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Waipio Valley
Plan your Day North of Hilo
There is a lot to see in and around Hilo town, including the impressive Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Whether you are a cruise-ship passenger or just short on time, you may only have one day to see everything, If you only have one day to see the main attractions, a must-see is the Volcanoes National Park. We recommend you take at least two days to visit all the attractions on the Hilo (eastern) side of the island.
If you are looking for a beautiful drive, spectacular views of the mountainside cliffs and waterfalls, make sure you visit the Hamakua Coast north of Hilo town. If you have but one day, here is a suggested itinerary. Remember to consult Big Island maps and guide books for more details prior to starting your trip.
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Tour of Hamakua Coast in 8 Hours or less |
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| Event Time |
Elapsed Time |
Activity Description |
| START | 0:00 | Arrive Hilo International Airport or Depart area hotel |
| 0:30 | 0:30 | Pick up plate lunch or sandwich to-go |
| 0:30 | 1:00 |  Drive north to scenic drive detour at Onomea Bay along the Hamakua Coast. View road map |
| 2:45 | 3:45 |  Visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens and Onomea Bay Trail |
| 0:30 | 4:15 | Stop at “What’s Shakin” Smoothie stand near the Botanical Gardens for refreshments |
| 0:30 | 4:45 | Continue north to Akaka Falls State Park |
| 0:45 | 5:30 |  Hike short trail-loop and view Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls |
| 0:30 | 6:00 |  Continue driving north to the Waipio Valley Overlook |
| 0:30 | 6:30 | Enjoy the view from the overlook |
| 1:30 | 8:00 | Drive back to Hilo |
For more help in planning your vacation, check out our articles:
Travel Planning Articles
Planning your Trip When to come, how long to stay, books
Vacations for Families Best family beaches, activities for youngsters, infants, teens
Hawaiian Cruise Passengers Information about port calls in Hawaii
Sample Travel Itineraries Suggested itineraries, 1-2 day, 1 week
Island Activities Guide Guide to the activities & tours
Tips for Traveling with Kids Packing and flying with kids
Island Hopping Visit more than one Hawaiian island
Regions of the Big Island Geography and climate descriptions
Big Island Transportation How to get there, plan your driving
Rent a 4-Wheel Drive SUV Off-roading on the Big Island
Top 5 Attractions (You Might Miss) You’ll never hear about these…
Packing for your Trip Big Island scenery & weather is diverse
Big Island Wedding Planner How to plan your wedding in Hawaii
Accommodations Articles
Where to Stay Three different parts of the island to stay - which is best?
Vacation Rentals Big Island Vacation rentals are a deal
Bargain or 5 Star Hotel Stay at a resort or a bargain hotel
Discount Big Island Hotels Check out the latest rates
Shopping in Hawaii
Big Island Shopping Guide Guide to the shopping destination
Hawaii Souvenirs The best souvenirs to buy in Hawaii
Gear & Equipment Articles
Gear for your Trip Get outfitted with the right gear
GPS Points of Interest (POI) GPS Coordinates for Points of Interest
Hike
with an expert guide in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, in the rain
forests, deep in remote valleys, and explore hidden waterfalls
Enjoy
a picturesque Hawaiian horseback ride through the Valley of the
Kings, a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, waterfalls, and spiritual sites.
