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

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
The price is AU$346 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$346
17 Feb - 18 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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,340 reviews)
Rooms

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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
The price is AU$366 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$366
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
Beautiful and relaxing property!

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (24 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 16 Jan 2026

Plumeria Hilo Hotel
Grand Historic Hilo House

Grand Historic Hilo House

Hilo HI
Stay at this beach holiday home in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Lyman Museum and Naha Stone are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
Beautiful place and the host was helpful and accessible.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Grand Historic Hilo House
Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC

Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC

Hilo HI
Stay at this holiday home in Hilo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Native Hawaiian Lava and Pu'u 'O'o Trail are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
Everything is great. But if you could provide the dishwasher it would be much better

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Cozy Tropical Retreat Guest House with AC
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

Activities

Reviews of Papaikou

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

DM

Save yourself some resort fees and having to pay car parking If you are travelling light then try this peaceful location. If you like they also have B&B option, we stayed 2 nights and visited the National Volano park and Rainbow falls and Akaka falls

Cities near Papaikou

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