Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Papaikou, at Onomea Bay, 8.5 miles north of Hilo, (808) 964-5233. Daily 9-5. $15, 6-16 $5.

The spectacular 17-acre Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden grows in a natural tropical rainforest and displays more than 2,000 species of tropical flowers and plants. It is a living museum of tropical and sub-tropical plants, with 80 species of native plants. Many plants in the collection are now extinct in the wild. Though it opened in 1984, some coconut palms and mature mango trees are enormous, about 130 to 180 feet tall and more than 100 years old. The garden is known for its collection of palms (more than 200 varieties), gingers (about 200 varieties--some big and showey, some small and fragrant), and orchids. You’ll see exotic birds, including macaws, as well as koi. Kids can expend some energy on paths that follow streams winding through a lush jungle filled with palms and waterfalls. A scenic trail leads down through a valley, to the ocean, and back. A small museum in the back of the gift shop displays local artifacts. Bring drinking water. The water on site is from a catchment system and non-potable.