Lili'uokalani Gardens

Lili'uokalani Gardens in Hilo features Japanese garden scenery, Waihonu Pond, red bridges, walking paths, bay views and access to Coconut Island.

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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

Hilo setting: Japanese-style garden on Banyan Drive near Hilo Bay
Historic garden: Public park roots date to the early 1900s
Queen Lili'uokalani: Garden honors Hawaii's last reigning monarch
Japanese heritage: Design reflects Hilo's Japanese immigrant history
Waihonu Pond: Central pond with bridges and garden scenery
Coconut Island access: Footbridge leads to nearby Moku Ola
Walking paths: Popular for strolling, jogging and photography
Visitor planning: Confirm temporary closures, parking and event notices

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lili'uokalani Gardens?

Lili'uokalani Gardens is located at 49 Banyan Drive in Hilo, on the Waiakea Peninsula near Hilo Bay.

What is Lili'uokalani Gardens known for?

It is known for Japanese garden scenery, Waihonu Pond, red bridges, stone lanterns, pagodas, walking paths and Hilo Bay views.

Is admission free?

Yes. Lili'uokalani Gardens is a public park, so visitors can walk through the garden without an admission fee.

Can visitors walk to Coconut Island?

Yes. A footbridge connects the garden area with nearby Moku Ola, also known as Coconut Island.

What can visitors do at Lili'uokalani Gardens?

Visitors can walk, jog, take photos, relax by the ponds, enjoy bay views and continue across the footbridge to Coconut Island.