This was a peaceful stroll around a beautiful Japanese Garden. A gift from Japan as a sister city in 1987. Overcast, very empty today Right on the Harbor. read more

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This beautiful Japanese park and garden is tucked along the shores of Hilo Bay, offering a peaceful escape filled with towering banyan trees, colorful flowers, and singing birds. Stroll along scenic walking paths lined with decorative pagodas, stone lanterns, charming bridges, and tranquil ponds. Best of all, it's completely free to visit -- a must-see when you're in Hilo! read more

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Nice garden to walk through. When we were there at the end of august the water was a bit high so you couldn't easily walk through everything since some of the paths were covered. Read online that you can see cats and we didn't see any. Not a must see on your trip, but if you are in the area you can drive around it and hop out for 15 mins. Clean bathrooms with running water. 2 stalls for women. Parking is available all around the perimeter. Best spots are along the water but there are less than 15. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Beautiful, feral cats, mongoose, many dog walkers, plenty of tiny fish in the ponds. Awe inspiring trees. read more

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Great place for a little walk. There's a fair amount to see if you want to take some time to stroll around. Super mellow, peaceful vibes out here. Always love stopping by read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Very well maintain Japanese garden in the heart of Hilo, next to the bay with pond, bridge, trees, shades, and benches along winding paths and many Torii gates. Plenty of parking. Lots of birds and flowers too. Stop, Take a relax moment to enjoy the peaceful surrounding and beautiful view. read more

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Pretty place to walk with beautiful views. Great place to have your kids burn energy. The pools of water have little baby fish that the kids will enjoy. read more

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Liliuokalani Gardens is a free Japanese botanical garden in downtown Hilo, located along the bay. They are well-kept and interesting. It wasn't one of our favorite botanical gardens that we've visited - and it wasn't one we learned a lot from because there weren't labeled plants - but it offered a peaceful walk escape from Hilo. Tip - not a great spot for sunrise (in March at least) - we had read that Coconut Island that you can walk to from the park is one of the greatest spots for sunrise in the area ... but the sun rose behind the hotels. read more

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I love having our lunch "picnic lunch" & our mochi at Liliuokalani Gardens. Recommended by both of my co-workers, I had this park on the list to visit. (But before stopping to get food and mochi of course). Loved hanging out at this park during our visits, February and September 23. This park is super beautiful, nice and green and very spacious! I loved seeing the pond, bridges, bamboo plants, Japanese teahouse and Japanese themed garden at this park. Lots of great photo opts here, very great place for a picnic, to relax and do outdoorsy park kine things here. Although we didn't get to explore much and walk around the entire park due to time and hot weather, I can't wait for next visit to do this. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is a 24 acre located on Banyan Drive, The park's site was donated by Queen Liliuokalani, lies southeast of downtown Hilo. This park is maintained by the County of Hawaii and non-profit Friends of Liliuokalani Gardens. First time visiting Hilo, I really recommend Lilioukalani park, different scenery from the beaches and rocks, don't forget to grab your lunch, drinks, sweets, and just relax and enjoy the greenery, the nice green scenery!! Plenty parking, benches, & bring your towel to sit on the grass. Enjoy! read more

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Enjoyable gardens in Hilo bay. Beautiful walking paths and sweet ponds to sit and reflect. Very well maintained and a great free offering to the community read more

Such a beautiful park/garden! It is pretty crowded, so we spent a while circling to look for parking. We saw people picnicking, fishing, and just sunbathing. The water isn't too deep, but still deep for younger children, and it's not fenced so they could slip in easily. It's a pretty spacious park, so it's perfect for a nice stroll! read more

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This is a neat park. It is very relaxing on today, Tuesday morning. Our hotel is located close to this park therefore I see local people walked here around the park for exercising a lot. This park is pretty. Great for pictures. The ponds have little fish (minnow), that I saw. Great for pinic in the park or just sit to relax and take in the view. read more

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A beautiful well-maintained garden to visit in Hilo. Take a walk on the pathways through the ponds and see Japanese stone temples, bridges, and fish. Lots of benches to sit and take in the scenery, or to enjoy a bento lunch. Nearby is Hilo Bay, and if you're lucky you can spot sea turtles swimming in the waves! read more

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The gardens are free to enter and enjoy. There's free street parking all around them. This is as much a city park as it is a Japanese garden area. There are picnic tables and benches on both sides and many birds and trees. The water in the Japanese garden could be cleaner but it doesn't distract too much. Be careful on the concrete bridges as they do hold water when it rains and they don't drain. read more

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So peaceful, like a japanese garden. Hugh. Wide. Banyan trees. Japanese bridge. Lots of picture vantage points. read more

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Hilo offers so many outdoor activities, it's one of the greenest places I've ever been. Liliuokalani Gardens is one of the most magical and easily accessible. Right off of Banyan Drive with most of the major hotels, it's simple to get here walking or a quick drive from Hilo town. It's a sprawling seaside garden with ponds, rock walls, views of Hilo bay, gazebos, benches, and memorials. There is plenty of free parking at multiple spots, easy to leave the car and walk around. The Garden is primarily Japanese styled, but has plants and trees from all over the world. The highlight for me on my last visit was getting to Hawaii's state bird, the nēnē, up close. It's serene here; quiet. It's a great place to walk in groups, walk dogs, or just explore alone. This is a must visit place during your visit to Hilo; it's a free activity for people of all ages. read more

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The gardens are not as big as I expected but seem to be nicely maintained and well organized. The garden seems very relaxing especially right on the water. read more

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So green, we'll maintained. Beautiful Japanese structures, bridge, stone lanterns and special view of snow capped Mauna Kea. read more

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We passed this garden many times & we are always in awe. Located at Banyan Drive adjacent to the hotels and along Hilo Bay QLG is considered as the largest authentic ornamental Japanese Garden outside Japan. Expect some Japanese vibes on this free garden that offers beautiful landscape featuring bridges over fishponds, pagodas, rock gardens, Japanese stone lanterns & a teahouse. This authentic 24.67-acres park was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii's first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island as workers in the sugar cane field. The green field makes a perfect picnic area with family and friends. Others even celebrated birthdays here and I heard that some weddings took place in here as well. Can't blame them. The park is too beautiful to witness important events in someone's life. I never been to Japan myself but standing in the middle of the park feels like I time travel in an old town of Japan. I recommend you to come visit the place and feel its undoubted beauty. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow yeeps! read more

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The structures and paths in this garden are beautiful, but I was disappointed from the murky, smelly water and loud maintenance work being done (I understand this is necessary for the upkeep of the park, but it took away from the peaceful experience I was expecting). I appreciate the greenery and trees within this free park, but was very underwhelmed by the overall experience. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Lucky Live Hawaii! Truly one of the most beautiful scenic parks I've ever laid my eyes on............ One day when I croak, I hope to be cremated, & my ashes to be scattered in Hilo Bay that fronts the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens......... Do you folks know the history about this place??? Apparently, it was said that (3) women played a very important roll on the development of this beautiful garden in Hilo. The 1st woman was - Queen Liliuokalani, she donated 5 acres of land bordering Hilo Bay for this park back in 1907. 10 years later, the park land was increased to 17 acres. The 2nd woman - Mrs. T. Machida who owned a drug store in Hilo at the time was instrumental in raising money to help build and beautify the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, and in 1916 she had imported (2) stone lanterns from Japan. The 3rd woman - Mrs. Laura Kennedy, whose husband Charles was president of Hilo Board of Trade (which later became the Chamber of Commerce). In 1914 they visited Japan with a group of Honolulu businessmen, and while visiting Japan, they came across the Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, which is known for its golden pavilion and gorgeous gardens. Mrs. Kennedy was so impressed with this vision that she thought Hilo's new Queen Liliuokalani Gardens could reflect the same type of landscaping, so she and her husband gave generously of their time, money, and resources to fulfill that vision. Today, the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens sit on 24.5 acres of land. At the park, you will find beautiful ponds with fishes inside, gazebos, arched bridges, paths winding over tidepools and lava flows and of course a spectacular view of Hilo Bay where I want to be scattered when I croak! Lol! If you're ever in Hilo, don't miss out on seeing this place.........the best thing about it???? It's FREE to see my friends!!! So beautiful............ read more

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This Japanese style garden is located adjacent to the Hilo Hawaiian hotel. The park also runs along the ocean so there are great views of Hilo Bay. I am not sure of the exact size, but it is perfect for strolling or just relaxing. There are several magnificent types of trees that I have only seen in Hawaii. The pathways are paved for runners. Several ponds and bridges are perfect photo ops. Overall, this is a hidden gem that is well worth checking out. read more

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Tranquil garden with serene ocean views. Enjoy delightful strolls along scenic paths with inviting benches for a peaceful retreat. Highly recommend stopping here when in town. read more

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A magical, meandering meadow filled with mongooses and mallards. The Japanese aesthetic is strong here, as is a sense of serenity, peace and calmness. This is a gorgeous park; a treasure along side Hilo Bay. read more

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Free and beautiful. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens was a delightful discovery just southeast of downtown Hilo. It turned out to be as charming as it was calming. The 24.5-acre public park is home to a peaceful large Japanese-inspired Edo-style garden around Waihonu Pond. It is famous for torii gates, stone lanterns, arched bridges, pagodas, statues, gazebos, and a teahouse called Shoroan (Pine Ocean Breeze) added in 1972. The original 5 acres of the garden (on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay) were donated by Queen Liliuokalani (Hawaii's last reigning monarch) in 1907 with the legislature adding 12 more acres in 1917. That same year, work began on the new Japanese-style garden named in honor of the queen which was opened to the public in 1919 (the same year she passed away). Camellia, Azalea, and Black Pine are found throughout the park as well as remarkable views. It is a picturesque setting full of spots to do just that: take lots of pictures. One popular spot for families was Coconut Island (Mokuola or Island of Life) that long ago was the site of a temple dedicated to healing, but is now connected by a 250-ft pedestrian bridge and has 2 small beaches plus a large grassy area with several picnic tables. Many local residents were using the park as a spot for exercise and dog-walking. I joined them by doing a short run along the row of trees towards the large (and impressive) Banyan Tree near one of the parking lots. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is open year-round giving all of us a chance to enjoy the perfect Big Island weather totally free in a truly beautiful setting. read more

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This garden will definitely give you that "throwback in time" feel with a giant pond in the middle surrounded by lush greenery, local plants, small bridges, red Pagodas and stone walkways. Really embraces that Japanese culture/architecture - reminds me of what you see in old Japan. This park overlooks Hilo bay and coconut island (a favorite local spot for the fam). It is in close proximity to suisan, pandamonias poletta, and Hilo bay cafe if you are looking for a quick bite after. Often times I see people going for their morning run or workouts here but it is also a great place for photography. read more

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Beautiful grounds. The kids had a great time walking through this picturesque park. They loved seeing the fish and crabs! It was also interesting to see the water rise when the tides came up at the nearby bay. Definitely a must do at Hilo. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Simply peaceful - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

We'd just picked up lunch from a nearby poke place that had no seating, which made these gardens an ideal location to sit and eat. I was also surprised to see that it offered a public restroom and plenty of free parking. It was impossible to eat without being attacked by flies. Beautiful surroundings but rather than explore the whole grounds we just did a quick restroom/eating stop here and headed out. read more

Well kept garden and great place for a family picnic. Relaxing spot near Waihonu pond under the many shade trees. Many pathways for a stroll. Keep the little ones from getting too close to the pond. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Waihonu pond - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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There's not much to do around this part of the island if I remember correctly. It's a ten minute once around then you're off to the next scenic spot. I'm really the wrong person to ask because Hawaii is no big deal to me. The weather is shitty; specifically the 80+% humidity. If you're from the east coast or the Midwest Hawaii is a paradise. If you're from where I'm from (San Diego, California / subsequently the best weather in the world) Hawaii is a shitty humid Tuesday. read more

I found this online while googling things to do in Hilo during a stop off in the way to Volcanoes. Not upset that I did. It's a super cute and well maintained large Japanese garden by the water in Hilo with a pagoda and walking trails, Japanese foliage and little statues and temples. It's very picturesque and was not crowded during our day trip. We saw a few families picnicking and folks just enjoying the day. It's close to a fishing pier and is easily walkable if you're already in the downtown or park area. read more

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This place was beautiful and quiet. Very peaceful to just take a walk and enjoy nature

This is such a nice spot to go to for a nice stroll. It's good to go outside. I saw families just walking around with their kids. I saw people having a picnic. I even saw old couples just talking on the bench. So peaceful. There is ample parking. I'm glad I went on a nice, sunny day. read more

Beautiful gardens. Well maintained and the monkey pod and banyan trees were just magnificent. I'd come here all of the time if I lived here. read more

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Beautiful location! Be sure to include a walk around the Mokuola islet (cross the bridge) and take note of the height of past tsunami, too!

So absolutely gorgeous. So clean and great area to be. People were walking running skateboarding and roller blading around the loop. The trails themselves were very kept up and the statues were super cool. The kitties in the area had food and water and were super chill. You can walk to coconut island from the parking for the gardens and staying for sunset was amazing. Overall yes!! read more

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Stop by for 30 min -1 hr if you have extra time. It's 5 min from downtown Hilo. Nice view of the bay. Plenty of parking and it's free! This park is 24.5 acres and has an Edo style garden around the pond. Lots of flora and fauna inside this park. Very serene and packed with locals. Nice place to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of mother nature. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Beautiful peaceful park for strolling and admiring the trees and plants and rocks. There's a humongous old Banyan tree that's fun to stand under and play with the aerial roots. It was a sunny day and everybody was so nice, and smiling and saying hello. Hilo has some really nice natural attractions. Plenty of benches for sitting, and lots of shade. There's a cool ice cream shop just around the corner. read more

Great place to take a stroll in Hilo - a must-see if you're in town. Gorgeous views and scenery. It's a very well put together Japanese garden. Plenty of parking, both in a small lot and on the street. Lots of stray cats in the morning being fed by the locals, if you're into that sort of thing. read more

Liliuokalani Gardens - Cats, cats, cats! - Parks Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Review #7 for 2019. Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautiful Japanese park located in Hilo between Wailoa River/Suisan and the hotels/Moku Ola. I've heard that it's one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. There's a beautiful stone bridge in the middle of the park that's one of the only things that has survived all of the tsunami that have hit Hilo through the decades. When the tide is high, the park floods, and the lower bridges and walkways get covered. This park is a beautiful spot for picnics and walking around with family and friends. Something cool about this park that I learned in recent years is that Queen Liliuokalani had this park built in honor of the Japanese plantation workers so that they could experience a sense of home away from home. She had very little power after being illegally overthrown, but having this park built was one of the last things she did before she passed. Usually commoners build things in honor of royalty, but instead she was a humble and loving queen who honored the community. That's an awesome leader! I remember her legacy when I visit this special place. read more