Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Onomea Bay & Around
Papaikou, Onomea and Pepeʻekeo are three more plantation villages admired for their
gorgeous landscape and views.
Sights & Activities
Pepeʻekeo 4-Mile Scenic Drive
DRIVE
The fantastic rainforest jungle along this stretch of the Old Mamalahoa Hwy proves that
all of those annoying showers are really worthwhile. Cruising along the narrow road you
cross a series of one-lane bridges spanning little streams and waterfalls.
You can begin the drive from either end, but approaching from the south (Hilo side)
involves an easy right turn between mile markers 7 and 8 on the main highway - and al-
lows you to end with a meal at What's Shakin'.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
GARDEN
fabulous botanical garden, with a beautiful oceanfront setting and superb management. A
nicely paved trail leads you through 2000 species of tropical plants set amid streams and
waterfalls. There's a beautiful macaw aviary, too. The walk ends at Onomea Bay and
takes around 1½ hours.
If you only visit one botanical garden on the island this should be it.
Onomea Tea Company
FARM
fers a very personal tour in an extraordinary setting; you'll never feel like a tourist. After
seeing the garden and production facilities, which occupy an oceanfront promontory,
you'll settle into the owner's elegant home for a tasting and sandwiches. Altogether flaw-
less and reasonably priced. Reservations required.
Onomea Bay Hike
HIKING
For a quick, scenic hike to the bay, take the
Na Ala Hele
trailhead on the seaward side of
the road, just north of the tropical botanical garden.
After a 10-minute hike down a slippery jungle path, you'll come to a finger of lava jut-
ting into the sea. A spur to the right leads to a couple of small waterfalls and a cove.
