Downtown Hilo Information

Downtown Hilo Information

Located on the eastern shore of Hawaii's "Big Island' the laid back city of Hilo is the island's capital and is a great place to base yourself to explore all the Big Island has to offer. The aloha culture is alive and well in Hilo where you'll be greeted by a big smile and an 'aloha' by everyone you meet. If you aren't then you obviously haven't been seen!

Hawaiian's have been living in Hilo since ancient times and the 19th century finally brought  with it European contact, missionaries and sugar plantation. Not long after an influx of Asian workers who settled in Hilo brought their own colourful traditions which mixed well with the local ones. As a result there is a rich blend of history and culture in Hilo that can be seen everywhere you look.

The city has many old wooden buildings and store fronts that date back to the earliest western contact and there are many museums that exhibit the history and settlement of Hilo. There are also heaps of art galleries displaying traditional and modern interpretations of island art. The Hilo Farmers Market is not just a great place to buy some fresh local produce and goods, but also a great way to meet and talk to the locals who will be happy to chat all day. A trip to the Lyman House Memorial Museum is well worth it to see the history of the early missionaries and beautiful Liliuokalani Park and Gardens has one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Other notable points of interest in Hilo are the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Hilo Tropical Gardens.

If you're looking for a taste of 'real Hawaii' you'll find Hilo has everything you're looking for - just make sure you allow enough time as once you get used to 'island time' you'll never want to leave.