Queen Liliuokalani Gardens is located next to Coconut Island off of Banyan Drive in the town of Hilo.  This authentic Japanese garden was built in the early 1900's as a memorial to the immigrant Japanese workers who developed worked on local sugar plantations.  It is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.  These beautiful gardens are a favorite of both tourists and locals alike.  The gardens are named after Queen Liliuokalani, who was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian islands.  In 1898, Hawaii was annexed to the United States and Queen Liliuokalani was forced to give up her throne.

In these gardens you can stroll through 30 acres of Hawaiian and oriental plantings, walkways, pagodas, ponds and bridges.  Bring a picnic lunch and relax in this shaded tropical wonderland.  Large sprawling manicured lawns are great for small children to play on.  You will often see young and old fisherman alike casting their lures into the ponds here as well.  Bring a swimsuit, and after viewing the park, walk across the nearby footbridge to Coconut Island, or you can take a walk down beautiful historic Banyan Drive.  In the early mornings you will see many people walking or jogging the trail that runs around the gardens.  With the backdrop of Hilo Bay, this is a great way to start the day!  There is a sea wall flanking the road alongside Hilo Bay - here you will see people fishing or gathering to enjoy the view.