Liliuokalani Park and Gardens facts for kids

Hilo Bay and Hilo town from Liliu'okalani Gardens

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is a beautiful 24.14-acre park in Hilo, on the island of Hawaiʻi. It's famous for its amazing Japanese gardens. You can find it on Banyan Drive, right by Hilo Bay. This special park was a gift from Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last queen of Hawaiʻi.

About Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

This lovely park is located southeast of downtown Hilo, on the Waiakea Peninsula. Most of the park is designed in the traditional Edo-style of Japanese gardens. These gardens were built between 1917 and 1919. People say they are the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan itself!

Inside the gardens, you'll discover many cool features. There's a peaceful Waihonu Pond, along with pretty bridges, more ponds, and tall pagodas. You can also see interesting statues, torii gates (which are special Japanese archways), and even a Japanese teahouse. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Exploring Coconut Island

Part of Liliuokalani Park is a small island called Moku ola. You can get to it by walking across a footbridge from the park. Moku ola is a great spot for a picnic or a swim. Its name means "island of life" in the Hawaiian language. Long ago, it was home to an ancient temple dedicated to healing people.

On the east side of Coconut Island, you'll see a stone tower. This tower is what's left of an old footbridge that was destroyed by a tsunami (a very large ocean wave). From Coconut Island, you get awesome views of Hilo Bayfront, downtown Hilo, and the rest of Hilo Bay. If you look to the east, you can even spot the huge breakwater that protects Hilo Bay from big waves.

Keeping the Park Beautiful

The park is cared for by the County of Hawaii and a group of volunteers called the Friends of Liliuokalani Gardens. It's a very popular place for many activities. People love to visit for public events, to exercise, or to walk their dogs. It's a true treasure for the community!

Gallery

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  Pagoda and Torii in Liliu'okalani Gardens

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  Banyan Tree and Bamboo at the Gardens

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  View looking across Hilo Bay towards the Hamakua Coast

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  Panoramic view of some of the rock/water paths in Liliu'okalani Park in Hil

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  Sunset over Hilo from Liliu'okalani Park in Hilo

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  Panorama of Liliʻoukalani Park and Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii