Lush life, in the gardens

Rain forests, waterfalls, lush landscaped gardens, paradises for bird watchers: Whatever’s needed to relax you, it’s easily found on the Hilo side of the Big Island.

Here are some of our favorite places to take in the island’s abundant natural beauty, all easily reached from Hilo.

Nani Mau Gardens — 20 acres featuring a bevvy of carefully tended gardens. Nani Mau means “forever beautiful,” truth in advertising in this case. Here is the place to stroll, contemplate nature and erase the stresses of everyday life. Waterfalls (pictured, left) and ponds dot the property. One garden is devoted entirely to annuals, refreshed daily. Another takes visitors through a thicket of tree ferns, accented by heart-shaped red anthurium. There are also an orchid walkway and a water garden. Take walking and riding tours of the grounds. As you’d expect, it’s a popular spot for weddings. About three miles south of the Hilo Airport on Highway 11. Look for the landscaped “aloha” logo marking the turnoff onto Makalika Street. Open 9-6 daily. (808) 959-3500.  The Nanimau Gardens is now closed.  The are still open for banquets and special functions.

Liliuokalani Gardens: Peaceful 30-acre Japanese garden with views of Hilo Bay. For those with a yen for zen. The edo-style gardens are among the largest outside Japan. Carp ponds, atmospheric bridges, pagodas, rock gardens and a tea house keep photographers busy. Named for Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, the Big Island’s last ruling monarch. A jogging trail encircles the gardens. Free. Between downtown Hilo and the airport on Banyan Road.

Akaka Falls State Park — A short hike through a fern forest brings you to two photo-op waterfalls: Akaka and Kahuna. Akaka stands a mighty 420 feet tall and freefalls its water into a gorge. It is considered one of the most scenic attractions on the Big Island, think “Fantasy Island.” Kahuna, still impressive at 100 feet, rests at the end of an bamboo grove. The falls’ circular path (an easy 0.4 miles) leads through a rain forest with banyan trees and plenty of wild orchids and vines. Look for the sign near mile marker 13 on Route 19, north of Hilo.

World Botanical Gardens — The triple-tiered Umauma Falls is the star attraction on these 300 acres of greenery. The facility is still under development, but has been open for almost five years. The northern border is the Umauma River, which feeds the 300-foot waterfall. The grounds were used as sugarcane fields. An orchid wall, rainforest walk and choice ocean views are among the highlights. From Hilo, drive west on Highway 19 and look for the sign at marker 16. Open 9-5:30 daily. (808) 896-9434