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.
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 2026/3/12

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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 NT$6,233 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
NT$6,233
NT$8,862 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,304 reviews)
Our stay was excellent from check in to check out. The hotel restraint was good with live entertainment. The hotel is also close to other excellent restaurants in Hilo.

Reviewed on 2026/3/14

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
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 NT$5,839 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
NT$5,839
NT$8,065 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,336 reviews)
Great location, restaurant seafood buffet was excellent. We enjoyed our stay

Reviewed on 2026/3/11

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 Port of Hilo and Keaukaha Beach Park are located ...
Plumeria Hilo 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.

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 seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

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