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.
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/.
A highlight of the garden is the fantastic orchid display, which features dozens of species all year round.
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! (170 reviews)
Host was really nice and flexible. Room was so clean

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Island Goode's - Luxury Adults Only Accommodation
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr Hilo HI
$214 nightly
The price is $254 total per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
$254 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,340 reviews)
No cleaning service for two nights stay and the shampoo and conditioner given are too less for a family.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

2 out of 5
175 Banyan Drive Hilo HI
$143 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$169 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
A little bit old but you have everything you need

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
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.
Classic country style home on Hawaii Belt Road near Hilo

Classic country style home on Hawaii Belt Road near Hilo

Papaikou HI
Stay at this vacation home in Papaikou. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Port of Hilo and Hawaii Tropical ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
The house was charming. The property was amazing. It has three nice bedrooms. We only use two, but there is only one bathroom that is a drawback, but we made it work between the four of us. Also, there are no USB or seaport plugs anywhere in the house so make sure and bring an adapter I didn’t get ...

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Classic country style home on Hawaii Belt Road near Hilo
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 Port of Hilo and Keaukaha Beach Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Incredibly good deal for the price. No elevator but my unit was a mini apartment with sofa bed, kitchenette stocked with utensils, cookware and real plates and glasses. Fridge/freezer was much larger than the under counter units in bigger chain hotels. There was even a washer/ dryer. Better than ...

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Plumeria Hilo Hotel
Family Friendly Home, with a Man Cave!

Family Friendly Home, with a Man Cave!

Keaau HI
Stay at this vacation home in Keaau. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table, and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (233 reviews)
I can’t say enough great about this house, property or host. It was absolutely perfect for our family. Each day after being out to explore all day we could come back and shower and still have lots of fun just spending the evening shooting baskets in the driveway, playing pool, darts, riding bikes ...

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

Family Friendly Home, with a Man Cave!
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.

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