After visiting Kamaee Falls at the World Botanical Gardens, spend the rest of your time at the gardens taking a short hike, exploring the maze in gardens, or ziplining.
The garden staff will provide you with a map when you check-in, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. After visiting Kamaee Falls, make your way over to the inconspicuous driveway/parking area where the trail begins. The first part of the trail is a large paved path where you can view many native and non-native plants and trees. Along the path, you will see peace lillies, huge heliconia, agave, coffee trees, a variety of palms, giant philodendron, and various bromeliads. To your left, you will immediately notice the beautiful stream, and you can enjoy the sound of the gently moving water as you meander down the path. Wander under the canopy of the mature trees, and relish the experience of being in a beautiful tropical garden.
The paved path ends and a new dirt path begins. The dirt path has a slight elevation gain, and continues on for about a mile. Signs warn you that the path is just "proposed," but don't let that discourage you from continuing on to the end - or at least as far as you like. While the garden does have a much less lush look off the dirt path, it's interesting to see the plants in their natural surroundings. Sure, the area has weeds and the grass may be a bit overgrown, but that's part of the charm! If the dirt path isn't your cup of tea, just turn around and follow the path back to your car.
After you finish your short hike, you can walk around in the more traditional botanical gardens complete with a shrub maze. The area doesn't have dirt paths, it is paved and very manicured. You will find many varieties of plants, bamboo, ginger, and pretty much anything else you can think of in the garden!
Once you have finished exploring the gardens on foot, make sure to explore the gardens from 100 feet above by ziplining! Ziplining is a recent addition to the botanical gardens, and it is an excellent way to end your day here. You will experience seven ziplines that go through the rainforest canopy, cross over waterfalls and streams, and fly next to giant trees. You will also get to cross a suspension bridge and hear botanical talks from the staff when walking from one zipline to the next. It's a great experience for the entire family - and a fun way to experience the gardens from a different perspective.
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.
Zipline Prices: Adults $147, Kamaaina $117
Make sure to read Part I of this article for all the information regarding World Botanical Gardens.
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