Papa'ikou, Big Island

A natural paradise located just north of Hilo on the Big Island's east shore, Papa'ikou's main attraction is the nearby Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a lush sanctuary sheltering over 2,000 species of rare tropical plant species from around the world. It's a very scenic area with gorgeous ocean vistas, waterfalls and streams.

The four-mile (6.5 km) stretch of road that begins just past mile marker 7 (coming from Hilo) and leads to the Garden is called Old Mamalahoa Highway. It is breathtaking and really worth the drive.

Apart from the nearby natural attractions, Papa'ikou is a sleepy little town with a few small eateries.