Lili'uokalani Gardens

Lili'uokalani Gardens is a Hilo waterfront garden on Banyan Drive, with Japanese-style ponds, bridges, stone lanterns, bay views and free admission.

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Lili'uokalani Gardens, Big Island

Named after Hawaii's last reining queen, Lili'uokalani Gardens is a 30-acre park containing expansive Japanese gardens that were built in the early 1900s. The park is located on Banyan Drive, southeast of downtown Hilo on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay. It mainly consists of Edo-style Japanese gardens and is said to be the largest outside of Japan. Located within the gardens is Waihonu Pond, as well as red bridges over koi ponds, statues, pagodas, rock gardens, stone lanterns and even a Japanese teahouse.

One of the park's most popular uses with local residents is for an early morning workout. The hours before lunch see a plethora of fitness-minded locals don their running shoes to go for a jog whilst taking in the pleasant scenery along the trails that run through the gardens.

There is a footbridge across to the nearby Moku Ola Island (also known as Coconut Island). Moku Ola means "island of life" in the Hawaiian language. A temple dedicated to healing used to be located here, hence the island's name. Moku Ola Island is a great place for a picnic with its expansive views to the Hilo bayfront and downtown Hilo. Off to the east is a large breakwater that protects Hilo Bay from tsunamis (which have hit Hilo in the past).

Key Features

Japanese-style public garden on Hilo's Banyan Drive
Located along Hilo Bay on the Waiakea Peninsula
Free admission to the garden area
Named for Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch
Dedicated in the early 1900s as a tribute to Japanese immigrants in Hawaii
Ponds, bridges, stone lanterns, torii and pagoda-style features
Waihonu Pond is one of the garden's main photo areas
Coconut Island is a short nearby walk by footbridge
Open grassy areas, shade trees and waterfront paths
A quiet choice for walking, photography and Hilo Bay views

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lili'uokalani Gardens important to Hilo?

The garden was set aside in 1917 and honors Queen Lili'uokalani while also recognizing the Japanese immigrants who helped shape Hilo's plantation-era community.

What style of garden is Lili'uokalani Gardens?

The garden follows a Japanese landscape style, with ponds, bridges, stone lanterns, torii, pagoda forms and carefully framed views rather than a formal flower-display layout.

What is Waihonu Pond?

Waihonu Pond is one of the main water features in the garden. Its bridges, edges and reflections are part of the classic Hilo photo view.

How is Coconut Island connected with the garden?

Coconut Island, also called Moku Ola, is just offshore from the garden area and is reached by a footbridge nearby. The island adds bay views and a second short walk to the same Hilo visit.

Why do photographers like Lili'uokalani Gardens?

The garden has layered views: red bridges, ponds, stone lanterns, bay water, palms, banyan trees and Mauna Kea views on clear days. Morning light and calm water often create the cleanest reflections.