Stopped for a quick bite on my way back to my hotel. Building is on the side of the road with only…read morea small sign. Recommend use GPS to help you navigate. Parking is very limited. Spaces were full when I arrived so I parked across the street in the lot for the park. Very casual place with small menu. There is a gift shop type area for local purchases and a fruit stand on site. I ordered a smoothie and pork tacos from the menu. Tacos were good. Smoothie was refreshing. Menu selection is small but with a decent amount of variety. I would recommend for a quick bite or a smoothie stop.

So Ono! After an…read moreamazing morning exploring the waterfalls near Akaka Falls, we stumbled upon this hidden gem of a country market and café -- and wow, are we glad we did! The menu might be small, but it packs serious flavor. The Ono sandwich was, well, *ono*! Perfectly cooked protein, fresh veggies, and a tangy sauce that brought it all together -- simple, fresh, and unforgettable. And don't even get me started on the Kalua pork tacos -- tender, smoky, and paired with just the right amount fresh tomatoes. The setting was relaxed and rustic, with just the right amount of charm. We grabbed a shaded table outside and enjoyed our food while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. It felt like we'd discovered a local secret. If you're in the area sightseeing or taking in waterfalls, do yourself a favor and stop by. Great food, and a perfect slice of island life. This place is a true treasure! Other: -$$ -Pay with card or tap -Parking all around -Shaded seating out side -one bathroom, up the stairs and to the right - local cats around

Take a scenic drive to an amazing working cacao farm where you can learn all about the art of…read moregrowing cacao. Chocolate lovers of all kinds will appreciate this event. Serene setting, knowledgeable hostess (host) We were greeted by the "security "dog named Darwin and knew this was the adventure for us. Travel with curiosity, be ready to have a Chocolate experience.

It's a little out of the way, but well worth the trip. We did the tour, which lasted about 4 hours,…read moreincluding a two-part tasting of 13 different chocolates and a very detailed tour of the farm and fermentation area. Colin was a very gracious host and patiently answered all our questions which was a great educational experience. Jude was a very entertaining tasting guide, inviting us to sample some cacao tea (smelled great!). Highly recommended if you're a chocoholic.

The variety of plant life here is huge. The walkways for the most part are very steep and paved…read more but there are also handrails and benches. The grounds are spectacular with so many varieties of flowers and flowering plants. The waterways and waterfalls have a calming effect splashing over rocks and between ferns. There is a small gift shop, but as far as refreshments go, they only sell popsicles or small boxes of water.

I'm smiling just thinking about this place because if I could ever imagine a tropical paradise,…read morethis would be it. Best money spent on the Big lsland. At $35 for adults, $25 for kids aged 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under-- it's money well spent. Some might call this place pricey but after coming here, I disagree. Places like this are so rare and unique that they can just take my money. I've never been to a garden so full of exotic plants, flowers that I'd never seen before, mini waterfalls, a pond, and to top it all off-- getting to see the ocean waves crashing onto the lava rocks at the end of the garden. Prior to this I had never seen orchids growing in the wild off of tree trunks. These guys were everywhere here. And how do I know this place is cool even for Gen Z?-- I caught my 20 year old nephew taking videos of a beautiful flower that he was admiring. Of course I didn't make a huge deal out of it because he would have blown me off. Once you walk the paths and over the bridges, you can see how meticulously this garden is maintained. When you find out the history of how Mr. Dan Lutkenhouse Sr. and his wife Pauline who bought this parcel of land back in 1977 and decided to turn it into a garden, you'll be even more amazed. There was no machinery used to turn this place into the garden it is today. It was 40 years of Dan and his assistant Terry Takiue who worked with *just* cane knives, sickles, picks, shovels and a chainsaw to clear paths through the jungle. Another fun fact: He had no formal training in botanical gardening... Insert mind blown emoji here... Can you imagine that?? I can only respect that these guys did this just so that we could enjoy this garden paradise for us and future generations to see. Bravo to this place coming from our fam that came and loved it.

Definitely recommend this hike. It's easy and quick. The trees provide a nice shade and the breeze…read morefrom the ocean makes this a relaxing walk.

You pass a beautiful and scenic drive on the way to the trail. The trail is a bit bumpy, so it can…read morebe difficult for younger toddlers. It is definitely not ideal for strollers, so use a baby carrier instead, if you have it. The trail is relatively quick, and ends at at a breathtaking view of the water. Definitely one of my favorite moments so far in Hilo! If you continue up the jungle-like path, you will end up at the botanical gardens. So if you don't wish to walk there and then back after the gardens, you should take the same route back, to avoid the extra walking.