Akaka Falls State Park is located along the north eastern Hamakua Coast, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls. The 0.4-mile hike will take you through a rainforest filled with orchids, bamboo and ferns. Akaka Falls 442-feet into a gorge and is Big Island's most famous waterfall. Easily accessible.

Wailoa River park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with many saltwater species to observe. Here is where you will find an ornate statue in the likeness of King Kamehameha off Bishop Drive. There are also two memorials, one in honor of Vietnam veterans and another to honor tsunami victims. The Wailoa Center, located off Pauahi Street, often features changing cultural displays. Wailoa River State Park is located in the Hilo Town

Lava Trees State Park is in the district of Puna. Take the 0.7-mile loop trail in this 17-acre State Monument to view the unusual lava molds of tree trunks. In the 1700’s, lava flow swept through the area, coating the trunks of Ohia trees, leaving tall lava molds of the tree trunks in their wake, frozen in time. Short walk, see and take photos of the work of Pele (the volcano goddess) and her amazing sculpture garden.

Kipuka Puaulu is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ecosystem, such as that a Kipuka Puaulu, forms. Puaulu, also called Bird Park, is an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to many of the feathered residents of the Big Island. A 30-minute stroll along this 1-mile trail will reveal several different high elevation birds, including the colorful Khalij Pheasant. Kipuka Puaulu is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Mauna Loa Road just outside the park gate. It is located 1.5 miles up the road.

This 80 foot tall waterfall drops over an ancient cave that is said to be the home of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui. In the early morning sun, rainbows are easily seen in the mist that rises as the water hits the pool below. You can view the falls from parking lot level or climb a series of steps to view the falls from above.

4 miles south of Hilo, off of Highway 11 (Stainback Highway), this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. The grounds are filled with tropical palms, orchids, clumping bamboos and tropical rhododendrons. The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered nene (Hawaii state bird), Namaste, a white Bengal Tiger, giant anteaters, lemurs, and spider monkeys. admission is free.

Ahalanui Park. The road begins to narrow after mile marker 10, so be prepared to scoot over a bit to let others by. Also, it is considered good form to allow other drivers who are in more of a hurry to pass you. Ahalanui and its thermally heated waters is makai between the 10 and 11 mile markers. The 1.3-acre park is sublimely peaceful with its giant swaying palm trees and ocean views. It was opened by the county in 1993 and features a large thermal pond with a sandy bottom which has been outfitted with cement walls and access ladders. A small inlet allows ocean water to flow in and out with the tides while keeping the temperature around 90 degrees.