What to do in Papaikou, HI

Activities, attractions and tours

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/.

Papaikou Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Papaikou has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Papaikou, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Papaikou with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Papaikou

Papaikou is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Papaikou, and make it a breeze to explore Papaikou and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Papaikou to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Papaikou, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Papaikou.

Papaikou attractions

Papaikou has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Papaikou to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Papaikou.

Looking for things to do in Papaikou can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Papaikou or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Papaikou attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Papaikou

Number of things to do
86
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Big Island (South): a Self-Drive Sightseeing and Adventure Audio Tour: £8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Papaikou

Popular places to visit

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden featuring a cascade and a park

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

5/5(1 review)

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 savour its top-notch restaurants.

Onomea Tea Company Estate

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Papaikou

Hilo which includes a bay or harbor

Hilo

An iridescent rain cloud spotted just off the Hamakua coastline. Hawaiians had special words for this special occurrence, like "kahili" which means part of a rainbow which stands straight up.

Pepeekeo

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

Hakalau

Frequently asked questions

Is Papaikou worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Papaikou. Be sure to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Papaikou?
Carlsmith Beach Park and Keaukaha Beach Park are two great places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Papaikou while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Papaikou?
Carlsmith Beach Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Papaikou and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Papaikou?
If you only want to see the most popular attractions, three days is more than enough time for a getaway in Papaikou. Stay for a week or more for the chance to really experience the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Papaikou with kids?
Deciding what to do in Papaikou with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Papaikou for adults?
Hawaiʻi Nui Brewing is one of the top things to do in Papaikou. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Papaikou?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Papaikou is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Carlsmith Beach Park is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.