Wainaku

Wainaku is a community situated on the windward coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, located between green hills and the Pacific Ocean. It offers visitors a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience with its natural scenery and local culture.

Highway 19 provides views of palm trees, hibiscus flowers, and greenery, accompanied by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Wainaku features the Wailuku River State Park, where the Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots can be found. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a 30-acre park with Japanese-style gardens and a replica of Queen Liliuokalani’s palace, is also nearby.

For food enthusiasts, Wainaku offers a variety of local cuisine, including poke bowls, shrimp trucks, plate lunches, and farm-to-table dining. Visitors can partake in activities such as hiking, biking, snorkeling, and surfing. The community is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, making it an ideal place to experience the aloha spirit. Wainaku is a noteworthy destination for those seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, and hospitality during their visit to the Big Island.

Flights To Wainaku

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Wainaku

  • Book in advance: Flights tend to be cheaper when booked several weeks or months in advance. Try to book your flight at least 21 days before your departure date to get the best deals.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. Consider traveling during the shoulder season or off-peak times to get the best deals.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies. This can help you find the cheapest flights available.
  • Consider alternative airports: Flights to Hilo International Airport (ITO) may be more expensive than flights to other airports on the Big Island, such as Kona International Airport (KOA). Consider comparing prices for both airports to see which one is cheaper.
  • Look for budget airlines: Some budget airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, offer cheap flights to Hawaii. Keep an eye out for their sales and promotions.
  • Consider a multi-city itinerary: If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations in Hawaii, consider booking a multi-city itinerary instead of separate round-trip flights. This can help you save money and time.
  • Use travel rewards: If you have travel rewards or frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight. This can help you save money and earn points or miles for future travel.

Places To Visit

Natural Wonders
  1. Wailuku River State Park: This state park is home to the stunning Rainbow Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool below. The park also features the Boiling Pots, a series of natural pools that are fed by the rushing waters of the Wailuku River.
  2. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens: This beautiful 30-acre park features Japanese-style gardens, ponds, and bridges, as well as a replica of the royal palace of Queen Liliuokalani.
  3. Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the coastline, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
Cultural Sites
  1. Pacific Tsunami Museum: This museum tells the story of the devastating tsunamis that have hit Hawaii, including the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that hit Hilo.
  2. Hilo Farmers Market: This bustling market offers a variety of local produce, flowers, and crafts. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and try some delicious Hawaiian food.
  3. Palace Theater: This historic theater hosts a variety of events, including films, concerts, and live performances.
Historical Sites
  1. Lyman Museum: This museum features a variety of exhibits on Hawaiian history, culture, and natural history.
  2. Mokupapapa Discovery Center: This center offers exhibits on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
  3. Pacific Aviation Museum: This museum features a variety of historic aircraft and exhibits on the history of aviation in Hawaii.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Hilo Bay: This picturesque bay offers a variety of water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
  2. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features over 2,000 species of tropical plants and flowers, as well as a variety of birds and wildlife.
  3. Akaka Falls State Park: This state park is home to the stunning Akaka Falls, a 442-foot waterfall that cascades into a lush ravine.
Food and Drink
  1. Hilo Coffee Mill: This local coffee roastery offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as tours of the coffee farm.
  2. Hilo Bay Cafe: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a variety of fresh, locally-sourced dishes, as well as a great selection of wines and cocktails.
  3. Suisan Fish Market: This seafood market offers a variety of fresh, locally-caught fish and seafood, as well as poke bowls and other Hawaiian specialtie
Wellness
  1. Lava Yoga: This yoga studio offers a variety of classes, including hot yoga, vinyasa flow, and restorative yoga.
  2. Hilo Yoga and Ayurveda: This studio offers a variety of classes, as well as Ayurvedic consultations and treatments.
  3. Sacred Waters: This spa offers a variety of massages, facials, and other treatments, as well as yoga and meditation classes.
Shopping
  1. Hilo Hattie: This local retailer offers a variety of Hawaiian-themed clothing, gifts, and souvenirs.
  2. Basically Books: This independent bookstore offers a variety of books, magazines, and gifts, with a focus on local and Hawaiian authors.
  3. Sig Zane Designs: This local designer offers a variety of clothing, textiles, and accessories inspired by Hawaiian culture and nature.

Best vacation Shots

  1. Wailuku River State Park: This state park is home to the stunning Rainbow Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool below. The park also features the Boiling Pots, a series of natural pools that are fed by the rushing waters of the Wailuku River.
  2. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens: This beautiful 30-acre park features Japanese-style gardens, ponds, and bridges, as well as a replica of the royal palace of Queen Liliuokalani.
  3. Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the coastline, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
  4. Hilo Bay: This picturesque bay offers a variety of water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
  5. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features over 2,000 species of tropical plants and flowers, as well as a variety of birds and wildlife.
  6. Akaka Falls State Park: This state park is home to the stunning Akaka Falls, a 442-foot waterfall that cascades into a lush ravine.
  7. Hilo Coffee Mill: This local coffee roastery offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as tours of the coffee farm.
  8. Suisan Fish Market: This seafood market offers a variety of fresh, locally-caught fish and seafood, as well as poke bowls and other Hawaiian specialties.
  9. Hilo Farmers Market: This bustling market offers a variety of local produce, flowers, and crafts. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and try some delicious Hawaiian food.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: A DoubleTree by Hilton: This 4-star hotel is located on the edge of Hilo Bay and offers stunning ocean views, a private beach, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
  • Hilo Seaside Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located on the waterfront in Hilo and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center and outdoor pool.
  • Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located on the edge of Hilo Bay and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, and hot tub.
  • The Palms Cliff House Inn: This 4-star bed and breakfast is located in the nearby town of Pahoa and offers stunning ocean views, luxurious rooms, and a variety of amenities, including a hot tub, outdoor shower, and complimentary breakfast.
  • Volcano House: This 3-star hotel is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, walking trails, and guided tours of the park.

Budget Friendly Hotel

  • Hilo Bay Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is locally-owned and operated and offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. It’s a great option for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
  • Arnott’s Lodge and Hiking Adventures: This budget-friendly lodge is locally-owned and operated and offers private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. It also offers tours and activities, such as hiking and volcano tours.
  • The Inn at Kulani Mauka: This budget-friendly bed and breakfast is locally-owned and operated and offers private rooms with shared bathrooms. It’s a great option for those who want a more intimate and personalized experience.

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 weather in Wainaku is generally mild and pleasant year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, the area can be prone to rain, especially during the wet season.
  • Crowds: The Big Island can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, such as summer and winter holidays. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or during the weekdays.
  • Activities: If you’re interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or surfing, consider visiting during the dry season when the weather is more predictable and the ocean conditions are generally calmer. If you’re interested in whale watching, visit between December and April when humpback whales migrate to the waters around the Big Island.
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