Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is also the youngest. It is roughly 800,000 years old, and still growing. The Orchid Isle, as she is known to locals, is the only island where you can experience nature's abundant environments. You can go from sea level to the 13,000 foot summit of Mauna Kea in a couple of hours. You can see rainforests, desert, beaches, and alpine tundra within short distances of each other. The physical beauty of Hawai'i is almost unparalleled. We believe the Hawaiian Islands are one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Listed here are a fewof the things you can enjoy in the area. Clicking on any of the logos will take you to their website so you can get more information.

Within 15 Minutes of The Palms Cliff House

Akaka Falls - a pleasant, moderately challenging loop takes visitors through tropical rainforest past two spectacular waterfalls. Akaka Falls is over 400 feet high and Kahuna Falls is even higher (though not as spectacular as Akaka falls). Under a rainforest canopy, walk down gulches where streams are flowing and waterfalls are splashing. The one mile path through tropical rainforest past gorgeous stands of bamboo, ginger and many flowering trees and plants are enjoyed by hikers. The main attraction is the 420 ft. cascades of Akaka Falls (higher than Niagara Falls) and nearby Kahuna Falls spilling into deep ravines. Considered a "must see" on the Big Island.

Boiling Pots - located a mile further up the road from Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots are another must if there has been a lot of rain. The water first falls over Pe'epe'e Falls (pronounced peh-eh peh-eh) and then cascades from one turbulent bowl to another as the water travels on down the river to Rainbow Falls. There is also a path to the river's edge from the overlook.

Banyan Drive - this is a nice circle drive where most of Hilo's hotels are located. The banyan trees were all planted by famous people and it can be fun to go looking for a specific one. Try finding the trees planted by: Amelia Earhart, King George V, Babe Ruth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon. There are many more so happy hunting. Hawaii Magazine reciently did a terriffic article about Banyan Drive titled Hilo's Rooted Past. You can read it by clicking on the magazine's logo below and searching for the article by its title.

Coconut Island - known as the "healing island" where people could find cures from disease. A popular subject for artists and photographers, this island is now connected to nearby gardens via a footbridge. Visitors and "locals" alike flock to the island to fish, swim from the beaches, or just sit and relax. Ample parking and spectacular views of Hilo and Mauna Kea.

East Hawai'i Cultural Center - check their community theater and exhibits schedule. You can also visit their side garden that is landscaped with native, pre-European contact planting. Very interesting and beautiful. You can also pick up information for area walking tours to learn about old town Hilo and the local architecture.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens - a garden in a valley on the ocean with over 2000 species of flowers, palms and plants, natural streams, and cascading 3-tier waterfall. This is the only botanical garden fronting the ocean in Hawaii. Call 808-964-5233.

Honomu - just across the road is the quaint town of Honomu. Here you will see life in Hawaii as it was long ago. The old store fronts now are home to snack shops, a bakery, and great souvenir shops and galleries. We know these shop keepers, they are our neighbors, so stop in and say hello and feel the aloha.

Hilo Bay scenic lookout - enjoy a panoramic view of Hilo Bay. Approximately 1 mile north of Hilo on Hwy 19.

Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Coastline - drive up the coast through scenic byways, former sugar mill towns and plantation villages. Waterfalls and thick, lush gulches providing spectacular view after spectacular view are a trademark of the Hamakua Coast.

Kamehameha statue near Wailoa State Park in downtown Hilo. Cast in Italy, it commemorates the 7-foot-tall warrior who united the main islands of Hawaii into one kingdom. Exactly like the one that stands in downtown Honolulu. Often it has leis and other offerings at its foot.

Kolekole Beach Park - nestled into the floor of a river valley cut out by Kolekole Stream this state park has lots of amenities to make your day enjoyable. The beach here is rocky, so foot protection is highly recommended. About a mile from The Palms Cliff House, this park features a river to swim in complete with waterfall and even a rope swing out over the water. You would be hard pressed not to have fun here.

Laupahoehoe - which literally translated means "leaf of lava" is one of the Hamakua Coast's many scenic and historic spots. Located about 10 miles north of The Palms Cliff House, this beautiful, low-lying peninsula projects into the pounding surf from the Hamakua Cliffs. There is a scenic overlook alongside the highway before you get to the gulch leading down to the point. There is a park with restrooms, picnic tables and pavilions. A monument stands in memory of the 24 teachers and school children that were swept out to sea in the 1946 tsunami (tidal wave) which destroyed the school that stood on the site. You can learn more about the events at Laupahoehoe at the Tsunami Museum in Hilo.

Laupahoehoe Train Museum - this museum houses an assortment of artifacts and memorabilia related to the trains of the Hamakua Coast. Trains were used by the sugar companies and a lot of information about the area can be gleaned from the exhibits. Ask to watch their video if it is not already running. It is really interesting. Train enthusiasts will love it, for the rest of us, it is a nice chance to stop and chat about local history with someone.

Lili'uokalani Park - a beautiful 30 acre park designed and landscaped to honor Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. This is one of the largest Japanese-style gardens outside of Japan. The land for the park was left to the people of Hawai'i by their last queen, Queen Lili'uokalani, to be used for a Japanese-style garden. Even in death, this great woman thought of the people of Hawai'i. The foot bridge over to Coconut Island is located here in this park.

Lyman Mission House Museum - located in the city of Hilo, this Missionary house from the 1830s contains a collection of historic Hawaiian relics. You can begin guided walking tours of downtown from the museum. Exhibits include: Polynesian navigation techniques, mineral rock collection, flora and fauna of Hawaii, native Hawaiian artifacts, clothing and furnishings from Hawaii's many immigrants document the early history, and modern displays or art by local artists. Themes change frequently. They also have one of the finest mineral collections in the US, well worth a stop in.

Naha and Pinao Stones in front of library - estimated to weigh 7,000 pounds legend said that anyone who could overturn the stone would be the first king of all the islands. After some real effort, King Kamehameha did just that. The rest is, as they say, history.

Pana'ewa Zoo - one of the best kept secrets in Hilo is the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. This is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Botanical garden and home for various animals, Hawaiian birds and reptiles. Zoo is open every day except Christmas and New Years.

Tsunami Museum - documenting Hilo's devastating 1946 and 1960 tsunami waves with photos and verbal accounts. They have a recent publication that is really fascinating. You just won't believe the pictures people took as the wave was headed right for them. An amazing experience.

Umauma Falls - these may be the most spectacular falls in the state. You can see them from the World Gardens or you can hike to them. Either way, they shouldn't be missed.

Wailoa State Park - a large park in downtown Hilo. Open grassland with three soccer fields, sand volleyball courts and a large lagoon with bridge across the water.

World Botanical Gardens - 300 acres of former sugar cane fields. Includes an 80 meter orchid "wall." The garden continues to grow and also contains a 3-tiered Umauma Falls. Close to Akaka and Kahuna Falls.

Stroll through Hilo's Farmer's Market in downtown Hilo. This bazaar is held Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Here you can find fresh produce, fragrant flowers, colorful orchids, and local crafts. This is a great place to hunt for bargains on Hawaiian merchandise. Vendors from all over the Big Island gather in their stalls with fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, cakes, cookies and preserves, ceramics, photographs and paintings. Everyone is friendly and you'll probobly see fruits and other foods that you have never seen before.