Keaau Hawaii

Keaau Hawaii is a charming and picturesque town located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Nestled at the base of Mauna Kea, the town is surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flowers, making it a nature lover’s paradise. One of the town’s most notable features is its rich history and cultural significance. Keaau was once an important center for the production and distribution of taro, a staple crop in Hawaiian cuisine. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the town’s agricultural past, including ancient taro patches and stone walls.

In addition to its history, Keaau is also home to a variety of modern amenities and attractions. The town boasts several shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes, offering everything from local cuisine to international flavors. Visitors can also explore the nearby Keaau Town Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a community center.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Keaau offers a range of activities, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and stargazing. The town is located just a short drive from several state parks and nature reserves, including the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Akaka Falls State Park. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Hawaii Belt Road, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline, waterfalls, and rainforests. Despite its small size, Keaau is a vibrant and diverse town that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Keaau is the perfect destination for your next Hawaiian getaway. With its warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and rich heritage, Keaau is a true gem of the Big Island.

Flights To Keaau

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Keaau

  • Book in advance: Airfare prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so book your flight as early as possible to get the best deal.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. Consider traveling during off-peak times or during the week when airfare is typically cheaper.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies, helping you find the cheapest option.
  • Consider alternative airports: Flights to Hilo International Airport (ITO) may be cheaper than flights to other airports on the Big Island, such as Kona International Airport (KOA).
  • Set fare alerts: Many travel websites and apps allow you to set fare alerts for your desired route, so you can be notified when prices drop.
  • Look for budget airlines: Some budget airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, may offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines.
  • Consider a multi-city itinerary: If you’re planning to visit other destinations in Hawaii, consider booking a multi-city itinerary to save on airfare.
  • Use travel rewards: If you have travel rewards or frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight.

Places To Visit

Natural Attractions
  1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This 40-acre garden is located in a valley along the Hamakua Coast and features more than 2,000 species of tropical plants. Visitors can explore the garden’s trails, waterfalls, and ocean views.
  2. Lili`uokalani Park and Gardens: This 30-acre park is located in Hilo and features Japanese gardens, ponds, and a large lawn area. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens or attend one of the park’s cultural events.
  3. Rainbow Falls: This 80-foot waterfall is located in Wailuku River State Park and is accessible via a short hike. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and take photos of the rainbow that often forms in the mist.
Historical Sites
  1. Lyman Museum and Mission House: This museum features exhibits on Hawaiian history, culture, and natural history. Visitors can learn about the missionaries who settled in Hawaii and see artifacts from ancient Hawaiian culture.
  2. Pacific Tsunami Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of tsunamis in Hawaii and features exhibits on the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that hit Hilo. Visitors can learn about the science behind tsunamis and the importance of preparedness.
  3. Keaau Village Marketplace: This historic marketplace was built in the 1920s and features a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can browse local crafts, sample Hawaiian cuisine, and learn about the town’s history.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park is located about an hour’s drive from Keaau and features volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Visitors can see the active Kilauea volcano and learn about the geology of the area.
  2. Akaka Falls State Park: This state park is located about 30 minutes from Keaau and features a 442-foot waterfall. Visitors can hike through the lush rainforest and enjoy the scenic views.
  3. Mauna Kea Summit: This 13,796-foot mountain is located about an hour’s drive from Keaau and offers stunning views of the stars. Visitors can take a guided tour to the summit or visit the Mauna Kea Observatory.
Cultural Experiences
  1. Hilo Palace Theatre: This historic theater was built in 1925 and features a variety of performances, including movies, concerts, and plays. Visitors can enjoy a night out at the theater and learn about Hawaii’s cultural heritage.
  2. Imiloa Astronomy Center: This center is located in Hilo and features exhibits on astronomy, Hawaiian culture, and the environment. Visitors can learn about the stars, volcanoes, and the history of the Big Island.
  3. Pacific Cultural Center: This center is located in Hilo and features exhibits on Hawaiian art, history, and culture. Visitors can learn about traditional Hawaiian crafts, such as lauhala weaving and ukulele making.
Family-Friendly Activities
  1. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: This zoo is located in Hilo and features a variety of animals, including monkeys, lemurs, and exotic birds. Visitors can also explore the gardens and see the waterfalls.
  2. Suisan Fish Market: This market is located in Hilo and features a variety of fresh seafood, including sushi, poke, and fish tacos. Visitors can watch the fish being prepared and enjoy a delicious meal.
  3. Carlsmith Beach Park: This beach park is located in Keaau and features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Shopping and Dining
  1. Keaau Shopping Center: This shopping center features a variety of stores, including a grocery store, pharmacy, and souvenir shops. Visitors can stock up on supplies or buy gifts for friends and family.
  2. Hilo Farmers Market: This farmers market is located in downtown Hilo and features a variety of local produce, flowers, and crafts. Visitors can sample fresh fruit, buy souvenirs, and learn about Hawaiian culture.
  3. Kaleo’s Bar and Grill: This restaurant is located in Keaau and features Hawaiian-style cuisine, including poke bowls, kalua pig, and loco moco. Visitors can enjoy the casual atmosphere and live music on weekends.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This 40-acre garden is located in a valley along the Hamakua Coast and features more than 2,000 species of tropical plants. Visitors can explore the garden’s trails, waterfalls, and ocean views.
  2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park is located about an hour’s drive from Keaau and features volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Visitors can see the active Kilauea volcano and learn about the geology of the area.
  3. Rainbow Falls: This 80-foot waterfall is located in Wailuku River State Park and is accessible via a short hike. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and take photos of the rainbow that often forms in the mist.
  4. Lili`uokalani Park and Gardens: This 30-acre park is located in Hilo and features Japanese gardens, ponds, and a large lawn area. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens or attend one of the park’s cultural events.
  5. Hilo Farmers Market: This farmers market is located in downtown Hilo and features a variety of local produce, flowers, and crafts. Visitors can sample fresh fruit, buy souvenirs, and learn about Hawaiian culture.
  6. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: This zoo is located in Hilo and features a variety of animals, including monkeys, lemurs, and exotic birds. Visitors can also explore the gardens and see the waterfalls.
  7. Carlsmith Beach Park: This beach park is located in Keaau and features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beautiful views.
  8. Nani Mau Gardens: This botanical garden is located in Hilo and features a variety of tropical plants, including orchids, heliconias, and hibiscus. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  9. Keaau Shopping Center: This shopping center features a variety of stores, including a grocery store, pharmacy, and souvenir shops. Visitors can stock up on supplies or buy gifts for friends and family.
  10. Kaleo’s Bar and Grill: This restaurant is located in Keaau and features Hawaiian-style cuisine, including poke bowls, kalua pig, and loco moco. Visitors can enjoy the casual atmosphere and live music on weekends.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Hilo Bay Hotel: This 4-star hotel is located in downtown Hilo and offers stunning views of Hilo Bay. The hotel features 114 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a business center.
  • Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – A DoubleTree by Hilton: This 4-star hotel is located on the edge of Hilo Bay and features 320 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
  • Volcano House: This historic hotel is located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers 33 guest rooms and 10 cottages. The hotel features a restaurant, a lounge, and stunning views of the Kilauea volcano.
  • The Inn at Volcano National Park: This 4-star hotel is located near the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers 10 guest rooms and suites. The hotel features a restaurant, a lounge, and a garden.
  • Kalani Honua: This eco-friendly retreat is located in the Puna district and offers 25 guest rooms and cottages. The retreat features a restaurant, a spa, a pool, and a variety of activities, including yoga, dance, and art classes.
  • Aloha Crater Retreat: This 4-star bed and breakfast is located in the Puna district and offers three guest rooms. The retreat features a hot tub, a garden, and a variety of amenities, including a full breakfast, beach towels, and snorkeling gear.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Hilo Bay Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in downtown Hilo and offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a garden.
  • Arnott’s Lodge and Hiking Adventures: This budget-friendly lodge is located in Hilo and offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. The lodge features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a garden. The lodge also offers guided hiking tours and rental cars.
  • Hi-Quality Inn: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Hilo and offers 48 guest rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a communal kitchen.
  • Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Hilo and offers 286 guest rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel features a swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
  • Puna Kai Resort: This budget-friendly resort is located in the Puna district and offers 12 guest rooms and cottages. The resort features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a communal kitchen.
  • Sea Mountain Resort: This budget-friendly resort is located in the Puna district and offers 22 guest rooms and cottages. The resort features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a communal kitchen.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: The Big Island has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to March. The temperature in Keaau averages around 70-80°F (21-27°C) year-round, but it can be cooler in the evenings and at higher elevations.
  • Crowds: The Big Island is a popular destination year-round, but it can be more crowded during peak travel seasons, such as summer and winter holidays. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
  • Activities: If you’re interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and surfing, the dry season from April to October is generally the best time to visit. However, if you’re interested in whale watching, the winter months from December to April are the best time to visit.
  • Festivals and Events: The Big Island hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo (April), the Big Island Film Festival in Waimea (May), and the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November). If you’re interested in attending any of these events, plan your trip accordingly.
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