Big Island Scenic Drive Guide
Old Mamalahoa Highway is a short rainforest drive north of Hilo, winding through the Hamakua Coast near Onomea Bay and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
The Old Mamalahoa Highway on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast is a narrow and winding coastline road that begins about 5 miles (8 km) north of Hilo. The 4-mile (6.4 km) stretch until the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden are breathtaking. The vegetation is very lush and there is a great lookout point along the way, right before you reach the botanical garden. It overlooks Onomea Bay and the surrounding rainforest.
Visitor Reviews
Be the first to review Old Mamalahoa Highway.
Old Mamalahoa Highway is located north of Hilo on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast. From Hilo, drive north on Hawaii Belt Road/Route 19 toward Papaikou and turn onto Old Mamalahoa Highway near the Onomea scenic route. The map marker identifies a point on Old Mamalahoa Highway near the Onomea Bay and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden area.
Old Mamalahoa Highway is on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast north of Hilo, near Papaikou, Onomea Bay and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden area.
The best-known scenic section is about 4 miles long. It winds through lush rainforest, narrow curves, bridges and coastal viewpoints near Onomea Bay.
The road is known for tropical greenery, ocean views, Onomea Bay, rainforest scenery, historic road character and access to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
It is paved and short, but it is narrow and winding. Drive slowly, watch for local traffic, wet pavement, pedestrians, garden visitors and cars entering small driveways.
Check current garden hours, weather and roadwork before driving. Rain can make the road slick, and nearby Highway 19 work may affect travel times.
