Guidebook for Fern Forest
Sightseeing
Get lost in this park as you hike volcanic ridges, watch plumes of smoke billow from one of the world’s most active volcanoes and walk through a lava tube big enough for a car.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Get lost in this park as you hike volcanic ridges, watch plumes of smoke billow from one of the world’s most active volcanoes and walk through a lava tube big enough for a car.
This is a really cool lava tube you can walk through however it's a bit short. There are trails in the same area that you wander around that are pretty neat and make it worth the trip.
38 locals recommend
Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube
This is a really cool lava tube you can walk through however it's a bit short. There are trails in the same area that you wander around that are pretty neat and make it worth the trip.
Take a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdTake a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet.
Rainbow Falls is easily accessible from downtown Hilo and offers a remarkable view of water falling 80 feet over a lava cave. The mist that rises is famous for creating a consistent rainbow.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is easily accessible from downtown Hilo and offers a remarkable view of water falling 80 feet over a lava cave. The mist that rises is famous for creating a consistent rainbow.
Mauna Kea is home to numerous telescopes due to its high altitude and remote geographic location. You can go and star gaze from one of the best spots in the world.
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is home to numerous telescopes due to its high altitude and remote geographic location. You can go and star gaze from one of the best spots in the world.
Food Scene
I ate at this sandwich shop nearly everyday while I built the treehouse. Order inside, sit outside. The food is fresh and local. Get a half sandwich unless your super hungry or plan on sharing. WIFI
43 locals recommend
Eagle's Lighthouse Cafe
19-4005 Haunani RdI ate at this sandwich shop nearly everyday while I built the treehouse. Order inside, sit outside. The food is fresh and local. Get a half sandwich unless your super hungry or plan on sharing. WIFI
Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe
19-3972 Old Volcano RdI usually eat here when I need WIFI.
Thai Thai Bistro and Bar
19-4084 Old Volcano RdTraditional Thai cuisine made with fresh experiences.
Upscale locale serving hearty portions that range from vegetarian pasta to antelope. Definitely a nice place to eat and it is reflected in the prices. $20-$40 Open breakfast, lunch & dinner.
102 locals recommend
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
19-3948 Old Volcano RdUpscale locale serving hearty portions that range from vegetarian pasta to antelope. Definitely a nice place to eat and it is reflected in the prices. $20-$40 Open breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Good food with a great view of Hilo Bay and the Hilo ‘skyline’. Get local beef, sushi and the catch of the day while sipping on a nice beverage. $12-$25
137 locals recommend
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StGood food with a great view of Hilo Bay and the Hilo ‘skyline’. Get local beef, sushi and the catch of the day while sipping on a nice beverage. $12-$25
Everything Else
They have hundreds of Orchids on display and for sale. You can wander around or you can register for a free tour. http://www.akatsukaorchid.com/
46 locals recommend
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
11-3051 Volcano RdThey have hundreds of Orchids on display and for sale. You can wander around or you can register for a free tour. http://www.akatsukaorchid.com/
This museum is a newer facility that holds a lot of info about the Pele legend as well as all the volcano stats that you would imagine. There is also a look out to view the rising steam.
18 locals recommend
Jaggar Museum
This museum is a newer facility that holds a lot of info about the Pele legend as well as all the volcano stats that you would imagine. There is also a look out to view the rising steam.
About 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls is the lesser known Pe’ePe’e Falls and Boiling Pots. It is a local swim spot (despite what the signs say) though can be dangerous after rain.
54 locals recommend
Boiling Pots
1766 Wailuku DrAbout 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls is the lesser known Pe’ePe’e Falls and Boiling Pots. It is a local swim spot (despite what the signs say) though can be dangerous after rain.
Awesome little town with laid back 'hippie' vibe. It is currently under threat from the lava flow. Sunday mornings they put on a great farmers market.
103 locals recommend
Pāhoa
Awesome little town with laid back 'hippie' vibe. It is currently under threat from the lava flow. Sunday mornings they put on a great farmers market.
See the beginning of a vast expanse of hardened lava and black sand beaches. Great local farmers market with live music at Uncle Robert's on Wednesday nights.
30 locals recommend
Kaimu Beach Park
See the beginning of a vast expanse of hardened lava and black sand beaches. Great local farmers market with live music at Uncle Robert's on Wednesday nights.
The tide pools offer exceptional visibility and a great diversity of coral and fish. Bring your snorkel gear and have a blast!
83 locals recommend
Kapoho Tide Pools
The tide pools offer exceptional visibility and a great diversity of coral and fish. Bring your snorkel gear and have a blast!
Shopping
I really like seeing how things are made. This is a gift shop but it shows you how macadamia nuts are processed and has all sorts of goodies too.
38 locals recommend
Mauna Loa
16-701 Macadamia RoadI really like seeing how things are made. This is a gift shop but it shows you how macadamia nuts are processed and has all sorts of goodies too.
Essentials
Get gas and basic supplies. More expensive than groceries in Hilo.
31 locals recommend
Kilauea General Store
19-3972 Old Volcano RdGet gas and basic supplies. More expensive than groceries in Hilo.
You can pick up expensive groceries at this location, or just stop in for the best brownies on the Big Island!
33 locals recommend
Volcano Store
19 Haunani RdYou can pick up expensive groceries at this location, or just stop in for the best brownies on the Big Island!