When most people picture Hawaiʻi, they imagine white‑sand beaches and resort‑lined coasts—but the East Side of the Big Island offers something entirely different. Lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, black‑sand beaches, and active volcanic landscapes make this region one of the most unforgettable places in the islands. If you’re craving adventure, culture, and natural beauty, East Hawaiʻi delivers it all.
Let’s take a journey through some of the most iconic attractions on this side of the island.
📍Hilo Farmers Market
If you want to experience the heart of East Hawaiʻi, head to the Hilo Farmers Market. This bustling marketplace is filled with:
-
Fresh tropical fruits
-
Local crafts
-
Handmade jewelry
-
Island‑style snacks
-
Flowers and plants
It’s a perfect place to meet local artisans and taste the flavors of the island.
🥥Liliʻuokalani Gardens & Coconut Island
Located along Hilo Bay, Liliʻuokalani Gardens is the largest authentic Japanese garden outside Japan. Peaceful pathways, koi ponds, and stone bridges create a serene escape.
Just across a footbridge lies Coconut Island (Moku Ola)—a favorite spot for picnics, swimming, and watching the waves roll into the bay.
🌋 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
No visit to East Hawaiʻi is complete without stepping into the otherworldly terrain of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the park offers a rare chance to witness the Earth reshaping itself in real time.
Visitors can explore:
-
Crater Rim Drive with sweeping views of Kīlauea Caldera
-
Lava tubes, including the famous Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
-
Steam vents and sulfur banks
-
Eruptive landscapes, where new earth is born
Whether the volcano is actively erupting or resting between episodes, the park’s raw power and beauty never fail to inspire.
💦 Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
Just minutes from downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls is one of the island’s most photographed natural wonders. The waterfall cascades 80 feet into a lava cave, and on sunny mornings, mist creates the rainbows that give the falls their name.
It’s an easy stop with a big payoff—perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who loves a peaceful moment in nature.
🌿 ʻAkaka Falls State Park
A short drive north of Hilo brings you to ʻAkaka Falls, a breathtaking 442‑foot waterfall plunging into a lush gorge. The loop trail winds through bamboo forests, wild ginger, and tropical ferns, offering postcard‑worthy views at every turn.
This is East Hawaiʻi at its most vibrant—green, wild, and alive.
🏖️ Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
While technically on the southeastern side, Punaluʻu is a must‑see for anyone exploring East Hawaiʻi. Its jet‑black sand, created by volcanic activity, contrasts beautifully with turquoise water and swaying palms.
It’s also one of the best places to spot honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) resting on the shore.
🌧️ Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
The Panaʻewa Zoo is the only rainforest zoo in the United States. It’s home to tropical birds, reptiles, monkeys, and lush botanical gardens. Families especially love the petting zoo and shaded walking paths.
🌴 Why East Hawaiʻi Is So Special...
The East Side isn’t polished or resort‑driven—it’s authentic, lush, and deeply connected to Hawaiian culture and natural history. Here, you’ll find:
-
Real communities
-
Untouched landscapes
-
A slower, more soulful pace
-
The island’s most dramatic natural wonders
It’s a place where waterfalls thunder, lava reshapes the land, and rainforests breathe life into every corner.
-
