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The Sites!
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
Stainback Hwy off Hwy 11, Hilo 96720 • 808-959-7224
One of the more unique zoos you'll ever visit, the Pana'ewa Reserve allows
visitors to catch a glimpse of life in a true tropical rainforest, making it the
only such facility in the United States. More than 50 species of animals call
the reserve "home," including Namaste (a rare white Bengal tiger), two
Aldabra tortoises named Beauregard and Boogie, Arnie the water buffalo, and a
family of Jackson chameleons.
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Nani Mau Gardens
421 Makalika St, Hilo 96720 •
808-959-3500
Makato Nitahara, owner and masterful green thumb behind this exquisite garden,
began planting tropical flowers in this former papaya patch more than two
decades ago. Today, he estimates that his 2000-plus species of plants and
flowers represent one of the largest such collections in the state, and the
garden's 20-plus acres include a traditional Japanese garden with waterfalls, a
European garden, a lily pond, an annual garden, and a beach garden. Nani Mau is
a popular setting for outdoor weddings, and the on-site Garden Court and Garden
View restaurants offer lovely settings.
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Where to eat!
Harrington's
135 Kalanianaole Hwy, Hilo 96720-4703
• 808-961-4966
This Hilo eatery has enchanted more than a few couples intent on enjoying a
romantic dinner for two. Open-air seating and seductive views of Reeds Pond only
add to the restaurant's charm. House specialties include a variety of American
standards, including duck confit, peppercorn-seasoned New York strip, and
perfectly prepared prime rib. Fresh-caught fish and seafood dishes like calamari
meunière serve as delicious alternatives. Reservations are suggested.
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Seaside Restaurant
1790 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo 96720
• 808-935-8825
This aptly named seafood gem earns high marks from the Hilo
dining set thanks to its captivating setting (the restaurant overlooks ponds
stocked with trout, perch, mullet, and catfish) and superb New American fare.
Although the decor, which includes plastic chairs and wooden tables, doesn't
leave much to the imagination, house specialties do. Sample homegrown mullet
(remember the ponds?), fried aholehole (Hawaiian flagtail), parrotfish, or
steamed opakapaka. Landlubbers will appreciate terrene offerings like New York
strip and pork tenderloin. Best of all, prices are more than reasonable, making
this an ideal stop for vacationing families.
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Best Beaches!
Leleiwi Beach Park
Hilo's
beaches may be few, but Leleiwi is one of Hawaii's most beautiful. This unusual
cove of palm-fringed black-lava tide pools fed by freshwater springs and rippled
by gentle waves is a photographer's delight—and the perfect place to take a
plunge. In winter, big waves can splash these ponds, but the shallow pools are
generally free of currents and ideal for families with children, especially in
the protected inlets at the center of the park. Leleiwi often attracts
endangered sea turtles, making this one of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling
spots. The beach is 4 miles out of town on Kalanianaole Avenue. Facilities
include rest rooms, showers, lifeguards,
picnic pavilions, and paved walkways. There's also a marine-life facility here.
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