Keaau is a popular tourist destination with several places to see. Among these places are Pe’epe’e Falls, Nani Mau Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and Kaumana Caves. However, Keaau also has some hidden gems to explore. Read on for more information.
Pe’epe’e Falls
Pe’epe’e Falls is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lava rocks. It cascades 80 feet into a small pool below. A small trail is available to get down to the pots below the falls. However, it’s best not to try hiking down the stream during heavy flow. The trail requires rock-skipping, which means you may get wet.
The hike begins at the Kilauea Iki Crater and descends about 400 feet. You can also visit the Thurston Lava Tubes, a 0.4-mile walk that is illuminated during the day. After walking around the lava tubes, you can take the Chain of Craters road and explore Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, Holei Sea Arch, and Devastation Trail.
Nearby, you can visit Lili’uokalani Gardens, which is a natural beauty spot. You can also tour the Tsunami Clock of Doom, which tells the story of Hilo’s history with tsunamis. While in Hilo, you can also visit Banyan Drive, a road lined with giant banyan trees. Reeds Bay Park and Naniloa Golf Course are also nearby.
Another great activity in Keaau is cliff jumping. If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, you should try this. The cliffs are 100 feet high and offer a unique experience for those who wish to jump from one side to the other. You can also view Hawaiian ruins, rock walls, and sacred sites.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is another great place to visit. It is free and geared toward families. You’ll find many interactive displays and a large, 3-500 gallon saltwater aquarium. The museum is home to many endemic species, including Hawaiian monk seals and other sea life.
Pe’e Falls, a lesser-known waterfall located just 1.5 miles away from Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots, is another great place to visit in Keaau. If you’re looking for a more adventurous attraction, Kaumana Caves is also worth checking out. This cave has 25 miles of underground tubes, filled with lava stalactites, dramatic lava formations, and verdant plantlike vegetation. There are even bats in the caves.
Another great place to gaze at the stars is Mauna Kea, where you can view the stars from the top. This volcanic site is also home to one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories. The center features thirteen telescopes and is a great place for stargazing. A guided tour is also available if you’d like to explore the history of astronomy in Hawaii.
Nani Mau Gardens
If you’re planning a trip to the island of Hawaii, then you should consider visiting the Nani Mau Gardens in Keaau. It was established by Makato Nitahara, who transformed a 20-acre papaya farm into a lush tropical garden. The gardens feature over 2,000 varieties of plants, including rare palms and a fruit orchard. There are also Japanese gardens, ginger gardens, and orchid walkways. In May 2012, Los Angeles tour operator Helen Koo purchased the garden and began restoring it to its former glory. She also opened a restaurant inside the garden where you can enjoy a buffet lunch.
Those visiting the park may also want to see the Giant Banyan Tree, located at the southern end of the park. The park also includes the Wailoa Art Center, which features a diverse array of local art and history. There are also two memorials: the Korean War and the Tsunami Memorial. Visitors can also view the 18-foot statue of King Kamehameha, perched in a palm tree.
The gardens are one of the most popular places to visit in Keaau. The impressive orchid display includes over two hundred species. You can also see a variety of tropical flowers including Oncidium, Cattleyas, and Phalaenopsis. You can also tour the botanical museum. There are exhibits on the nature of plants and their threats to their survival, and you can also learn about Hawaiian culture.
After visiting the botanical gardens, you can continue your day by seeing the nearby Lili’uokalani Gardens. The only other notable place to visit in Keaau is the Tsunami Clock of Doom monument. If you have time, you may want to take a stroll along Banyan Drive, which is lined with massive banyan trees. Nearby, you can also check out the Reeds Bay Park or the Naniloa Golf Course.
Another attraction in Keaau is the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which was opened in 1993. This museum is geared towards children, and is a free attraction. The museum is located in a historic building. It features life-size models of wildlife and a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium. Visitors can also see endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Kaumana Caves
If you’re looking for an exciting place to visit in Keaau, Kaumana Caves is a great option. Visitors can descend into the massive 1881 lava tube cave. This unique attraction is part of Mauna Loa National Park.
The cave is very accessible and free of charge. It was formed by lava flows in 1881 when the volcano Moana Loa was active. The lava flows carved out lava tubes, making this amazing cave system. Unlike a typical cave, this one does not have a traditional entrance. The entrance is a skylight in a collapsed portion of the lava tube. Once inside, visitors can explore the cave in either direction.
Once inside the cave, visitors can expect to see different lava formations. Some of the lava rock has retained its fire-red color. The cave is well-lit at the entrance, but it gets dark as you proceed deeper. About 300 feet in, visitors will find themselves completely in darkness.
Visitors should bring drinking water and headlamps for illumination. They should also wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Visiting the cave requires caution, as it is muddy and slippery. Visitors should also wear closed-toed shoes. Because the ceiling is so low, it is important to use a headlamp.
The Kaumana Caves are located on a hilltop near Hilo. You can reach the entrance through a state park near the 4-mile mark of Kaumana Drive. It is free to visit the cave, but you must follow the rules of safety. Visitors should note that it is a dangerous place to explore by yourself, so be prepared and follow the signs.
Kaumana Caves are a place of wonder and are great for families. However, be aware that there is a risk of theft, so keep your belongings secure. It’s a great place to visit in Keaau if you’re looking for something to do on your vacation.
The lava tube system is the second largest in the world. Its interior chambers are braided and maze-like and feature paleontological specimens. Visitors can take an hour-long tour or opt for a more intensive tour.
