Liliuokalani Gardens

Address: 189 Lihiwai St. $151, Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Hours: Open Daily 5:45am to 7:30pm

Location: Hilo, Big Island

Parking: Guest Parking and Street Parking

Directions: Along Banyan Drive in Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island.

Additional Resources and Information:

Big Island Guide - Liliuokalani Gardens

Go Hawaii - Liliuokalani Gardens

Trip Advisor - Liliuokalani Gardens

I would suggest visiting Liliuokalani Gardens if you ever go to Hilo. This park encompasses a Japanese garden that offers an authentic Japanese experience. It offers an unforgettable calm and peaceful time that you will cherish for life. The garden is famous among locals and tourists for dog walking, exercise, walking, and holding public events. The garden stretches on an area of 24.5 acres of land which was gifted by the Queen. Entry to the park is free. This park has a unique Edo-style garden around the pond with a great variety of flora and fauna which attracts the visitors to appreciate its’ beauty and calmness. The stone walkaways, local plants, and small bridges give it a look of old Japan which seems quite elegant yet attractive. This is a great place if you want to enjoy the feeling of closeness with nature and natural beauty. If you are a photograph freak then this place will offer you a lot of picture-perfect locations where you can take memorable photographs. 

The greatest thing about this garden is that it is located within a walking distance of Coconut Island. Moku Ola or Coconut Island is considered a part of this garden while the two are connected through a footbridge. This garden and adjacent island are a perfect place to enjoy a picnic party along with swimming. The view through Coconut Island is simply amazing and refreshing. The beach always pleases the visitors and Coconut Island mesmerizes the visitors due to it’s’ history as well. Historically, an ancient temple used to be there in the exact location. This is why the island was named Moku Ola which means “island of life” in the Hawaiian language. The trees on this island are also marked by the water levels that this island had to bear during the times it was hit by Tsunamis. This island is a weird combination of memorable history, a darker past of catastrophic events, and serenity. The visitors seem to enjoy all these weird facts about this Island. On the east side, there is a remnant of an ancient footbridge that was affected by the Tsunami. The locals now use that remnant as a jumping board to jump into the ocean and enjoy a great swim with adrenaline rushing through their bodies. This island and garden also offer a mesmerizing view of Hilo Bayfront and Downtown Hilo. 

If you get tired from having too much fun at Liliuokalani Gardens, then you can also visit nearby eateries to grab a bite. Or even better you can request a takeaway order and enjoy your meal at the beach. One such place that you can visit is Café Pesto which offers a variety of cuisine. It offers to outclass pasta, pizza, seafood, healthy salads, and amazing desserts. All the ingredients used in the food preparation are locally grown to give a Hawaiian touch to the food. They offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan food. You can also visit Coconut Willy’s for great seafood. Flavorsome food after a wonderful day will surely make your day memorable for life. 

Photos of Liliuokalani Gardens:

Live and Interactive Google Map of Liliuokalani Gardens: