Eden Roc HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Eden Roc, Hawaii.
1. Kilauea Caverns of Fire
VOLCANIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Kilauea Caverns of Fire offers visitors a unique underground journey through ancient lava tubes formed by volcanic activity on the Big Island. Guests can explore the remarkable geological formations that showcase Hawaii's volcanic history in their natural state. The guided tours provide educational insights about the formation of the island and the continuing volcanic processes that shape the Hawaiian landscape.
2. 2400 Fahrenheit Art Glass
HANDCRAFTED GLASS ARTISTRY
2400 Fahrenheit Art Glass is a renowned glassblowing studio showcasing the talents of local Hawaiian artists and their stunning creations. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of glass being shaped and molded at extreme temperatures, witnessing the fascinating process from beginning to end. The studio also features a gallery where guests can purchase unique handcrafted pieces as souvenirs or gifts.
3. Eden Roc Botanical Gardens
TROPICAL PLANT PARADISE
Eden Roc Botanical Gardens showcases the incredible diversity of Hawaii's native and exotic flora in a lush, mountainside setting. The gardens feature winding paths through collections of tropical plants, orchids, and endemic Hawaiian species rarely seen elsewhere. Visitors can participate in guided tours that highlight the cultural significance and medicinal uses of various plants in traditional Hawaiian practices.
4. Manoa Falls
MAJESTIC FOREST WATERFALL
Manoa Falls is a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall nestled in a lush rainforest setting near Hilo. The moderate hiking trail leading to the falls takes visitors through bamboo forests and tropical vegetation, offering glimpses of native birds and plants along the way. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of the cascading water plunging into a small pool below, creating a serene natural sanctuary perfect for photography.
5. Mauna Kea Summit
ASTRONOMICAL MOUNTAIN PEAK
Mauna Kea Summit stands as one of the world's premier astronomical observation sites, housing several international telescope facilities at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. The summit offers unparalleled sunset views and stargazing opportunities, with visibility conditions among the clearest on the planet due to minimal light pollution and high elevation. Visitors can join guided sunset and stargazing tours that provide educational insights about astronomy and Hawaiian celestial navigation traditions.
6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
ACTIVE VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the primal forces that created the Hawaiian Islands. The park features dramatic volcanic landscapes including vast lava fields, steam vents, crater rims, and occasionally active lava flows that continue to shape the island's geography. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, drive the Chain of Craters Road, and learn about Hawaiian cultural connections to these powerful natural phenomena at the Jaggar Museum.
7. Rainbow Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL WONDER
Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall known for the colorful rainbows that appear in its mist during morning sunlight hours. The waterfall cascades over a natural lava cave that, according to Hawaiian mythology, is home to the ancient goddess Hina, mother of demigod Maui. The easily accessible viewing platform makes this a perfect stop for travelers of all ages and abilities seeking to experience Hawaii's natural beauty.
8. Akaka Falls State Park
TOWERING TROPICAL FALLS
Akaka Falls State Park features an impressive 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a stream-eroded gorge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can follow a paved 0.4-mile loop trail through a rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns to viewing platforms for both Akaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls. The park offers some of the most accessible and spectacular waterfall views on the Big Island, making it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts.
9. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
TROPICAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, home to over 80 animal species including the rare white Bengal tiger. The zoo features beautifully landscaped gardens with exotic plants that create natural habitats for its residents, including native Hawaiian species and endangered animals. Children particularly enjoy the petting zoo area and the educational programs that highlight conservation efforts and animal behaviors.
10. Liliuokalani Gardens
TRANQUIL JAPANESE GARDENS
Liliuokalani Gardens is a stunning 24-acre Japanese garden established in 1917, featuring arching bridges, koi ponds, pagodas, and traditional stone lanterns along Hilo Bay. Named after Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, the garden serves as a tribute to the Japanese immigrants who worked in Hawaii's sugar plantations. The peaceful setting provides perfect views of Mokuola (Coconut Island) and Mauna Kea, making it an ideal spot for meditation, tai chi practice, or simply enjoying a picnic lunch.
11. Hilo Farmers Market
LOCAL FLAVORS AND CRAFTS
Hilo Farmers Market is one of Hawaii's most vibrant open-air markets, offering an impressive array of fresh local produce, tropical flowers, and handcrafted items from over 200 vendors. Visitors can sample exotic fruits like rambutan, lychee, and apple bananas while browsing through stalls filled with handmade jewelry, clothing, and authentic Hawaiian souvenirs. The market operates daily but reaches its peak on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the full complement of vendors creates a colorful showcase of Big Island culture and agriculture.
12. Kaumana Caves
VOLCANIC TUNNEL EXPLORATION
Kaumana Caves is a 25-mile long lava tube formed during the 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa, offering adventurous visitors a chance to explore Hawaii's volcanic underground. The publicly accessible section begins with a concrete stairway descending into a skylight collapse, where explorers can venture in either direction through the dimly lit tunnel system. Visitors should bring their own flashlights, wear sturdy shoes, and prepare for potentially slippery conditions while experiencing this natural geological wonder.
13. Suisan Fish Market
FRESH SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Suisan Fish Market has been a Hilo institution since 1907, offering the freshest locally caught seafood direct from Big Island waters. The market is renowned for its poke bowls, featuring various preparations of raw fish seasoned with traditional Hawaiian flavors that showcase the island's culinary heritage. Visitors can watch fishermen deliver their daily catch and purchase prepared foods to enjoy at nearby Liliuokalani Gardens or ingredients to prepare authentic Hawaiian meals.
14. Richardson Ocean Park
BLACK SAND BEACH HAVEN
Richardson Ocean Park features a stunning black sand beach where freshwater springs meet the ocean, creating unique swimming conditions and supporting diverse marine life. The protected cove offers some of the best snorkeling on Hilo's coastline, with frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish among the lava rock formations. The beach park includes picnic facilities, restrooms, and lifeguards, making it a favorite recreational spot for both locals and visitors seeking a less crowded coastal experience.
15. Big Island Candies
GOURMET HAWAIIAN SWEETS
Big Island Candies is a renowned local confectionery famous for its chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and macadamia nut treats made with Hawaiian ingredients. Visitors can watch the candy-making process through large viewing windows as skilled artisans hand-dip and decorate their signature creations. The elegant retail space offers free samples and beautifully packaged gifts that have become a favorite souvenir for visitors to bring home a taste of Hawaii.