Orchidland Estates

Orchidland Estates, located on the sunny western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a picturesque community that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and modern conveniences. Nestled at the base of the lush Mauna Loa volcano, Orchidland Estates is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and relaxing retreat.

The community is named for its rich history of orchid farming, and visitors can still see many orchid farms and nurseries in the area. The climate in Orchidland Estates is ideal for growing a variety of orchids, and the community hosts an annual Orchid Show and Sale that attracts visitors from all over the world.

In addition to orchids, Orchidland Estates is home to a variety of tropical fruits, flowers, and plants, making it a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the many farms and botanical gardens in the area, including the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, which features a variety of native Hawaiian plants and cultural exhibits.

Orchidland Estates is also a great base for exploring the many natural wonders of the Big Island. The community is located just a short drive from many popular attractions, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the black sand beaches of Punalu’u, and the Mauna Kea Observatory. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Despite its rural location, Orchidland Estates offers a range of modern conveniences, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The nearby towns of Kea’au and Hilo offer a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural attractions, while the larger city of Kailua-Kona is just a short drive away.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a base for exploring the Big Island, or a chance to connect with nature, Orchidland Estates offers something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Orchidland Estates is a truly unique and unforgettable destination.

Flights To Orchidland Estates

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Orchidland Estates

  • Book in advance: Booking your flight several months in advance can help you get the best deal. Flights tend to go up in price as the departure date approaches, so it’s best to book as early as possible.
  • Compare prices: Use flight comparison websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights to compare prices from different airlines and travel agencies. These websites allow you to compare prices for different dates and times, so you can find the cheapest option.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying during off-peak times or on weekdays can be cheaper than flying during peak times or on weekends.
  • Fly during the shoulder season: The shoulder season, which is the time between the high and low seasons, can be a great time to find cheap flights. For example, the shoulder season in Hawaii is typically from April to June and September to mid-December.
  • Fly into a nearby airport: Consider flying into a nearby airport and then taking a shuttle or rental car to Orchidland Estates. The nearest airport to Orchidland Estates is the Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is about a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can fly into the Kona International Airport (KOA) and drive for about 1.5 hours to Orchidland Estates.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines offer special deals and discounts to their newsletter subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from airlines that fly to Hawaii, such as Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or United Airlines.
  • Use travel rewards: If you have a travel rewards credit card or frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight. This can help you save money and earn rewards for future travel.

Places To Visit

Natural Attractions
  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a guided tour to explore the park’s unique landscapes, including lava tubes, steam vents, and craters.
  2. Akaka Falls State Park: This state park features two beautiful waterfalls, Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to see the falls and enjoy the scenic views.
  3. Waipio Valley: This valley is known for its stunning scenery, including lush vegetation, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Visitors can hike or take a guided tour to explore the valley.
Beaches
  1. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: This beach is famous for its black sand and green sea turtles. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  2. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii’s largest white sand beach, stretching half a mile along the Kohala Coast. Renowned for its big waves, ideal for boogie boarding and snorkeling among colorful marine life.
  3. Mauna Kea Beach: This beach is known for its white sand and clear blue water. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Cultural Attractions
  1. Hulihe’e Palace: This palace was once the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about Hawaiian history and culture.
  2. Pacific Tsunami Museum: This museum tells the story of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that hit Hilo. Visitors can learn about the history of tsunamis and the impact they have on communities.
  3. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: This park is a former place of refuge for those who broke Hawaiian law. Visitors can learn about Hawaiian history and culture and explore the park’s historic structures.
Food and Drinks
  1. Hilo Farmers Market: This farmers market offers a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and crafts. Visitors can sample local specialties like poke, kalua pig, and shave ice.
  2. Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Visitors can learn about the history of coffee farming in Hawaii and sample freshly roasted coffee.
  3. Mauna Kea Summit: Visitors can take a guided tour to the summit of Mauna Kea to watch the sunset and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens: This is a beautiful park located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The park features Japanese gardens, ponds, and a tea house.
  2. Akaka Falls State Park: This is a state park located about a 45-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The park features a beautiful waterfall and hiking trails.
  3. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This is a botanical garden located about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The garden features a variety of tropical plants and flowers, as well as a waterfall and ocean views.
  4. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory: This is a popular tourist destination located about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. Here you can take a self-guided tour of the factory, sample macadamia nuts, and shop for souvenirs.
  5. Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: This is a small zoo and botanical garden located about a 20-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The zoo features a variety of animals, including monkeys, tigers, and birds, as well as a rainforest and desert exhibit.
  6. Honolii Beach Park: This is a popular beach park located about a 20-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The park features a beautiful beach with good surfing and swimming conditions.
  7. Rainbow Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for picnics and photos.
  8. Coconut Island: This is a small island located in Hilo Bay, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The island features a park with picnic tables, a swimming lagoon, and a fishing pier.
  9. Hilo Farmers Market: This is a popular farmers market located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The market features a variety of local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts.
  10. Mauna Kea Summit: This is the highest point in Hawaii and is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The summit offers stunning views of the stars and is a popular spot for stargazing.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This 3.5-star hotel in Hilo offers stunning ocean views, a tranquil swimming pool, and several dining options that showcase local Hawaiian flavors. It is the closest accommodation option to Orchidland Estates, located just a 30-minute drive away.
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: Located on the Kona-Kohala Coast, this 5-star resort is a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The resort boasts luxurious rooms, a private beach, and several dining options that offer an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience.
  • Hilton Waikoloa Village: Located on the Kohala Coast, this 4-star resort is a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The resort features several swimming pools, a golf course, and a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: This 4-star resort is located on the Kohala Coast, about a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The resort offers a private beach, a golf course, and several dining options that feature fresh seafood and local ingredients.
  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: This 4.5-star resort is situated on the Kohala Coast, about a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The resort boasts a private beach, a spa, and several dining options that offer a fusion of Hawaiian and international cuisine.

Budget Fiendly Hotels

  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel – Budget Room: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The hotel offers affordable rooms with basic amenities.
  • Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The hotel offers affordable rooms with ocean views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves local Hawaiian cuisine.
  • Kona Tiki Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Kailua-Kona, about a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The hotel offers affordable rooms with kitchenettes, a swimming pool, and a bar that serves tropical cocktails.
  • Kona Banyan Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Kailua-Kona, about a 1.5-hour drive from Orchidland Estates. The hotel offers affordable rooms with kitchenettes, a swimming pool, and a courtyard with a barbecue area.
  • Seaside Hawaii: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Hilo, about a 30-minute drive from Orchidland Estates. The hotel offers affordable rooms with kitchenettes, a swimming pool, and a picnic area with barbecue grills.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: The Big Island has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season (April to October) and a wet season (November to March). The temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit if you’re looking for sunny weather and less rain.
  • Activities: If you’re interested in whale watching, the best time to visit is from December to April when humpback whales migrate to the waters around the Big Island. If you’re interested in volcanoes, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is worth visiting year-round, but the weather can be unpredictable, and the park can sometimes close due to volcanic activity.
  • Crowds and Prices: The peak tourist season in Hawaii is from December to April, and prices for accommodations and activities tend to be higher during this time. If you’re looking for lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to mid-June or September to mid-December).
  • Hawaiian Cultural Events: If you’re interested in Hawaiian culture, consider planning your visit around one of the many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo (April) or the Aloha Festivals in Honolulu (September).
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