Big Island Scenic Coast Guide

Onomea Bay

Onomea Bay is a lush Hamakua Coast scenic area with rocky shoreline views, rainforest greenery, Twin Rocks and Old Mamalahoa Highway nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Onomea Bay, Big Island

Onomea Bay is one of the lushest areas on the Big Island. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located right on this bay and features waterfalls, streams and a raised wooden boardwalk leading to the ocean.

The bay is located just a short drive north of Hilo and is considered by many to be an area not to be missed. Past mile marker 7, the 4-mile (6.4 km) scenic drive on the Old Mamalahoa Highway begins. Make a stop at the botanical garden and do a self-guided tour.

You’ll come across over 2,000 exotic types of flora. The lush garden is also home to many birds, and you’ll be breathing air that is filled with the fragrance of tropical flowers and fruits. Onomea Falls is located on the grounds as well.

If you don't want to pay the entrance fee to the garden to hike down to the bay, you can see Onomea Bay from a lookout located along Mamalahoa Highway.

Key Features

Lush Hamakua Coast bay north of Hilo near Papaikou
Rocky shoreline and strong surf make this a scenery stop rather than a swimming beach
Old Mamalahoa Highway brings visitors through one of the Big Island's classic short scenic drives
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden sits above the bay with paid entry, garden paths and ocean views
Twin Rocks can be seen offshore from shoreline and trail viewpoints
Onomea Trail gives visitors a short rainforest walk toward bay viewpoints
Rain can make the trail muddy and the shoreline rocks slippery
Streams and coastal rainforest give the area its deep green Hamakua feel
Roadside parking near the trail and lookouts is limited
The bay has a long history as a Hawaiian fishing village and planted coastal valley

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Twin Rocks at Onomea Bay?

Twin Rocks are the two small offshore rock formations often seen from the shoreline and trail viewpoints around Onomea Bay.

Can visitors see Onomea Bay without entering the garden?

Yes. Visitors can see parts of the bay from lookout areas and the Onomea Trail, while Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden has its own paid entry.

What should visitors know about the Onomea Trail?

The trail is short but can be muddy and slippery after rain. Visitors should stay on the path and wear shoes that can handle wet ground.

Why is Onomea Bay so lush?

The Hamakua Coast receives frequent rain, and the bay sits in a coastal valley where streams, rainforest plants and garden plantings meet the ocean.

What should visitors know before parking near Onomea Bay?

Roadside parking is limited near trailheads and scenic viewpoints. Visitors should park fully off the road and avoid blocking homes, gates or narrow curves.