Papaikou, HI

Travel 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! (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 Feb 5, 2026

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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 ￥28,866 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
￥28,866
￥39,867 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,333 reviews)
Clean

Reviewed on Jan 29, 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 ￥28,234 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
￥28,234
￥40,749 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,297 reviews)
Staff was great and location is perfect. Only negative was tiny ants.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
See all 611 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.
Plumeria Hilo Hotel

Plumeria Hilo Hotel

3 out of 5
1303 Kalanianaole St Hilo HI
Stay at this apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Keaukaha Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (25 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 Jan 16, 2026

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 WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (365 reviews)
Good value and location for the price. Facilities were a little dated but it was well maintained and clean. The birds sang very loudly so if you need quiet at night that could be problematic but if you enjoy the sound it is pleasant. I would stay here again.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Grand Historic Hilo House

Grand Historic Hilo House

Hilo HI
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Lyman Museum and Naha Stone are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
Beautiful place and the host was helpful and accessible.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

Grand Historic Hilo House
See all 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.

Popular places to visit

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden which includes a park and a cascade

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 savor its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

Things to do

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

￥5,533
per traveler
78% of travellers recommend
Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours
Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

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

￥45,630
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars
Shared Walking Tour in Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island

Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens

￥7,115
per adult
Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens
Big Island: Bottle Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats

Big Island: Hand Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats

￥5,550
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Big Island: Hand Feed & Cuddle Baby Goats
Big Island

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

￥1,559
per traveler
Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour
Kiluea eruption!

Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

￥25,141
per adult
Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion
See all activities in Papaikou

Reviews of Papaikou

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

much slower paced part of town. perfect if you are unwinding and taking it all in

4/5 - Good

Mario

Short but beautiful drive north if Hilo town. Views if the bay and break wall, bridges of river crossings etc. as you drive back!

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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