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/.
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 18 Jan 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
The price is 4.469.076 ₫ per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
4.469.076 ₫
6.504.871 ₫ total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
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! (1,302 reviews)
Ambience is special!

Reviewed on 25 Jan 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
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 rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
great Value.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

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Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
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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.
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! (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 16 Jan 2026

Plumeria Hilo Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, 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 25 Nov 2025

Stunning Views Best Locale Hilo 2BRCondo
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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 featuring a cascade and a park

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and explore Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Papaikou. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

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 savour its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

Cities near Papaikou

Hilo which includes a bay or harbor

Hilo

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

Hakalau

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