The World Botanical Gardens, located in Umauma on the Big Island in Hawaii, is the perfect place to explore a variety of tropical gardens, waterfalls, and even try zip lining. The garden is located at elevation and is located in a sprawling rainforest. In the middle of the day, the area is often uncrowded so you will feel like you have the gardens to yourself.
After signing in at the registration office, you will be given a map showing you the three distinct areas of the gardens. Take the drive up to Kamaee Falls first and enjoy the scenic ocean vistas, the waterfall, and the serenity. The drive is about one mile on a paved one-way road. You probably won't encounter any other people on your visit and chances are that you will have the area to yourself.
Kamaee Falls is not a huge plunging waterfall like Akaka Falls, but it is still very beautiful. The area surrounding the falls is lush and green and the wooded areas next to the falls are full of ripe guava and lilikoi (passionfruit) that you can enjoy. Spend a while viewing the falls or pack a lunch and enjoy it at the picnic table next to the falls.
While the area directly by the falls is wooded with fairly dense vegetation, the surrounding area is open and offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
How to get here: Take the highway west of Hilo to mile marker 16 near Umauma. Turn left at the sign for World Garden and follow the signs to the registration office.
Admission: Adults - $13, Teens - $6, Kids - $3, Kamaaina - $6
Make sure to read Part II of this article for all the information regarding World Botanical Gardens.
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