From popular tourist trails to strenuous backpacking treks, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible hikes. But sometimes, you’re not in the mood for a hike and would prefer a leisurely stroll through a peaceful park instead. Located in the heart of Hilo – Hawaii’s oldest city – near Coconut Island on the breathtaking Banyan Drive, is Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, a positively enchanting slice of waterfront paradise. The meandering path that winds its way through this charming park will easily transport you to Japan and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields.
Terence Wei/Flickr
With views of Hilo Bay, there is much to take in while exploring the winding paths that meander through this peaceful park.
CLStout/Creative Commons, Wikipedia
You’ll find picturesque bridges arching over fishponds…
Megan Shute/Only In Your State
...charming pagodas...
Vikendios N./Yelp

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...plenty of towering trees....
Megan Shute/Only In Your State
…as well as bamboo glades, flowering bushes, lava flows, and acres of green grass.
Megan Shute/Only In Your State
It is said that winding paths were created in an attempt to fool any spirits that might follow you - apparently spirits are only able to travel in straight lines, and the winding path makes it more difficult for them to follow you home. I’m not sure if this is true or not, but it is interesting.
Terence Wei/Flickr
Japanese stone lanterns line the paths, you'll find several rock gardens, and in the center of the garden, there is a picturesque tea house.
Mel O./Yelp
Can you imagine a more peaceful setting for a relaxing stroll?
Terence Wei/Flickr

Check out the Friends of Lili’uokalani Gardens Facebook page for information on their upcoming events to celebrate the garden’s centennial through 2019 (the garden was under construction in 1917 and 1918, and opened to the public in 1919), as well as more charming photographs of the park sure to leave you in a relaxed state of mind – even if you are at work right now.

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