Note: Keck Observatory is Temporarily closed until further notice.

The Keck Observatory has a small visitor’s center with models and images from their highly successful telescopes on Mauna Kea. They are open from 10 am – 2pm Monday through Friday; admission is free.

Guests are invited with the aloha spirit and will discover captivating photos, railroad ancient rarities and memorabilia from days passed by. The volunteers have spent their lives in the village, and are pleased to "talk story" with guests. The exhibition hall grounds are planted with tropical trees and ornamentals and make a dazzling spot to walk, have a picnic or unwind.

Despite the fact that the exhibition hall is one of the littlest in the state, the community-run office on the Hamakua Heritage Coast still observes in excess of 5,000 guests per year from everywhere throughout the world. It is situated in the old station agent’s home and outfitted as it would have been in the mid 1900s on account of network occupants who reestablished and outfitted the home themselves.

Hours: The museum is open most weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: $10/adult, $5/student, and $25/family 

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak, and Hawaiians have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawai'i.

The Visitor Information Station (VIS) sits at 9,200 feet above sea level and is the best spot to view the night sky. (We do not recommend you drive past the visitor center to the summit. The road is very steep and rough and only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles.)

The VIS also features a gift shop, restrooms and knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. 

Call (808) 935-6268 get weather conditions on a recorded phone line.

Visitor Information Station (VIS) Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor center with wonderful exhibits, programs and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visit their website for current admission options and prices.

Learn about the first lady of ranching, Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, at this historic site that’s dedicated to the rancher. The historic home is filled with family stories spanning five generations! 

Tours are offered twice a day on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Advance reservations required.

In 1946 there was a devastating tsunami in this area that killed over 150 people, many of them being school children. During the tour you’ll hear the story of this tragic day and learn about a few brave survivors. At the beach park, you can pay tribute at a memorial that honors the lives lost that day. This is also a great viewpoint of the ocean coastline.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The road leading into the valley is closed indefinitely to both vehicles and hikers. 

Waipi'o Valley is one of the most storied valleys in Hawaii. According to legends, the gods lived in Waipi'o in ancient days. It was also the royal center for many ancient rulers on the Big Island, including Kamehameha. There’s a stunning view of the valley just from the lookout area.

View the beautiful Umauma Falls and tropical garden at The Umauma Experience. There's a paved road right up to the falls where you can soak in the views of this stunning three-tier waterfall. There is a minimal entry fee that includes a self-guided tour of the falls and garden.

If you'd like to splurge on your vacation, then consider booking one of their amazing outdoor adventures. The Umauma Experience features a 9-line zipline tour, a deluxe ATV tour, a Zip N Dip combo, a swim & kayak experience, horseback riding, and a waterfall rappel and river tour. Check their website for details.

If you’re pressed for time, we recommend you skip this spot.

Hours: The last entry to see the falls is 4:30 p.m.

Note: There is a $5 per person fee. Drive-ups welcome. No pre-booking required.

Located just a short drive from Downtown Hilo is Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the midst of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. The broad waterfall - nearly 100 feet in diameter - plunges over a natural lava cave and into the river below. 

Kaumana Caves is a massive cave that is part of a 25-mile long network of lava tubes created by the Mauna Loa lava flow of 1880. The public part of the cave stretches about 2 miles and quickly goes pitch black as soon as you enter. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to do some exploring. Shoes are recommended as the cave floor is slippery.

Sadly, some visitors have vandalized the cave by carving their initials into the walls or breaking off pieces of lava rock. We ask that you please travel pono--or with care--and leave no trace as you visit one of Hawai'i natural wonders. 

Pro Tip! If you didn't bring a headlamp or flashlight with you, Costco sometimes carries an inexpensive three-pack of headlamps that you can pick up before heading to the caves.

Note: There is a $10 per vehicle parking fee, and a $5 entry fee per person.

Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls on Big Island, you can take the half-mile stroll on a paved path through lush rain forest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns to get a glimpse of this iconic natural wonder. The accessible portion of the park lies high on the right shoulder of the deep gorge into which the waterfall plunges, and the falls can be viewed from several points along a loop trail through the park.

Onomea Trail, or donkey trail, is an easy hike that runs along a breathtaking section of coastline that gives you 180-degree views of Onomea Bay. It’s worth it for the photo opportunities alone! Being on the wet side of the island, there are a lot of streams running through the trail as well as a small waterfall and a swimming hole.

If you want a more leisurely stroll through a manicured garden with roughly 2,000 plant species opt to visit Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden instead of hiking Onomea Trail. The garden is actually more of a nature reserve where scientists study the unique and endangered plants of the rain forests. The garden features a canopy of trees that include 100-foot tall mango trees from the 1800’s and one-hundred-year-old breadfruit trees as well. While you’re there, take the paved garden walk. It’s just over a mile and runs parallel to the Onomea Trail.

Note: The entrance fee to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is $30 for adults and $22 for children 6-15.

Located in Honoka'a, TEX Drive In is a favorite spot with hearty local-style plate lunches that will keep you fueled and ready to go for the rest of your journey.

Pro Tip! Be sure to try one of their hot malasadas. Malasadas are delicious Portuguese fried donuts dusted with sugar. TEX Drive In has some of the best in Hawai'i! 

As you travel off the main road through this area in Hamakua towards Waimea, you’ll be driving above a network of underground lava tubes. We'll point out the entrances to three caves as you drive by.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The caves are no longer safe to enter. Please do NOT go inside. 

Waimea Town, located in the heart of Paniolo Country, is an artsy ranching town known for its quaint bed and breakfasts and cowboy history. Waimea also has lots of amazing restaurants, quaint shops, a theatre, art exhibits, farmers markets, historic ranches and an astronomy center. It's a great place to stop to grab a bite or explore.

The name of this park is Ulu La’au which means ‘circle of trees’ in Hawaiian. It’s a great place for a stroll or a picnic to relax next to a flowing stream

The Parker Ranch Headquarers in Waimea offers self-guided tours of their historic homes and grounds. Built in the 1800’s, the houses are packed with art, antiques and other historic relics that help tell the story of the Parker Ranch. It’s a great way to experience what life was like on this iconic ranch throughout the years.  

Note: Self-guided tours are offered three days a week and require paid advance reservations. See their website for availability and admission fees.

The Saddle Road, officially named the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, is the main thoroughfare on the Big Island that connects Kona in the west with Hilo in the east. This 50-minute drive has three optional stops:

1) A rest stop, which we’ll point on the tour;
2) A cinder cone where you can get acclimated to the altitude if you’re embarking on a journey to Mauna Kea; and
3) Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain.

If you’re not planning on visiting any of these places you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.

Note: Keep an eye on your speed! Police monitor this highway closely and frequently hand out tickets to speeding drivers.

Before turning for Mauna Kea, there is a cinder cone you can pull off to on Saddle Road. Might be a good place to stop for some fresh air and just to get your legs moving before ascending Mauna Kea.

Here you will see many historic stores and buildings from quaint boutiques to fine restaurants and galleries. Most of the buildings were built in the early 1900’s but over the years have been remodeled and are still in use today.

Pro Tip! If you're pressed for time and want to see Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots before the gates close at 6:00 p.m. -- skip Downtown Hilo for now and come back for dinner.

This is a nice place to take a relaxing stroll next to the beach and hear an interesting story about the Hawaiian fishponds in ancient times.

Coconut Island is a small beach park in Hilo accessed by a small bridge. This island is also called Moku Ola, which means 'healing island' or 'island of life', and it used to be the home of an ancient temple that was dedicated to healing. Legend has it that swimming around the island three times would heal any ailments or ill feelings. Go for a quick stroll around the island, jump in the water for a swim, or bring some treats for a picnic.

Queen Lili'uokalani Park is one of the gems of Hilo Town. This park is known as the biggest edo-style garden outside of Japan! In this serene park you’ll find majestic red bridges over Koi ponds, statues and pagodas, along with stone lanterns lining the pathways.

A few minutes down the road you’ll find Boiling Pots, a chain of overflowing waterfalls that looks like boiling pots of water after it rains.

Pull over at the Hilo public library and take a look at the Naha Stone on the grass outside. In ancient times the Naha Stone was believed to have spiritual powers and that whoever could lift this 5,000 pound rock would become the Hawaiian King. Legend has it that at the age of 30, King Kamehameha successfully lifted the stone and overturned it.