Columbia, Canada

The staff at the entry point were friendly however we were very disappointed with the gardens.They have been poorly kept. Much work is needed.
There is another botanical garden we stumbled on when travelling on the road to the painted church which was superior.

6. Hakalau Beach

North End of Wailea Rd., Hakalau, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
44%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 21 reviews

Hakalau Beach

Reviewed By Warren F - Syracuse, New York, United States

I hate to rate anything in Hawaii less than average, but this particular site is actually "less than average." Compared to other locations, you can do better.

There really isn't much here except free parking, a grassy area, stream that runs into the bay, Halakua Bay and an old, high railroad bridge with graffiti scrawled on it. No facilities. No concession. No lifeguard. Not really much of a beach.

Locals were fishing in the stream when we got there and a picnic was underway for a family of 10 or 12.

Nearby, there is the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. But, this review is about the beach and I really cannot recommend it.

7. Pepeekeo Scenic Drive

Off Hwy 19 between miles markers 7 and 8, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 254 reviews

Pepeekeo Scenic Drive

Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago

Our tour bus took us along this route. The Pepe'ekeo (also known as the Onomea bay) scenic drive is the most famous scenic routes on the Big Island. It is a four mile stretch of the old Mamalahoa Highway that snakes from scenic spot to scenic spot through lush tropical forest and gives some stunning views of Onomea Bay. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens halfway the drive are a must-see if you like tropical plants and flowers, and are one of our favorite short hikes on the Big Island. They are often described as a "walk in paradise" and "stunningly beautiful".

Drive carefully. This road is a bit narrow and has many sharp curves and some one-lane bridges.

8. Honomu Goat Dairy

28-257 Akaka Falls Road, Honomu, Island of Hawaii, HI 96728 +1 808-785-5546
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

Honomu Goat Dairy

Come see our beautiful Nubian Goats and play with our baby goats. Sample a wide selection of goat milk caramels and fudge. We also offer a variety of souvenirs such as: goat milk soaps; body and lip balms; Koa wood boxes and knives; and Kona Sea Salt harvested from 3,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific. Stop by and see us before or after visiting Akaka Falls.

Reviewed By NalasMomma - Deerfield Beach, Florida

There is no better caramel in the world! You will not regret the decision to visit this place. Hang out with the cool goats and sample goat cheese too!

9. Kolekole Beach Park

Highway 19, Honomu, Island of Hawaii, HI
Excellent
29%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 44 reviews

Kolekole Beach Park

Reviewed By Jim L

As of early December 2017, the contamination warning signs are still up. However, the chains across the entrance road were down... my guess is without approval! The park is now overgrown and has a slightly creepy abandon feeling. Appears to be a bit of a locals hangout. To bad it’s closed – nice shoreline and a scenic little waterfall.

10. Akaka Falls State Park

End of Akaka Falls Road, Off Hwy 220, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI +1 808-974-6200
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Akaka Falls State Park

Reviewed By Jeanne P - San Diego, California

Parking is limited in the small parking lot. If you are fortunate enough to find a space, it costs $5 PER CAR. If there are no spaces remaining, you can park along the street before the parking lot entrance and pay $1 PER PERSON. There’s a machine to pay at the trailhead if no attendant is present.

The hike is a short 1 mile loop. However it is NOT wheel chair accessible. There are steps and other areas that are a tad steep. It’s a beautiful. There’s a lookout point where you can see the falls. Absolutely beautiful like so much if the scenery in Hawaii. I’d recommend stopping by if you are close by or driving through. It’s a bit far away. We stopped on our drive from Kona to Hilo.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.