VirtualTourist.com: tips and reviews from real travelers who have visited Hilo
Hilo
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Hilo, the rainiest city in America, (125 inches a year) is full of rainbows, waterfalls and exotic flowers. The rain saves Hilo from progress, keeps it in a bell jar. Mark Twain called it the "most Sundayest place" and it still is.
Old store fronts, circa-1800s, are chic shops and cafes like Siz Zane Designs and Cafe Pesto.
Orchids, anthuriums, all locally grown, are sold daily at Hilo Farmer's Market.
Hilo hulas at Merrie Monarch Festival; you'll be lucky to get a seat.
Once threatened by lava, twice hit by killer tsunamis (in '45 and '60), Hilo looks over its shoulder at Pacific Tsunami Museum, and keeps an eye on its seawall. The whole town moved inland after the last big wave hit.
On the waterfront, take Banyan Drive past trees named for visiting celebrities to Queen Liliuokalani Park. Visit Suisan Fish Auction & Market to see what's for dinner. Nani Mau Gardens has 2000 tropical flowers.
Snooze where Jack London did in the 1899 Shipman House Bed & Breakfast or doze at Dolphin Bay Hotel. Visit 1839 Lyman Mission House, oldest in Hawaii.
Try crack seed, the local treat, or take a bento out for lunch.
Rainbow Falls is around the corner on Aneuenue Street, (Hawaiian for rainbow).
Down the coast highway 400-foot Akaka Falls and Onomea Tropical Botanical Gardens are must sees. Up the hill from Hilo, the earth quakes and the volcano spits fire.
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Rick Carroll has written dozens of articles on Hawaii and the Pacific. His books include Great Outdoor Adventures of Hawaii, Madame Pele: True Encounters with Hawaii's Fire Goddess, and Travelers' Tales Hawaii.
Rick Carroll has written dozens of articles on Hawaii and the Pacific. His books include Great Outdoor Adventures of Hawaii, Madame Pele: True Encounters with Hawaii's Fire Goddess, and Travelers' Tales Hawaii.
Interests
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Activities
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Hilo Must See/Do
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Hilo See It Next Time
- Beaches
- Kaiko'o Mall
- Coconut Island
- Naha Stone
- Saddle Road
When to Visit Hilo
Summer since it doesn't rain so much.
Discover Great Trips
Search Fares
Hilo Maps
Hilo Events
- April-May: International Nights, Gathering to Honor King Kalakaua, Merrie Monarch Festival
- June-July: Whale Watch/John Keawe Concert Cruise, Kona Brewers Festival, Parker Ranch Center Kupuna Festival
- October-November: Kona Coffee Culinary Invitational, Iron Man, Taste of Life
- August-September: Statehood Day, Establishment Day Cultural, Hawaii's World Heritage Festival
- February-March: Keauhou Farmer's Market
- December-January: Hilo Chinese New Year, Mark Twain Festival
More Hilo Info
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