Hamakua Coast
Hamakua Coast used to be a thriving area for the sugar cane industry. Now, its sights have been left over for sightseers and tourists alike to explore its natural wonder and beauty. To access this area, you will want to start out from Hilo and travel down Highway 19, where you can experience the sights of this magnificent area.
Traveling down Highway 19, you will literally be hugging the old railway tracks that used to haul the tons of sugar cane produced in the Hamakua Coast. The ocean views here are absolutely breathtaking. The shoreline is made up of cliffs that drop from a considerable height. Several streams of water flow into the ocean, creating a myriad of small waterfalls littering the cliffs.
Along the Hamakua Coast, you will be persuaded by the natural splendor of the area to stop at many of the tourist destinations along the way. The town of Honokaa offers its visitors a real taste of a plantation town of the 1920s. The popular destination of Akaka Falls State Park is an option. Here you will be treated to 2 giant waterfalls, both reaching over 400 feet in height. At Onomea Bay is where you will be treated to the Hawaiin Tropical Botanical Gardens. This 40 acre garden is home to over 1,800 species of plants and flowers.
The many bridges that cross rivers and streams are excellent opportunities to take photos. Many are built very close to natural waterfalls, creating splendor to any family portrait you want to take back home.
eaching the end of the road, you will meet Wapio Valley. This is a place soaked in Hawaiian culture and history. Some of the mountain and cliff walls facing the valley reach over 1 mile tall. It is here where 40,000 Hawaiians used to live, and where many of the Hawaiian royalty are buried. This is an excellent destination point for any travel along the Hamakua Coast.