What to do in Paukaa, HI

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Paukaa

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Paukaa, Hilo while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Paukaa attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Paukaa tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 84 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Paukaa. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Occupying a huge area of 1,335 square kilometres across Hawaii’s Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to not one but two volcanoes, including Kīlauea, the most active anywhere in the world. Visitors flock to this spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the chance to learn about the area’s natural history.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which includes rugged coastline

2. Akaka Falls

All across Hawaii, there are many stunning waterfalls to marvel at and explore. However, many of them are hidden away in remote, hard-to-reach parts of the island, making them difficult or strenuous to access. The Akaka Falls State Park is far more accessible. It’s just a short drive away from Hilo, and is one of the most impressive you’ll find in Hawaii.
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Akaka Falls which includes a waterfall and landscape views

3. Rainbow Falls

The Rainbow Falls, set amid lush vegetation and incredible scenery, are jewels of the Hilo landscape. They are named for the miniature rainbows that appear at the foot of the falls in certain weather conditions. Come here to get close to nature and take photographs of the scenic cascade.
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Rainbow Falls featuring a garden and a waterfall

4. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

A trip to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a magical experience for flora enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Pick any corner of this 40-acre (161,874-square-meter) conservation area to explore and be amazed by the countless varieties of plant and tree life that surround you. Look for a wide range of mammal, bird, reptile and insect species as you wander the twisting trails that guide you around this environmental treasure trove.
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden which includes a garden and flowers

5. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

Step into the tranquility of a Japanese garden at Liliuokalani Gardens, an ornately landscaped public park near the Hilo oceanfront. Stroll through peaceful gardens beneath the banyan trees and gaze into koi ponds. Take in stunning views of Hilo Bay and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) and enjoy an aromatic pot of Japanese tea at the teahouse.
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Liliuokalani Park and Gardens featuring a pond

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Recommended things to do in Paukaa

Number of things to do
84
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour: NZ$17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Paukaa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Paukaa

Reeds Bay Beach Park is located on Banyan Drive, Hilo, big island of Hawaii.

Port of Hilo

4/5(6 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Hilo with a trip to Port of Hilo. Discover the area's beautiful waterfalls and top-notch restaurants.

Port of Hilo
Bucket Loads of Anthuriams for sale

Hilo Farmers Market

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Hilo Farmers Market during your visit to Hilo. Wander the picturesque gardens and scenic parks in the area.

Hilo Farmers Market
Tree in Carlsmith Beach Park

Carlsmith Beach Park

Explore the great outdoors at Carlsmith Beach Park, a lovely green space in Hilo.

Carlsmith Beach Park
Rainbow Falls featuring a garden and a waterfall

Rainbow Falls

4/5(8 reviews)

Rise early to come to this scenic waterfall for the best chance of seeing the beautiful rainbows that give it its name.

Rainbow Falls
Downtown Hilo Waterfront Across Hilo Bay From Coconut Island Park, Hilo, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA

Coconut Island Park

4/5(5 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Coconut Island Park and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls during your trip to Hilo. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Coconut Island Park
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens featuring a pond

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

4.5/5(5 reviews)

This serene Hilo bayfront park offers the serenity of a Japanese garden, a lush canopy of banyan trees and beautiful views from a sacred ancient Hawai’ian island.

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Keaukaha Beach Park showing rugged coastline

Keaukaha Beach Park

Snorkel in the clear waters at this beautiful spot, where gaps in the volcanic ocean floor hide a wealth of marine life.

Keaukaha Beach Park
Onekahakaha Beach Park which includes rugged coastline

Onekahakaha Beach Park

Spend a sunny day exploring the hidden charms of this tranquil cove, where protected tidal pools provide ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions.

Onekahakaha Beach Park
Richardson\'s Ocean Park which includes a sandy beach and landscape views

Richardson's Ocean Park

A beach park that’s perfect for families and one of the Hilo Region’s best swimming spots, and where a whole world of marine science is waiting to be discovered.

Richardson's Ocean Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Paukaa

Hilo which includes a bay or harbor

Hilo

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.

Papaikou

Frequently asked questions

Is Paukaa worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Paukaa is visit Honoli'i Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's views and nature.
How do I spend a day in Paukaa?
Once you've visited major attractions like Honoli'i Beach, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Paukaa.
What is the top tourist attraction in Paukaa?
The top tourist attraction near Paukaa is Honoli'i Beach, so remember to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Paukaa?
Three days in Paukaa is enough time to tour the nearby highlights. Popular among travellers is Honoli'i Beach and S. Hata Building, so why not put them on your itinerary when you're in the area?
Is Paukaa a walkable neighbourhood?
That depends on what you'd like to see in and around Paukaa. Several top attractions, like Honoli'i Beach, are reachable on foot. Feel like exploring other neighbourhoods nearby? Wainaku is 2 kilometres from Paukaa.
What are some activities to do in Paukaa with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Paukaa with kids.

What to do in Paukaa for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are lots of things to do in Paukaa for adults.
Are there free things to do in Paukaa?
One of the most popular free things to do in Paukaa is Honoli'i Beach. You can also stroll around nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're stuck for ideas, just chat with a local tour guide.