Big Island Attractions

Volcanoes, waterfalls, gardens & more

The Big Island offers an incredible variety of attractions, from active volcanoes to lush botanical gardens. Here are our favorite places to visit, all within easy driving distance of Island Goodes.

National Park

45 min from Island Goodes

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Walk through lava tubes, hike across crater floors, and witness volcanic landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

Highlights:

Kilauea Crater
Thurston Lava Tube
Chain of Craters Road
Devastation Trail

Local Tip: Go early to avoid crowds. The crater rim is spectacular at sunset.

Waterfall

10 min from Island Goodes

Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)

An 80-foot waterfall that creates rainbows in its mist on sunny mornings. Easy access from a paved viewpoint.

Highlights:

Morning rainbows
Lush tropical setting
Free admission

Local Tip: Visit between 8-10 AM for the best chance to see rainbows.

Waterfall

25 min from Island Goodes

Akaka Falls State Park

Hawaii's most iconic waterfall at 442 feet. A short loop trail through lush rainforest also passes 100-foot Kahuna Falls.

Highlights:

442-foot main falls
Easy 0.4-mile loop
Tropical rainforest

Local Tip: Early morning offers the best light for photos and fewer visitors.

Garden

8 min from Island Goodes

Liliuokalani Gardens

The largest authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Pagodas, stone lanterns, bridges, and koi ponds create a peaceful escape.

Highlights:

30 acres of gardens
Ocean views
Free admission

Local Tip: Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for beautiful lighting and peaceful strolls.

Scenic Viewpoint

50 min from Island Goodes

Waipio Valley Lookout

Stunning views of the sacred Valley of the Kings, with 2,000-foot cliffs and Hawaii's tallest waterfall, Hi'ilawe Falls.

Highlights:

2,000-foot cliffs
Hi'ilawe Falls view
Historic valley

Local Tip: The road into the valley is now closed to non-residents. The only access is through tour guides. Here are two tours you can take to access the valley: Waipio By Horse Back and Waipio Valley Shuttle.

Museum

8 min from Island Goodes

Pacific Tsunami Museum

Learn about the tsunamis that shaped Hilo through survivor stories, historical photos, and interactive exhibits.

Highlights:

Survivor accounts
Historic photos
Beautiful building

Local Tip: The museum now operates only on weekends, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Zoo

15 min from Island Goodes

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

America's only tropical rainforest zoo with many Hawaiian native species. The previous white Bengal tiger, Namaste, passed away in 2014 due to health issues. They now have two Bengal tigers named Sriracha and Tzatziki, who have been there since 2016.

Highlights:

Bengal tigers Sriracha & Tzatziki
Native Hawaiian animals
Tropical rainforest setting

Local Tip: The petting zoo is on Saturdays from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and admission fees vary for county residents and non-residents. The zoo is closed on the first Thursday of each month and on Christmas and New Year's Day.