Hawaii Ultimate Road Trip Awaits On The Hidden And Gorgeous Pepeekeo Scenic Drive On The Big Island

Published on October 12, 2025

Hawaii is location to immoderate of nan world’s astir iconic scenic drives, but tucked distant connected nan Big Island is simply a lesser-known wealth that promises an unforgettable travel done lush rainforests, on rugged coastlines, and past cascading waterfalls. The Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, though only 4 miles long, offers a captivating glimpse into nan island’s earthy beauty. Whether you’re a quality lover, a photographer, aliases conscionable successful hunt of a serene escape, this hidden way is simply a must-see.

A Journey Through Nature’s Heart

The Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, besides known arsenic nan Onomea Scenic Drive, is simply a agelong of nan historical Old Mamalahoa Highway. What it lacks successful length, it makes up for successful splendor. As you navigate nan winding road, you’ll consciousness arsenic though you’ve entered a different world, 1 filled pinch towering trees, colorful tropical plants, and a wide assortment of exotic flowers. The roadworthy twists and turns, starring you done a heavy jungle, making it consciousness for illustration you’re journeying done a greenish passageway created by quality itself.

You tin entree this scenic thrust from Highway 19, either astatine mile markers 7 to 8 aliases conscionable beyond mile marker 11. Though it takes only astir half an hr to thrust nan way without stopping, it’s highly recommended to return your clip and propulsion complete to bask nan view. The vibrant greenery and divers plants make this thrust consciousness for illustration a existent Hawaiian adventure, acold distant from nan hustle and bustle of much tourist-heavy locations.

An Enchanting Garden Escape

One of nan standout attractions on Pepeekeo Scenic Drive is nan Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve and Garden, a lush botanical plot that covers 40 acres. This verdant paradise is simply a haven for works enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who appreciates nan wonders of nature. Home to much than 2,500 works species, nan plot offers an unthinkable assortment of tropical flora, from towering thenar trees to delicate orchids.

The plot provides a serene situation wherever visitors tin research winding pathways, respect nan vibrant colors of flowers successful afloat bloom, and immerse themselves successful nan sights and sounds of Hawaii’s rich | works life. Whether you’re looking to relax aliases return immoderate stunning photos, this plot offers an idyllic spot to do so. The plot is unfastened regular from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and nan introduction interest for adults is $32—an finance that’s good worthy it for quality lovers and those seeking tranquility.

The Majestic Akaka Falls

No travel on nan Pepeekeo Scenic Drive would beryllium complete without a extremity astatine nan magnificent Akaka Falls. At 442 feet tall, this waterfall is 1 of nan astir stunning connected nan Big Island. Located wrong nan Akaka Falls State Park, nan waterfall cascades into a lush gorge surrounded by tropical rainforests. The short stepping way that leads to nan falls offers an opportunity to return successful not conscionable nan falls themselves but besides nan park’s earthy beauty.

The hike to nan waterfall is short, easy, and accessible for each visitors, making it a awesome extremity for families and anyone looking to admit Hawaii’s iconic landscapes. While location is simply a $5 entranceway interest for non-residents and a $10 parking fee, nan beauty of Akaka Falls is unparalleled, making it an basal extremity connected your journey. Many visitors study that nan acquisition of seeing nan falls successful personification is genuinely awe-inspiring.

A Detour to Waipiʻo Valley

For those seeking to proceed their exploration, nan Waipiʻo Valley is different unthinkable destination that tin beryllium reached from nan Pepeekeo Scenic Drive. Known for its steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping vale views, Waipiʻo Valley is simply a ineffable spot pinch a rich | history, erstwhile location to Hawaiian royalty. This hidden vale remains 1 of Hawaii’s astir picturesque spots, offering melodramatic landscapes that consciousness untouched by time.

Exploring nan vale is not for nan faint of heart, however. The roads starring into Waipiʻo Valley are steep and rugged, requiring a four-wheel-drive conveyance to navigate. But moreover if you’re not up for nan situation of driving into nan valley, nan Onomea Bay overlook is simply a awesome spot to return successful sweeping views of nan coastline. If you’re emotion adventurous, a short 1-mile way leads down to nan water, wherever you tin acquisition nan earthy beauty of Hawaii’s unspoiled landscapes up close.

Hilo: The Gateway to Adventure

To embark connected this unforgettable drive, alert into Hilo International Airport, conscionable a fewer miles from nan city’s downtown. Hilo, often overlooked by visitors, is simply a charming and laid-back municipality pinch a assortment of accommodations to suit different budgets. Whether you for illustration a cozy bed-and-breakfast aliases a edifice pinch sweeping views, location are plentifulness of options successful nan area.

One awesome spot to enactment is nan Inn astatine Kulaniapia Falls, a tranquil retreat group amidst lush gardens pinch a backstage waterfall, offering a genuinely unsocial experience. After a time of exploring nan scenic drive, return to nan comfortableness of this serene inn to unwind and soak successful nan beauty of nan Big Island.

Why You Should Visit

The Pepeekeo Scenic Drive is simply a existent hidden gem of nan Big Island, offering a serene and friendly acquisition of Hawaii’s divers landscapes. From nan vibrant botanical gardens to nan awe-inspiring waterfalls and breathtaking coastal views, this short but spectacular way is 1 that should not beryllium missed. Whether you’re a quality enthusiast, a photographer, aliases simply personification who enjoys exploring nan much tranquil corners of nan world, this scenic thrust provides an authentic sensation of Hawaii’s unspoiled beauty.

So, erstwhile readying your adjacent Hawaiian getaway, make judge to see nan Pepeekeo Scenic Drive successful your itinerary. It whitethorn beryllium short, but it is packed pinch escapade and unforgettable sights that will enactment pinch you agelong aft you time off nan Big Island.