Keaau HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Keaau, Hawaii.
1. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
ICONIC HAWAIIAN TREAT EXPERIENCE
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center offers an insightful look into Hawaii's famous macadamia nut industry since 1946. Visitors can learn about the growing and roasting processes in the shadow of Mauna Loa volcano. The center is considered a must-visit attraction when exploring Hawaii Island.
2. Krishna Cow Sanctuary
TRANQUIL ANIMAL CONNECTION EXPERIENCE
Krishna Cow Sanctuary provides a serene environment dedicated to interactions with cows in a peaceful setting. The sanctuary features unique cow cuddling experiences and education about local flora. Visitors can enjoy a healing connection with nature in this distinctive animal sanctuary.
3. Haena Beach Trail
CHALLENGING COASTAL HIKE
Haena Beach Trail offers adventurous hikers access to the beautiful Ha'ena Beach in Keaau. The trail is somewhat challenging, requiring careful footing and attention to the path ahead. Since the road to the beach is private property, this 2.5-mile hiking trail is the access point for visitors seeking to enjoy this coastal gem.
4. Big Island Meadery LLC
LOCAL HONEY WINE PRODUCER
Big Island Meadery LLC crafts unique Hawaiian-style mead using local ingredients and traditional methods. Visitors can sample various honey wines while learning about the ancient art of mead-making. The meadery offers a distinctive taste of Hawaii beyond the typical tropical flavors associated with the islands.
5. Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT SANCTUARY
Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden showcases traditional Hawaiian medicinal plants in a serene garden setting. Visitors can explore the diverse collection of native herbs while learning about their traditional uses in Hawaiian culture. The garden offers beautiful volcano viewpoints and educational opportunities about indigenous plant medicine.
6. Hobby Garden Hawaii
UNIQUE PLANT COLLECTION EXPERIENCE
Hobby Garden Hawaii offers plant enthusiasts a diverse collection of exotic and native flora in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area. Visitors can wander through picturesque gardens while learning about tropical plant species. The garden combines educational elements with the natural beauty of Hawaii's plant life.
7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
DRAMATIC VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the dramatic landscapes formed by two of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore the Kīlauea Iki Trail and witness the powerful forces that continue to shape the Big Island. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience geological wonders and learn about Hawaiian cultural connections to these volcanic features.
8. Akaka Falls State Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL SHOWCASE
Akaka Falls State Park features a stunning 442-foot waterfall cascading into a stream-eroded gorge. Visitors can access the falls via a paved path through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns. The easily accessible loop trail makes this natural wonder one of the most visited attractions on the Big Island.
9. Rainbow Falls
ICONIC MORNING RAINBOW VIEWS
Rainbow Falls is a majestic 80-foot waterfall where the Wailuku River rushes over a natural lava cave. Morning visitors are often treated to the sight of rainbows in the falls' mist that gives this landmark its name. The easily accessible viewing platform makes this a popular stop for travelers exploring Hilo's natural attractions.
10. Volcano Golf Course
GOLFING AMONG VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
Volcano Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience at 4,000 feet elevation near the rim of Kilauea volcano. Players enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa while navigating this challenging 18-hole course. The cool climate and extraordinary setting make this one of the most distinctive golf experiences in Hawaii.
11. Historic Hilo Bay
SCENIC COASTAL EXPLORATION
Historic Hilo Bay provides visitors with opportunities to explore the scenic coastline through guided kayak adventures and other water activities. The bay area combines natural beauty with cultural significance as one of Hawaii's most important historic ports. Visitors can enjoy views of Coconut Island and learn about the area's rich maritime history.
12. Fern Forest
LUSH NATIVE ECOSYSTEM
Fern Forest is a lush natural area showcasing Hawaii's native rainforest ecosystem near Mountain View. Visitors can explore trails winding through dense vegetation dominated by towering tree ferns and native ohia trees. The forest provides a glimpse into Hawaii's ancient landscape before human settlement.
13. Volcano Winery
UNIQUE VOLCANIC SOIL VINTAGES
Volcano Winery produces distinctive wines using grapes grown in volcanic soil at 4,000 feet elevation near Volcano Village. Visitors can sample unique offerings including tea-infused wines and traditional varieties adapted to Hawaii's climate. The winery's tasting room offers a cozy atmosphere with views of the surrounding landscape.
14. Lava Tree State Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC TREE MOLDS
Lava Tree State Monument preserves unique geological formations created when molten lava swept through a forested area. The rapid cooling lava left behind tree molds - hollow tubes where trees once stood before being consumed by the flow. Visitors can walk a 0.7-mile loop trail through this surreal landscape that captures a moment of volcanic fury frozen in time.
15. Pāhoa Village
ECLECTIC OLD HAWAII CHARM
Pāhoa Village offers visitors a glimpse of old Hawaii with its wooden boardwalks and historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The town's eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries creates a bohemian atmosphere distinct from more touristy areas of the island. Recent volcanic activity has made Pāhoa an even more compelling destination, as the community continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of natural forces.