Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden along the Hamakua Coast is not your typical flat botanical garden with labeled plant specimens. It's a 40-acre valley garden that descends through jungle to the ocean, with waterfalls, streams, and one of the most dramatic natural settings on the Big Island.

The trail is about a mile loop with some steps and bridges. It's not stroller-friendly, which is the honest caveat for families with very young children — leave the stroller in the car and use a carrier for kids under 3. For kids 5 and up who can walk the whole trail, this is genuinely spectacular.

The trail begins at the visitor center and descends into the valley, passing through collections of heliconias, palms, gingers, and bromeliads. The plants here are so large they feel prehistoric — kids often comment that it looks like a dinosaur could walk through at any moment, which isn't far off as a description.

About halfway through, the Onomea waterfall comes into view — a 30-foot cascade that drops into a clear pool. The sound builds as you approach, and the reveal around a bend in the trail is legitimately impressive. Further down, a second waterfall drops near the ocean overlook, where waves crash on black lava rocks below.

The overlook at the trail's end is worth the whole trip. On clear days you can see the coastline for miles in both directions. Bring your camera.

Admission is around $20 per adult and $10 for kids under 16. Children 5 and under are free. Budget about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on how much time you spend at each stop. Bring water and snacks — there's no food sold inside.