We recently visited the Big Island of Hawaii and we took some time to visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden which is situated on the East side of the island a little north of Hilo hidden away down a narrow scenic road by Onomea Bay.

The gardens were founded in 1978 and opened to the public a few years later in 1984. It covers approximately 37 acres from the road and down to the sea with a winding path through the various areas.

It was a lovely to roam the gardens and see the kinds of flowers that are rare in other climates but thrive in this heat and humidity. There is a small waterfall along the way and it’s well laid out; the path takes you all the way down to the sea with plenty of places to rest and ponder.

It is a steep path in and out as would be expected on such a coastal location but my elderly mother-in-law didn’t find it too grueling.

We’d definitely recommend visiting if you are in the area.