Lilioukalani Gardens, Hilo
Lilioukalani Gardens are in a pretty area of Hilo, on Banyan Drive which runs along silvery Hilo Bay. To get here you drive past huge, old Banyan trees in front of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Fishermen and other happy residents sit on the rock wall overlooking Hilo Bay enjoying the impressive views of Mauna Kea and listening to the water crash on the rocks. There is even a tiny beach.
It's very lush in Hilo due to all the rain, which makes it the perfect location for a green, green Japanese garden. Across from the waterfront rock wall is the garden with ponds, pagodas, sweet Japanese bridges, stepping stones and huge old trees. It's wonderful to walk around and take it all in. Many Hilo residents enjoy this area and jog along the pretty walkways.
The gardens were designed as a tribute to the Japanese workers who came to work on the sugar plantations in the 19th century. This land, 24 acres, was donated by Queen Lilioukalani, the Hawaiian queen.
After, extend your walk by crossing the white pedestrian bridge to Coconut Island.
While in Hilo, eat at Hilo Bay Cafe (there are two affordable dishes on the menu; closed Sun and Mon) or Hula Hula's (downstairs by the pool at the Grand Naniloa), for memorable views of shimmering Hilo Bay while you eat. They have pizzas with good crust for around $27 (feeds two, with some residual hunger). They are open even on holidays like Thanksgiving. Downtown Hilo is quite run down, but Ola Brew is one of the more upmarket-looking spots, with modern decor and huge windows. Booch Bar is also a good bet, if you want ultra-healthy food.
Rocks and bay, across from Lilioukalani Gardens, on Lihiwai Street.
Looking at Mauna Kea and the observatories from Lihiwai Street.
The Japanese ponds.
Winding walkway.
Bench and greenest grass.
Tree roots.
Bridge and reflection.
Winding path and gazebo.
Bridge.
Walking atop the bridge.
Norfolk pine and ponds in the distance.
Looking toward Coconut Island.
A couple walks along Lihiwai Street, with Mauna Kea in the distance.
The pedestrian bridge that leads to Coconut Island.
Pretty trees at the start of the bridge that leads to Coconut Island.
Young people sitting on a rock wall at the bay.
Banyan tree in the distance.
Japanese arch and amazing monkeypod trees.
Banyan tree and tarzan ropes.
Healthy Norfolk pines on a loop walk on Banyan Dr from Lilioukalani Gardens.
Walking along Banyan Drive near Alii Ice.
Greenest green!
Japanese arch framing Mauna Kea.
Ponds, greenest grass, and monkey pod tree.
Little beach on Lihiwai Street.
Looking toward Coconut Island.
Rock jetty on the bay.
View from Hilo Bay Cafe.
Balcony over the bay, at Hilo Bay Cafe.
Little yellow green bird.
Views of Mauna Kea.
Looking out to sea.
Dirt parking where you can find great views of Mauna Kea.
Lawn and magical water.
See the person to see how tall this tree is!
Light in the gardens.
Tarzan ropes hanging from a giant banyan tree.
Eucalyptus in the morning light.
The magical water and a bridge.
Vines hanging from a tree, with bridge in the distance.
Roots of a tree, moss, and water.
Palm that spreads out wide.
Water ponds.
Flowering tree.
Bridges.
Huge tree.
Spirit house.
Incredible tree.
Trees with gnarled roots, by the sea.
Arch.
Bridge over still water.
Hilo Bay Cafe, across the street.
Walking along the ocean.
Trees galore.
Amazing trees you see while walking along Banyan Drive.
Looking up at the trees. So majestic!
Hilo Bay Cafe, as seen from Banyan Drive.
Vines hanging from a giant banyan.
Roots of a banyan near Banyan Drive, on the south end of the park.
Banyan vines and Hilo Bay Cafe in the distance.
Lush grass, tree, and spirit house.
Take Hwy 11 north until it turns into Banyan Drive. Follow Banyan Drive past the hotels and then turn right on Lihiwai St. The gardens will be on your left and the bay on your right. There is parking along the road.
The address is 189 Lihiwai St, Hilo HI 96720.
There are restrooms.
PM
Wed, 07 Jul 2010
I remember running around on that grass getting my knees wet. that was four years ago, when i was six.
Last Updated: Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:02:13 GMT
Text and Image copyright: © 2006-2024 LotsaFunMaps.com.
Copying prohibited. Contact the editor |
Facebook |
Pinterest |
Instagram
Blog |
The Official Mug |
Privacy Settings |
About Us
