Papaikou Travel Guide

Tourist 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/.

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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! (167 reviews)
We stayed five days here on our first trip to Big Island and fell in love with Hilo, a huge part of that was this gorgeous property full of lovely animals and livestock, fruit trees, and the kindest most responsive hosts. We even made friends with a lovely couple, also guests at this property who ...

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

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Island Goode's - Luxury Adults Only Accommodation
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 holiday home in Papaikou. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Great plantation home outside of Hilo
The home was very easy to find and just a short drive outside of Hilo town. Entry into the home was easy however the inability to unlock the front door did have me worried that I would end up locking myself out. The home itself is super cute and filled with just about every amenity you could think ...

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

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Classic country style home on Hawaii Belt Road near Hilo
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr Hilo HI
The price is NZ$424 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$424
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,338 reviews)
Amenities

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
See all 607 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.
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 holiday home in Papaikou. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Great plantation home outside of Hilo
The home was very easy to find and just a short drive outside of Hilo town. Entry into the home was easy however the inability to unlock the front door did have me worried that I would end up locking myself out. The home itself is super cute and filled with just about every amenity you could think ...

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park are ...
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 Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (388 reviews)
Our hosts were very friendly and helpful. Great location, clean and relaxing

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
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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 showing a waterfall and a park

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 relaxing 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 beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

Activities

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

NZ$58
per traveller
78% of travellers recommend
Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours
Shared Walking Tour in Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island

Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens

NZ$76
per adult
Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens
Newest formed black sand beach!

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

NZ$257
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand
Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon

Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon

NZ$257
per adult
Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon
Big Island

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

NZ$17
per traveller
Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour
Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

NZ$487
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
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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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