One of the prettier sides of the Big Island is Waiakea Peninsula. Protruding into Hilo Bay, the peninsula is lined with stately banyan trees that form a canopy over Banyan Drive. Many of the trees have been planted by dignitaries such as Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart, King George V and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The peninsula is a fitting beginning to the Mac Nut Trail that is also known as the Belt Road or Route 11. The Trail through Volcano National Park, down to Nalalehu (the southernmost town in the U.S.) and up to Kona is about 160 km long. It would be an easy two-hour drive on the mainland but on the Big Island a visitor could be lucky to do it in three hours.

Direction

The peninsula is near Hilo. The town of Hilo is located just north of the Hilo Airport. From the airport, turn right on Highway 11 which ends at Banyan Drive. and Highway 19. Turn left on Highway 19 to enter the downtown area.