Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is a lush botanical garden with ocean views, a waterfall, tropical flowers, huge trees, and a paved path. It's handy having the paved path because on a rainy day or after a rain, you can still hike and you won't be knee-deep in mud! The garden is expensive though, so you have to weigh up the benefits. I felt it was worth it to see so many beautiful flowers and trees. 

Even though the path is paved, it's not an easy walk. There are bridges, stairs, and very steep areas that feel quite sketchy when wet. The path is beautifully done though, and takes you past hanging vines, thick bamboo, little purple anthuriums, bright green ferns, giant glossy heart-shaped leaves, and groves of palms with mossy trunks. The waterfall is just a small one but in a cute corner. There is a pond with lily pads, a mossy stone wall around it, and banana trees. You will see a tiki god, as well as all manner of tropical flowers. This is paradise!
Near the end of the walk you come to the ocean, and can see the waves crashing against the rocks. A twisty path also leads past a stream. There is much variety in this walk.
There is plenty of free parking and a restroom at the parking lot. You park across the street from where the walk begins. At the entrance to the hike, you pay and can also buy mosquito repellent wipes, which is great. 
If you prefer a hike that is free, with the same ocean and tropical trees, but no flowers, and a muddy trail and stream crossing, check out Onomea Bay Trail.
Stop at What's Shakin', five minutes drive north. You can buy a chilled coconut ($6), a papaya to cut yourself and eat with a spoon (only $1.50), sandwiches, or a smoothie ($8). They also sell some great kids books and souvenirs. Sit under a canopy at their picnic tables and take a break. Two minutes after What's Shakin' is Low Store, which has shave ice and plate lunches. Soon after this, the scenic route connects back up with Highway 19 and you can drive along the gorgeous Hamakua Coast.

Directions

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is located at 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781. There is plenty of free parking and a restroom at the parking lot. You park across the street from where the walk begins. At the entrance to the hike, you pay and can also buy mosquito repellent wipes, which is great. 
Admission is $25 per adult, $20 for residents and military, $12 for children aged 6-16, and $10 for resident children.

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