Hawaii is home to many beautiful beaches.
The city of Hilo overlooks Hilo Bay and is the second largest settlement in the state of Hawaii. Hilo is home to the University of Hawaii, which has an international student body. Many tourists visit because there are many things to do and see---including spectacular plant life, cultural attractions and activities for kids.
Nani Mau Gardens
Nani Mau Gardens has 53 acres of tropical flowers and plants. The name "Nani Mau" means "forever beautiful" in Hawaiian. This garden opened in 1972 and contains exotic flowers, an orchid garden, tropical fruit orchards, rare palms and tropical plants. Nani Mau Gardens has an island buffet lunch at the on-site restaurant, a hotel, gift shop and an art gallery. Visitors can opt to take a self-guided tour or a narrated tram tour. When purchasing admission tickets, lunch can be purchased as well. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. The gardens also offer many wedding packages.
Nani Mau Gardens
421 Makalika St.
Hilo, HI 96720
808-959-3501
nanimaugardens.com
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is a free attraction located in Hilo. This is a 12-acre zoo and is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. The Panaewa Zoo is home to more than 80 animals, including a white Bengal tiger. The zoo has an extensive collection of Tropical Rhododendrons, ferns, Clumping Bamboos, and orchids. It also has a petting zoo for children that is open every Saturday and tiger feedings daily. A gift shop is available on site to buy souvenirs and gifts.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Highway 11 to Stainback Hilo
Hilo, HI 96720
808-959-7224
hilozoo.com
Pacific Tsunami Museum
The Pacific Tsunami Museum was created to promote public awareness and education for the people of the Pacific Region. It preserves the cultural and social history of Hawaii and serves as a living memorial for those who lost their lives in past tsunamis. The museum offers school groups to come in so that children can be informed about the dangers of a tsunami. It is home to many tsunami photographs, documents, papers, oral histories, maps, videos and artifacts. In addition, living survivors of tsunamis tell their stories at the museum daily.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
808-935-0926
tsunami.org
Tags: Nani Gardens, Hilo 96720, Pacific Tsunami, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Panaewa Rainforest, Tsunami Museum