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The center of commerce, business and government for the island, Hilo has managed over the years to maintain its small-town charm and reputation as one of the friendliest places in Hawaii. While retaining cherished values, Hilo keeps its leading edge with astronomy and research centers, a local branch of the University of Hawaii and some of the most progressive restaurants on the island.
With an abundance of sun, rain and rich volcanic soil, the area is ideal for cultivating colorful tropical flowers, including some of the finest orchid varieties in the world. It’s also famous for its lush botanical gardens, historical museums, waterfalls and beautifully maintained public parks. Built around the crescent of Hilo Bay, the town was a trading spot for early Hawaiians and today offers a wonderful array of specialty shops.
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POINTS OF INTEREST |
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Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots |
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Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island |
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Farmer’s Market |
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Wailoa State Park |
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Richardson Beach Park |
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Snow-covered Mauna Kea from Hilo Bay
photo by Amy Evans
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click photos to enlarge
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Liliuokalani Gardens
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Boiling Pots
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Hilo Farmer's Market
photo by Amy Evans
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 Onomea 4-mile Scenic Route:
About 6 miles north of Hilo, blue signs indicate the turnoff from Highway 19 to this two-lane road that winds its way through a tropical forest with magnificent coastal scenery, including a cliffside view of splendid Onomea Bay (see map). For a closer look at the bay and Onomea Falls, visit the area’s botanical garden (admission is charged).
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Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots:
A short drive from downtown Hilo, up Waianuenue Avenue, takes you to Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, located on the Wailuku River (see map). Rainbow Falls was named for the beautiful rainbows frequently seen in the waterfall’s mist, expecially in the early morning.
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Old Mamalahoa Highway:
Highway 19 has replaced most of this original road, but look for the signs that indicate some of the old sections of the road, especially at Umauma, near the botanical garden, and at Kolekole, just outside of Honomu. Once the only way around this side of the island, the remainder of the old road winds in and outof coastal valleys, and over old bridges that still spanmany of the streams. |
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