Hawaiian Paradise Park HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii.
1. Ha'ena Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL PARADISE
Ha'ena Beach is a stunning coastal highlight in Hawaiian Paradise Park offering visitors a serene escape from busy tourist areas. The beach features beautiful black sand, clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the scenic Haena Beach Trail that provides access to this hidden gem.
2. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
TROPICAL NUT EXPERIENCE
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory offers visitors an immersive experience into Hawaii's famous nut production process. Guests can tour the facility, learn about the cultivation and processing of macadamia nuts, and sample various flavored products. The visitor center also features a gift shop where travelers can purchase freshly made macadamia treats to take home.
3. Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS
Hiʻiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden showcases a diverse collection of native Hawaiian plants used for traditional medicine and healing practices. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about indigenous botanical knowledge and the cultural significance of various herbs in Hawaiian culture. The garden provides a peaceful setting for those interested in ethnobotany and traditional Hawaiian wellness practices.
4. Hobby Garden Hawaii
TROPICAL PLANT WONDERLAND
Hobby Garden Hawaii is a botanical paradise featuring an impressive collection of exotic tropical plants and flowers. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens while learning about rare plant species and cultivation techniques suited to Hawaii's unique climate. The garden offers both self-guided and expert-led tours that highlight the incredible biodiversity of the Hawaiian islands.
5. Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center
JAPANESE HORTICULTURAL ARTISTRY
The Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center is dedicated to the art and practice of Hawaiian bonsai, specifically featuring the native 'ohia lehua trees. Visitors can admire the meticulous collection of miniature trees, some of which have been trained for decades by master bonsai artists. The center offers workshops for beginners and enthusiasts alike who wish to learn about this ancient Japanese art form with a unique Hawaiian twist.
6. Captain Gene's Lava Boat Tours
VOLCANIC OCEAN ADVENTURE
Captain Gene's Lava Boat Tours offers thrilling boat excursions to witness active lava flows meeting the ocean when conditions permit. Passengers experience the spectacular natural phenomenon of molten lava creating new land as it cools in the Pacific waters. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating information about Hawaii's volcanic activity and the ecological impact of these dramatic geological processes.
7. See Hawaii Adventures
CUSTOMIZED ISLAND EXPLORATION
See Hawaii Adventures provides personalized tour experiences showcasing the hidden gems of the Big Island beyond typical tourist attractions. Their expert guides lead small groups through lush rainforests, secret waterfalls, and pristine beaches not found in standard guidebooks. Each tour is tailored to participants' interests, whether focusing on photography, wildlife, geology, or Hawaiian cultural history.
8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
ACTIVE VOLCANIC WONDERS
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the primal forces that created the Hawaiian Islands. The park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, steam vents, massive craters, and when active, viewing opportunities for lava flows. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, the fascinating Jaggar Museum, and the Thurston Lava Tube, while learning about Hawaiian cultural connections to these powerful geological features.
9. Kaleo's Bar & Grill
AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN CUISINE
Kaleo's Bar & Grill serves up delicious Hawaiian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere in nearby Pahoa town. The restaurant is known for traditional island dishes including tuna poke, kalbi pork ribs, and their famous huli huli chicken. With friendly service and a welcoming ambiance, Kaleo's provides visitors an authentic taste of local Hawaiian flavors.
10. Art and Orchids
FLORAL ART GALLERY
Art and Orchids combines a stunning gallery of local artwork with a tropical nursery specializing in rare and exotic orchid varieties. Visitors can wander through colorful displays of flowering plants while admiring paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted items created by Big Island artists. The knowledgeable staff offers tips on orchid care and cultivation, making it a must-visit for both art enthusiasts and plant lovers.
11. Pahoa Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE & CRAFTS
The Pahoa Farmers Market showcases the incredible bounty of local farmers, food producers, and artisans from the surrounding area. Visitors can browse stalls filled with tropical fruits, vegetables, locally-made food products, and handcrafted goods while enjoying the lively atmosphere. The market offers a genuine glimpse into local Hawaiian culture and provides an opportunity to interact with residents while sampling unique island delicacies.
12. Maku'u Farmers Market
SUNDAY ISLAND GATHERING
Maku'u Farmers Market is one of the Big Island's largest and most diverse open-air markets, happening every Sunday morning near Hawaiian Paradise Park. Hundreds of vendors offer everything from fresh local produce and prepared foods to handmade crafts, clothing, and unique souvenirs. Live music, cultural demonstrations, and a friendly community atmosphere make this market a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors.
13. Ahalanui Park
GEOTHERMAL OCEAN POOL
Ahalanui Park features a large, naturally heated pool where geothermally warmed freshwater mixes with ocean water to create a unique swimming experience. The pool maintains a comfortable temperature of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it perfect for relaxing while enjoying the tropical surroundings. Palm trees, grassy picnic areas, and facilities make this a popular spot for families looking to enjoy Hawaii's natural wonders.
14. Lava Tree State Monument
VOLCANIC FOREST SCULPTURES
Lava Tree State Monument preserves an otherworldly forest where a 1790 lava flow left behind unique tree molds as molten lava cooled around tree trunks. Visitors can walk the 0.7-mile loop trail through this haunting landscape of lava tree formations, surrounded by lush rainforest that has reclaimed the area. The park provides interpretive signs explaining the geological processes that created these unusual natural sculptures and the subsequent ecological recovery.
15. Kehena Black Sand Beach
SECLUDED VOLCANIC SHORE
Kehena Black Sand Beach is a dramatic crescent-shaped black sand beach formed by lava flow that entered the ocean and shattered into fine sand. Accessible via a somewhat steep trail, this secluded beach is known for its raw natural beauty, frequent dolphin sightings, and clothing-optional bathing culture. Sunday afternoons often feature impromptu drum circles and gatherings that showcase the area's free-spirited community.