Hamakua Coast

Akaka Falls State Park - The Hawaiian god Akaka was caught cheating on his wife and ran across the canyon. But he slipped and fell down Akaka Falls. A hiking path winds through lush tropical plants and inspiring vistas to both `Akaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls. - off Highway 19, Honomu, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is one of Hawaii's spectacular sites, displaying a variety of palms, heliconias, gingers, bromeliads, and many other rare and exotic plants from all parts of the tropical world. Located 8.5 miles north-west Hilo there are trails throughout this lush tropical garden. - Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Town of Honokaa - Mamane Street runs through the heart of Honokaa and can take you back through the years to old Hawaii. Stop here for refreshments and a chance to sit back and relax for a while. - Honokaa, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Town of Honomu - Stop at Honomu on your way to Akaka Falls for supplies, gas, food, and local directions. Honomu has 500 people and a lot of local color and aloha. - Honomu, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Kalopa State Park - Kalopa is 2000 feet above sea level and a native `ohi`a forest at the start of one of Big Island's forest reserves. Kalopa is a good place for a picnic, or a family nature hike. - off Highway 19, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Kolekole Beach Park - Kolekole is a small park with a small waterfall and picnic tables where the river meets the sea. There's really no sandy beach, but the scenery is awesome. Also, remeber that, though the water looks great for boogieboarding, this is a place only for experts who'll brave the boulders - off Highway 19, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Laupahoehoe Memorial - In 1946 a tsunami smacked Hawaii's north coast, and the Laupahoehoe penninsula was crushed. This memorial carries the names of the people lost that day.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum - This small rail line brought sugar from the fields to the refineries when sugar was king. It was ultimately the victim of the '46 tsunami more than anything else. If you're interested in railroads or local history, stop in at the station. - Laupahoehoe, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Waipio Valley Overlook Few people live in the Waipio Valley, which is lush with wild fruit trees, bananas, taro and fish ponds. In 1791 King Kamehameha I fought Kahekii in a naval battle at the mouth of the river. The valley runs six miles mauka and there's a 2000 foot waterfall. - Highway 240 north of Honokaa, the Big Island, Hawaii.