If you enjoy Hawaii’s gorgeous lush foliage and tropical plants, a visit to Queen Liliuokalani, last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Islands, should definitely be on your list of things to see and do while on the Big Island of Hawaii. The gardens span some 30 acres and have huge banyan trees, pathways, pagodas, ponds and bridges to make your stroll around the lush gardens both enjoyable and memorable. The garden is located next to Coconut Island just off of Banyan Tree Drive. Take the road past the hotels and turn right toward the ocean. The gardens will be on the left with a gorgeous view of Hilo Bay sprawling before you. Wander over the footbridge to Coconut Island while you are there.
Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, HI
If you are visiting Hilo, HI, take an hour or two to explore the Lyman Museum on Haili Street in downtown Hilo. Here you can learn about the natural and cultural history of Hawaii and take a tour of the missionary home located here. The museum has cultural items, natural history items, a huge collection of seashells and minerals as well as artwork from both Hawaii and around the world. The Earth Heritage Gallery features information about the climate zones and habitats of Hawaii.
The Mission House was originally built for missionaries Sarah and David Lyman in 1839. The Mission House has been restored and is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Place. The office and barter room has recently been restored and will open to the public in July 2010. The museum hosts traveling exhibitions that can also be seen which change on a frequent basis. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Tours of the Mission House take place at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $3 for children. Special family passes are available for $21 and university students with ID can gain entry for $5.00.
When you visit Hilo, Hawaii, a great place to visit is the Imiloa Astronomy Center on the University of Hawaii campus just off of Komohana Street. The name, “Imiloa” means “exploring new knowledge” and that is exactly what you will find here. The Center has a Planetarium, special presentations about Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, Interactive Science Displays, and information on Hawaiian culture and star navigation. The Center has a special “4-D” theater and a 6 foot, 3-dimensional globe that both young and old will enjoy. General admission to the center is $17.50 for adults and $9.50 for children between the ages of 4-12 with children under 4 admitted free. The Center is closed on Mondays and open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. except for Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. To see a video about the Center, click here!
