Discovering Paradise: A Guide to Your Unforgettable Road Trip to Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo
19.7241° N, 155.0868° W
After our fun day of riding ATVs, we’re bound for Hilo — northeastern side of The Big Island. It’s amazing to see how the topography rapidly changes as we make our way up the highway. Highway 200 - also known as Saddle Road - bisects the Big Island as it cuts through the raised slopes between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. This is also the fastest route between Kona-Kailua and Hilo — it took us about an hour and a half from our condo on Ali’i Drive. We drove through scenery of lava fields that at one point turn to a more desert like scenery. and then into a lush green as you wind down the hill into Hilo.
Hilo - which means “twist” in Hawaiian - is various shades of lush greens and has a number of beautiful waterfalls and beaches as well as botanical gardens. Hilo boasts over 125 inches of rain of year to Kona’s 25 inches so, it’s easy to see where all of the rich greenery comes from. On this day, we chose to visit Rainbow Falls. (Waiānuenue).
Rainbow Falls is relatively small…. It’s drop is only 80 feet in comparison to neighboring ‘Akaka Falls (422 ft). However, I prefer this fall because we were able to get so much closer. And, there’s also the chance of seeing rainbows around these Falls (early morning lighting is best on a sunny day).
Rainbow Falls spills into the pool below.
There are several different vantage points to view the Fall and opportunities to take pictures!
Kevin and Elijah take time for a photo….
…. and then Elijah takes one of Leilah and me!
The very short climb up Rainbow Falls gives you more views of the lush vegetation and another vantage point of Rainbow Falls…. at the top, you’ll also find yourself in the middle of a Banyan Tree forest.
A relatively gentle river cascades into a dramatic waterfall ahead.
We couldn’t leave this small town without a stroll through the downtown area. The picturesque downtown is made up of old wooden storefronts that overlook a crescent shaped bay. This area is an eclectic mix of galleries, quaint boutiques, eateries and unique shops for souvenirs.
Just down Highway 137 is a beautiful beach area — Carlsmith Beach Park. Carlsmith is fantastic for swimming and snorkeling as there is a reef that has created somewhat of a swimming pool… safely protecting visitors from the powerful surf just beyond. There are lots of friendly green turtles here as well! Parking is easy to find and there is a covered BBQ pavilion so, you might consider packing the makings for a lunch and make a day of it. Bathrooms and showers here as well.
The reef creates a natural swimming pool with a floor of soft white sand and crystal turquoise waters.
Moriah and Elijah spent time swimming in the lagoons and tracking the many green turtles that call it home.
We hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit and experience a day in Hilo!
Happy Travels!
