Papaikou, HI

Travel Guide

At the most beautiful garden in Hawaii, Onomea Waterfall greets one while decending into the lush valley. Lynn and I spent 4 hours taking over 500 photos of the tropical flowers, flowing water, ocean waves, and small creatures. The garden is in a natural setting, located in a secluded valley. In my opinion, this was the best Hawaiian garden we have visited. We look forward to returning to the Hilo side of Hawaii sometime next year.
At the most beautiful garden in Hawaii, Onomea Waterfall greets one while decending into the lush valley. Lynn and I spent 4 hours taking over 500 photos of the tropical flowers, flowing water, ocean waves, and small creatures. The garden is in a natural setting, located in a secluded valley. In my opinion, this was the best Hawaiian garden we have visited. We look forward to returning to the Hilo side of Hawaii sometime next year.
This Botanical Garden is such a beauty. Lots and lots of tropicals including orchids, cordyline sp., draceana, anthurium and bromeliads. So much color and texture. This garden also has lovely walkways, ocean views and even a natural waterfall. #GreatOutdoors #Botany #GreenTravel #Flowers #Horticulture #Hawaii #BigIsland
The three tiers of the beautiful Onomea Falls cascade through the Hawaiian rainforest #hawaii #hilo #waterfall
In 1977, Dan Lutkenhouse bought 17 acres in the Onomea Valley and set out to create a tropical paradise. Using only hand tools, Dan and three assistants spent 8 years transforming the nearby jungle into a garden masterpiece. Over 2000 species can be found in the garden, and it's been said that from the Lily Lake Vista alone over 110 species can be seen - more than any one place anywhere else on earth. A bold claim, but it's easy to believe once you are here. For more details, check out their site at http://www.htbg.com/.
Island Goode's - Luxury Adults Only Accommodation

Island Goode's - Luxury Adults Only Accommodation

3 out of 5
27-2365 Mamalahoa Highway Papaikou HI
Stay at this hotel in Papaikou. Enjoy private pools, private hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Onomea Tea Company Estate and Hawaii Tropical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
Wonderful location on a beautiful acreage . Large room...even had a recliner lounge chair which was super comfortable for reading and TV

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

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Island Goode's - Luxury Adults Only Accommodation
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton

4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr Hilo HI
$210 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
$249 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
Beautiful view, staff very helpful, however the shower handle was almost broken and very small had to stand right next to the wall to get any water and couldn't adjust it

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

2 out of 5
175 Banyan Drive Hilo HI
$159 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$188 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
great Value.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
See all 597 properties in Papaikou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plumeria Hilo Hotel

Plumeria Hilo Hotel

3 out of 5
1303 Kalanianaole St Hilo HI
Stay at this apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Fully equiped kitchen, clean & good sized. Hamoock on the balcony was great to enjoy the sounds of the frogs & waves crashing in the distance. Great spot for my needs. Easy acess to the National Park without dealing with city traffic.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Plumeria Hilo Hotel
Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental

Hilo HI
Stay at this apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (363 reviews)
Our hosts Marie and Greg were very welcoming!We lived walking down to the beach to watch the surfers and the sunrise and views from the crows nest. Beds were comfy, strong hot shower, a sofa and chair for seating plus a table for 3 all indoors. Safe quiet neighborhood close to town.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Stunning Views Best Locale Hilo 2BRCondo

Stunning Views Best Locale Hilo 2BRCondo

4 out of 5
101 Aupuni St Hilo HI
Stay at this condo in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wailoa Center and Wailoa River State Recreation Area are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Located in the center of Hilo 5-15 minutes away from everything, 45 minutes from Kilauea lookout. The building is older and the lower floors are private businesses but you basically only go to the elevator and the coffee shop. The unit was nice, recently renovated everything kitchen to bathroom. ...

Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025

Stunning Views Best Locale Hilo 2BRCondo
See all properties in Papaikou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden which includes a park and a cascade

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Discover over 2,000 species of tropical plants at this conservation area set in a fertile valley, where dense rainforest offers a home to diverse animal life.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Papaikou. Wander the beaches and gardens in this family-friendly area.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Onomea Tea Company Estate

Enjoy an outing to Onomea Tea Company Estate during your stay in Papaikou. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

Things to do

Sea turtles, lava tube's, waterfalls & volcanoes

Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour

$187
per adult
Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour
Shared Walking Tour in Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island

Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens

$45
per adult
Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens
Big Island: Bottle Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats

Big Island: Hand Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats

$35
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Big Island: Hand Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats
Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

$35
per traveler
78% of travellers recommend
Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours
Big Island

Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour

$10
per traveler
Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour
Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon

Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon

$154
per adult
Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon
See all activities in Papaikou

Reviews of Papaikou

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

much slower paced part of town. perfect if you are unwinding and taking it all in

4/5 - Good

Mario

Short but beautiful drive north if Hilo town. Views if the bay and break wall, bridges of river crossings etc. as you drive back!

Cities near Papaikou

Hilo which includes a bay or harbor

Hilo

An iridescent rain cloud spotted just off the Hamakua coastline. Hawaiians had special words for this special occurrence, like "kahili" which means part of a rainbow which stands straight up.

Pepeekeo

Akaka Falls which includes forest scenes, a river or creek and a bridge

Hakalau

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