One of my favorite places in Hawaii—okay, I have a lot of favorite places in the islands—is Queen Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. Sitting right on Hilo Bay, this park is a mix of Hawaiian history, Japanese style, and some jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re in the mood to relax, snap a few photos, or just watch the bay from a shady bench, this spot is a must-see on the Big Island.
A Park for a Queen
In 1917, the town of Hilo decided this beautiful slice of land should honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, who was Hawaii’s last monarch and worked tirelessly to keep Hawaiian traditions alive. She knew about the park plans before her death that year, but never got to see it finished. The land became official thanks to Act 53, and construction kicked off in November 1917. By around 1919, the first Japanese-style gardens were ready for visitors.
About this week’s puzzle
This week’s puzzle was inspired by Queen Lili’uokalani Park.
Japanese Roots in the Heart of Hilo
What makes Queen Liliuokalani Park stand out are the nearly 20 acres of Japanese gardens. In fact, this is the largest example of Edo-style gardens you’ll find outside of Japan. The story goes that after traveling to Japan, Laura Kennedy (whose husband managed the local sugar mill) helped push for a garden in Hilo that would honor both the Queen and Hawaii’s Japanese immigrants.
If you’ve read my Trouble in Paradise Mysteries, especially Maui Magic, you might remember that Japanese workers came to the islands in the late 1800s and early 1900s to work on the sugar plantations. These gardens were designed as a way of recognizing their impact. That’s why the gardens include stone lanterns, pagodas, those dreamy arched bridges, and even a tea house. Walking here really does feel like stepping inside a Japanese postcard…with a Hawaiʻi twist.
Beauty Meets Resilience
Of course, Hawaii’s beautiful coastlines come with their fair share of drama. Queen Liliʻuokalani Park hasn’t always had it easy—in fact, parts of it have been rebuilt several times after major tsunamis hit in 1918, 1923, 1946, and 1960. Each time, people came together to put things back the way they belonged, with big restoration projects in 1949, 1968, and again around 2000. Watching the park bounce back after so many challenges makes its peaceful vibe even more meaningful.
A Place for Everyone
I first heard about the park from a friend who grew up in Hawaiʻi, and when I finally got to visit, it lived up to her recommendation. Locals don’t just use the park for photos—Queen Liliuokalani Park is a hangout space, a picnic spot, and a place to celebrate community events, including the Queen Liliʻuokalani Festival. This annual event brings people together through food, music, Japanese and Hawaiian traditions, and arts and crafts.
Even if you can’t make it to the Big Island in person, I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual visit to one of my favorite island stops!
If you enjoyed this week’s Friday Morning Post, please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the post! Thanks for being here!
See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view Ahukini Landing — Gateway to Kauai’s Past.
10:36
10.12 how peaceful and beautiful! Lovely view. Love Japanese gardens. Very tranquil settings.
7:58 Slowest reported so far
Nice picture. My time was 6:50.
5:29 big koi, beautiful
5:44 Your article and puzzle have inspired me to want to go back to Hawaii and see the lovely park. Thank you.
My time was 7:06. Thank you so much for the beautiful photos! You should add professional photographer to your list of accomplishments. That is a gorgeous park and I could easily spend all day there relaxing with the beautiful scenery.
6:05, I didn’t know about the early Japanese history in Hawaii…
5:36 how peaceful there
I think I got my best score yet today: 3:39! I’d love to go to the Queen Liliʻuokalani Festival someday. I’ve always had a fondness for Japanese culture after visiting Japan as a teenager.