Visiting Liliʻuokalani Gardens

About Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Built in the early 20th century as a tribute to Japanese sugar-plantation workers, these Edo-style gardens on Hilo Bay have stone lanterns, arched bridges and koi ponds. A footbridge leads to Mokuola (Coconut Island) for views of Maunakea on clear days.

Tip: Visit early on a clear morning, when Maunakea is often visible across the bay before clouds build.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1 hour.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
• Where: Hilo, old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain.

Best time to visit Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
• February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
• November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Liliʻuokalani Gardens is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Maunakea.

• No. 13 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
• Listed in free things to do in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).

Near Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Within walking distance of Liliʻuokalani Gardens (straight-line distances):

• Pacific Tsunami Museum — about 1.9 km away, 1 hour, low cost

If you like Liliʻuokalani Gardens

• Kīlauea Iki Trail — Volcano, 2–3 hours
• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 1 hour
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 3–4 hours
• Kona coffee farm visit — South Kona and Hōlualoa, 1–1.5 hours

Staying near Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Stay in Hilo ($$) to walk here: old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).

Questions travellers ask