Hilo, like many of the world's celebrated tourist destinations, would rather be understated than over hyped. But don't mistake discretion for nothing to do. Hilo is located within arms reach of some of the most astounding natural attractions in the world. It's home to several unique cultural institutions and it's the location of the world's premiere hula competition. The Merrie Monarch Festival, which opens its week-long run each year on Easter Sunday, has been selling out for more than 40 years.
Hilo-based visitors can choose from a number of day-trip destinations that will yield experiences not easily duplicated anywhere else. Kilauea, one of the planet's most active volcanoes, is a short drive up the road in Volcanoes National Park. A spectacular 442-foot waterfall is 11 miles away. One of the highest mountains in the world, 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, rises in the distance and is home to the planet's largest array of astronomical observatories. And the scenic Hamakua Coast and lush Waipio Valley are sheer beauty.
In Hilo, it's possible to imagine air mixed with traces of volcanic ash, a hint of snowflakes falling on Mauna Kea and salt spray blowing from the sea. Mostly though it rains, feeding gushing waterfalls and watering exotic flowers that bloom in delightful profusion in formal botanical gardens, at farmers markets and on neighborhood lawns.
So don't come to Hilo planning to take a long nap. Go explore.
Take a trip to Volcanoes National Park where Kilauea, the little volcano that never quits, will take center stage. Go on foot, book a helicopter flight, or hitch a ride on a boat that will take you up the coast to watch rivers of hot lava exploding into the sea. Most helicopter companies depart from both Hilo and Kona, but tours of the volcano are generally cheaper from Hilo because air time is shorter. Whatever your mode of travel, expect to be awed by the sight of lava crashing into the ocean. It's called Pele's Fountain in reference to the legendary goddess of the volcano. Boats depart daily from Isaac Hale Beach Park, near Pahoa.
A new boat tour, Hilo Ocean Adventures, departs from the Wailoa River Boat Ramp in Hilo and cruises north along the Hilo coast where scores of waterfalls tumble from the mountains on their journey to the sea. Come in off the water and spend a day at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, an amazing complex that links astronomy to the Hawaiian culture. The Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Museum and the Laupahoehoe Train Museum will add insight to Hilo's unique history.
Take a ride to a macadamia nut factory or pop over to Big Island Candies, a stop even locals can't resist. Go to the zoo, take a short trip into the jungle and stroll through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Drive to Waipio Valley and ride the rim in an ATV or by horseback. Stop along the way in picturesque villages and towns that once were part of the Hamakua Coast sugar industry. Eat fresh fish and a bowl of poi. But please don't take a nap. There's too much to do.
