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.
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 12 Mar 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 ฿6,012 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿6,012
฿8,303 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (1,342 reviews)
Ants and coakroaches in the room. Mould and AC leaking. Wet carpet. Microwave not working. Toileteries missing and not replenished. Rooms were not serviced for towels and replishment. Service was poor. Ac door was vibrating when you set fan at high speed and vents were blocked with dirt. We changed ...

Reviewed on 26 Mar 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
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
A little bit old but you have everything you need

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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.
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 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 18 Mar 2026

Plumeria Hilo 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.

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