Hilo

City on the Sea

Hilo-This picturesque bayside town is the nation’s orchid capital. Visit 17 historic attractions, natural landmarks like Rainbow Falls and public gardens.

If you’re looking for a slice of Big Island life, find it in Hilo. It’s the isle’s largest residential community and the east side hub. Hilo’s picturesque downtown resembles any midwestern county seat. The scenic bayfront is lined with shady trees, municipal buildings, parks and renovated storefronts dating from the early 1900s.

Things to do: test your luck at budging the Naha Stone at Hilo Public Library on Waianuenue Avenue. Kamehameha the Great moved it as a teen prophesying he would rule the Hawaiian Islands.

The tiny park across the street has an imposing bronze of King Kalakaua; he promoted hula and is the namesake for Hilo’s prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. It’s always the week after Easter.

On Banyan Drive, the location of most hotels, see the names of celebrities like Babe Ruth who planted the massive ficus trees. Stroll the tranquil Liliuokalani Gardens with its pagodas, tea house and bonsai. This area, along with the walking bridge to Coconut Island, has spectacular views of Mauna Kea and Hilo Bay.

Best bets for finding Hilo’s 30-some historic landmarks and curiosities are with a free tour brochure. “Explore Hilo-A Sightseeing Guide” is available at Basically Books, 961-0144 and the Hilo Main Street office, 252 Kamehameha Avenue, (808)935-8850.

Being on the island’s windward side, Hilo is blessed with showers that make everything lush and green. The town is the nation’s orchid capital because of the many growers here.

The just-renovated Lyman Museum and Mission House has Hawaiiana, exhibits chronicling the island’s immigrant cultures, an on-line hookup to Mauna Kea telescopes and a fascinating mineral display, (808)935-5021.

TOUR HILO
Get a free brochure to take a self-guided tour, “Explore Hilo-A Sightseeing Guide,” at Basically Books, 160 Kamehameha Ave., (808)961-0144.

EAST SIDE TOP TO DO
SNORKELING: Richardson’s Ocean Park
SUNRISE VIEW: Coconut Island

PUNA SIDE TRIP
Take Highway 11 south from Hilo to scenic Highways 130 and 132 to visit Pahoa, a former lumber town for Arizona’s Sante Fe Railroad and Lava Tree State Park. The park has standing tree molds, made by speedy lava.