Step into the tranquility of a Japanese garden at Liliuokalani Gardens, an ornately landscaped public park near the Hilo oceanfront. Stroll through peaceful gardens beneath the banyan trees and gaze into koi ponds. Take in stunning views of Hilo Bay and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) and enjoy an aromatic pot of Japanese tea at the teahouse.
The gardens are named after Hawai’i’s last ruling monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. The waterfront park encompasses 30 acres (12 hectares) of quaint Japanese-style gardens. The gardens were opened in 1917, in honor of the first Japanese immigrants who moved to Hawai’i to work on sugar plantations.
Walk through the gardens to see authentic Japanese stone lanterns, statues and pagodas. Enjoy the shady canopy of the banyan trees and take in the lush scenery that makes this park a popular spot for photographers and weddings. Watch koi swimming in tranquil ponds as you step over ornate wooden bridges. Spot the torii, a traditional Japanese gate, which marks the entrance to a shrine or sacred space.
Stroll across a footbridge to Moku Ola, a small islet named “island of life” in Hawai’ian. According to locals, this island was a traditional site of refuge and healing. Coconut Island is a picturesque spot to watch the sunset and take in views of downtown Hilo, Hilo Bay, Mauna Kea and the Hāmākua Coast. Explore the east side of the island to find a stone tower, where the tsunami of 1946 washed away the old footbridge.
Visit the Liliuokalani Gardens Urasenke Teahouse to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony on weekends. Find the shelter housing three original Japanese haari boats (dragon boats) nearby. See the haari boat races every second year in August at nearby Wailoa State Park.
Liliuokalani Gardens is open daily and entry is free. Food vendors do not service the park, so bring your own snacks and refreshments. The gardens are approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of downtown Hilo.
