Spend some quality time at The Gardens at Nani Mau wandering through 20 acres of lush, manicured gardens featuring native and exotic flowers, ferns, trees, ponds and waterfalls. "Nani Mau," which means "forever beautiful" in Hawaiian, barely describes the rich tapestry of color that awaits you all along the wide walkways (wheelchair accessible) that wander through the gardens.

Take a self-guided tour (complete with pamphlet) or a 20-minute narrated tram tour. Stroll through the elegant gardens linger on the footbridge over the lush water gardens; or visit the fruit orchard. Relax by the tranquil lily pond and wander through the hibiscus and flowering ginger garden. Marvel at the dazzling bromeliad display and capture that perfect wide vista photo from atop the Makalapua Lookout. Listen for the sounds of the waterfalls to guide you to the stylized Japanese Gardens, complete with an authentic bronze temple bell. And don't miss the ever-changing orchid house, brimming with blooming orchids from around the world.

Plan your schedule to include their delicious $10 buffet luncheon, as well as a visit to a full-service hair salon and body studio which offers facials and therapeutic massages.

The Gardens are open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including holidays. There is an admission charge to the main gardens, but the retail shops and a special garden section are open free of charge.

Nani Mau is just two miles from the Hilo Airport intersection. As you're going up Hwy 11 toward Volcanoes National Park, take your first left turn once you enter the forested area, about 1/4 mile after the last house. If you're coming into town from Volcano, turn right onto Makalika Street, just after the 4-mile marker.