Hilo's wet climate has made it one of the foremost flower growing regions in the world, and a prime location for gardens. Covering almost 30 acres on the Waiakea Peninsula in north Hilo, the Lili'uokalani Gardens, named after Hawaii's last reigning monarch, are a prime example. The gardens have been here since the start of the 20th century, and were established by local Japanese in remembrance of the many Japanese immigrants who founded the Waiakea Sugar Plantation, no longer here. The Japanese presence can certainly be felt in the quiet grace of the Japanese inspired landscaping and architecture. Irregularly shaped fishponds crossed by half-moon bridges, torii gates of Japanese Shinto tradition, wooden pagodas, and a teahouse dot the well-manicured landscape. The Hawaiian touch is seen in the plants themselves - fragrant orchids, hibiscus, Birds of Paradise, ginger, along with the palms, bananas, and Banyan trees for which this peninsula is so well known. The garden's atmosphere is one of quiet repose and meditation (assuming you're not here during one of Hilo's frequent downpours), something you will discover walking its meandering foot trail. Linger on one of the half-moon bridges and watch locals fishing into the waters below. Or take the pedestrian bridge that leads from the gardens out to Coconut Island, sitting in the bay off Waiakea. This offers a good vantage point to watch the sunset. In the case the island is without cloud cover this a great location to get a picture with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in the background. The gardens are a good way to spend an afternoon in Hilo. And if you're staying in Hilo in one of the hotels along Banyan Drive, you may find yourself wandering back every evening.