Onomea Scenic Drive, Hilo Hawaii

Any drive out of Hilo offer lush tropical landscapes, dramatic water falls, wild ginger blooming by the roadside and wonderful beaches. This is definitely the photographic side of the Big Island of Hawai’i.

One short but lovely drive out of Hilo is the Onomea Scenic Route. Head North out of Hilo on Highway 19. 6 miles up Highway 19, you will see a small, blue sign that points out the turn off to this two-lane road on your right. The turn off is not very apparent so you have to stay alert.

As you drive along the winding road, you will find spectacular coastal scenic views including cliffside views of charming Onomea Bay. In the winter months, look for whales sounding in the Pacific. Remember to bring your camera!

1-1/2 miles after the turn off onto Onomea Scenic Route, you will come to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens office. This is a nature lover’s paradise. It offers more in-depth views of Onomea Bay, the Onomea Falls, and features trails that wind through many different environments from groves of coconut trees, to palm jungles to a giant tree fern forest (admission is charged). Garden hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Hikers can find the start to Donkey Trail about 0.5 miles on the Hilo side of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Office.

As you continue along the scenic route, you should be impressed by the lush, tropical landscapes. Driving the Onomea Scenic Route is like stepping back in time before high rise condos and traffic jams. The tropical forests are virtually untouched and make you feel like you are on the set for Jurassic Park.

All too soon, the Onomea Scenic Route ends by merging back up with Highway 19.

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