The largest Japanese garden outside of Japan sits right on the edge of Hilo Bay, giving you a rare combination of traditional garden elements and open ocean views in a single frame. You can work the ornate arched bridges as foreground subjects with the bay stretching behind them, use the stone lanterns along the paths as leading elements, or crouch low near the koi ponds to capture reflections of the surrounding greenery. The small footbridge connecting to Coconut Island is worth the short walk for a view back toward the gardens with Mauna Kea occasionally visible in the distance on clear days. Early morning is the best time to visit; the light is soft, the grounds are quiet, and Hilo's frequent overnight rain often leaves glassy reflections on the ponds. A mid-range zoom handles most compositions well, though a wider lens helps when incorporating the bay. Street parking is available along Banyan Drive. (Hilo, Hawaii, United States)
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