Though it’s a neighborhood on the north edge of Hilo, in Wainaku Hawaii, you feel like you’re deep in the rainforest. You’d never know that a bustling small city is just a stone’s throw away, because your rental abuts lush gulches overflowing with greenery. Come choose a Wainaku vacation rental, and enjoy city convenience coupled with rainforest beauty!
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Wainaku Hawaii is a very convenient proximity to all the great activities of Hilo, the biggest town on Hawaiʻi Island. That means when you stay in a Wainaku vacation rental you have easy access to a host of great activities, including arts, entertainment, and shopping. You won’t want to miss the waterfalls of Waiānuenue Drive; they’re just a short drive mauka (uphill). Enjoy the view, but it’s not recommended to swim in the Wailuku River, as it can be surprisingly hazardous. On your way back into town, pull over at the Hilo Library for a little piece of Hawaiian history: right in front is the famous Naha Stone, upon which aliʻi children were placed to prove their chiefly status.
Delve deeper into Hawaiian culture and history with a stop at the Lyman Museum and Mission House. Browse the Island Heritage Gallery, where you can see how ancient Hawaiians lived. Items were made from materials found on the island, which meant tools with no metal. Photographs and artifacts on hand take you back in time. Learn more about the climates and habitats of Hawaii as well, from snowcapped mountains to the oceanfront, where you will feel the fragility of humanity as you stand next to life size models of Hawaii’s native sea creatures. Kids will love standing next to a 10-foot tiger shark!
You’ll find lots of great restaurants in Hilo to choose from during your stay in Wainaku Hawaii. A favorite is Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine, a family owned and operated restaurant offering locally inspired dishes in an open-air environment. Known for their fresh seafood, treat yourself to a plate of locally caught fish for lunch or dinner while exploring Hilo. Artwork hung in the restaurant features local artists, and Tuesdays through Sundays brings live music. Take a time out from exploring Hilo to grab a drink at the bar or a plate of fish ‘n chips before moving on to the town’s other magnificent sights.
Consider taking a swim at one of the beach parks in Keaukaha, a coastal neighborhood just past Hilo’s harbor. Hilo also has many unique small museums to explore, and the Bayfront area is wonderful for strolling, shopping, and people-watching. A beautiful place for an afternoon walk is through the Liliuokalani Gardens, located right on the oceanfront in Hilo Bay. As the largest authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, there are an abundance of paths to wander and things to explore within its 24 acres. Cross picturesque bridges crossing over fishponds, experience the serenity of the rock gardens and pagodas. This free site was built as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrant workers who were significant contributors in the sugar cane era.
If you care to venture further afield, spend your afternoon visiting Volcanoes National Park, which is a 45-minute drive from Wainaku and an easy day trip. Take in the incredible and stunning landscape. If you don’t feel like driving so far, no worries – there is plenty to do and see in the Wainaku area. Enjoy lush Wainaku Hawaii, and your visit to Hilo town when you stay in a Wainaku vacation rental!
Contact Us to Learn More ABout Wainaku Hawaii
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our rentals offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us to make your vacation rental booking and to get started on planning your ideal Wainaku Hawaii getaway!
