Parks and the outdoors in Hilo

9 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Hilo.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Four Mile
A popular swimming spot, also located on Kalanianaole, before you get to Richardson's. Though there is no 'beach', it is rather like a large salt water swimming pool, with a sandy bottom, protected from the ocean by a reef. The brackish water is colder, a mix of the ocean and fresh water springs.
See
King Kamehameha Statue
Erected in 1997 at Wailoa State Park, the statue of King Kamehameha is perhaps the most impressive of the four found throughout the state. A gift from the island of Kauai who failed to erect the statue due to the historical significance of being the only island never to be conquered by Kamehameha the Great. Standing at 14 feet tall, the statue now overlooks Hilo where the first King of Hawaii established his seat of government.
free
See
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Located on Banyan Drive, this authentic Japanese garden was built in the early 1900s as a memorial to the immigrant Japanese who developed the old Waiakea Sugar Plantation and is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.
free
See
Mokuola
Coconut Island
A small public park near Lili'uokalani Gardens is connected to mainland by a pedestrian bridge.
free
See
Rainbow Falls
If you don't have time to make it up to Akaka Falls, or you don't like hiking, Rainbow Falls is worth a visit. Try to visit early in the day. You have a better chance to see the rainbow created by the mist. Drive up Waianuenue Avenue from downtown, following the signs. If you pass the hospital, you have gone too far. Very wheelchair accessible, but the Boiling Pots will require some hiking.
Do
Richardson's Ocean Park
This is a popular spot for family cookouts, and has occasional waves. Snorkeling is a popular activity here. You can also find people relaxing on the beach or in the grass reading and visiting.
Eat
Suisan
Many varieties of poke sold by weight - take your package to the park across the street and enjoy a picnic!
Eat
The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm
One of the best places to be served an "ono" and fresh seafood lunch or dinner. Seaside can be found on Kalanianaole street across from 4-mile beach.
Do Not mapped
Big Island Aina Tours
Tours to the Volcano National Park, waterfalls and black sand beach. Small group tours for cruise ships. Private tours also available

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Hilo (CC BY-SA 4.0).