Hilo Tropical Gardens

Hilo Tropical Gardens is a botanical garden in Onomea Valley featuring dense tropical plants arranged along walking paths. The setting includes streams, waterfalls, and viewpoints overlooking the bay below.

The property was discovered by owners in the 1970s and transformed from dense jungle into cultivated gardens. Public visits began a few years after this conversion.

The name reflects the tropical setting and coastal bay that define the valley. Visitors today can still spot old industrial structures from the sugar era nestled into the surrounding hillsides.

The garden is open to visitors year-round with broad pathways that are easy to walk. Bring insect repellent and wear comfortable shoes, as surfaces can become slippery after rain.

The garden holds a notable collection of palm varieties and heliconia species that together display the tropical spectrum. Some aged mango and coconut trees on the grounds date back decades and mark the character of the place.