• Get in
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Respect
• Get out

Lava flow at Kilauea

Hilo [1] is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. The county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, Hilo is the one of the best starting points to explore the eastern half of the island, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

[edit] Get in

Hilo International Airport is the main airport serving Hilo and the eastern side of the Big Island. The majority of flights to Hilo originate from Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines, go!, Island Air, or Pacific Wings.

Most of the visitors bound for Hilo will arrive via one of the inter island Airlines (go!, Hawaiian, Pacific Wings, Island Air), or as a day stop from one of the frequent cruise ship visits.

[edit] Get around

As public transportation on Hawai`i Island is minimal, virtually all visitors rent a vehicle from one of the many rental agencies upon arriving at Hilo International Airport. As an alternative, taxis are also available at the airport though renting a car is almost always more practical. The county's Hele-On Bus system does not serve Hilo International Airport. It's a good idea to make car reservations in advance, as special events or active conditions at the Volcanoes National Park can quickly deplete the supply of available vehicles.

For family - friendly, educational, personal tours of Hilo and Hamakua waterfalls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and other locations on the island of Hawaii, check out Native Guide Hawaii [2] Tel: (808) 982-7575

[edit] See

Akaka Falls: An amazing waterfall a few miles north of Hilo along Highway 19. Highest falls on the island.

Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Av., tel: 808-935-0926, FAX: 808-935-0842, email:tsunami@tsunami.org, [3]. The Pacific Tsunami Museum serves as a living memorial, and a reminder for a generation yet to experience such fright. Tsunamis, Japanese for “harbor waves” are a fact of life in Hawaii, especially Hilo. On April 1, 1946, and May 23, 1960, Hilo suffered devastating tsunamis that reshaped its social and economic structure.

Hilo Art Museum, 1266 Kamehameha Av., tel: 808-961-1426, email:info@hiloartmuseum.org, [4]. The Hilo Art Museum is the Big Island's only general art museum, and has a growing collection of art from around the World. It is located in the historic Hilo Iron Works building with a breathtaking view of Hilo Bay.

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo, off Hwy 11, 808-959-9233, [5]. Daily 9AM-4PM. Free admission. This is the only zoo in the U.S. situated in a tropical rainforest--a playground for exotic birds and animals including a white Bengal tiger and pygmy hippos. Three squirrel monkeys from the old Pearl City Tavern (now closed and razed, replaced by a auto dealership) are there as well. Tiger feeding at 3:30PM.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The entrance to the park is located in the town of Volcano, roughly 40 minutes drive from downtown Hilo. Many people can spend several days exploring all that the park has to offer. There are a number of excellent hikes, showcasing most of the flavors of Hawaiian geological activity. Of course, the thing that most people come to see is the active flow zone of Kilauea.

The Lyman Museum/Lyman House, 276 Haili St, (808) 935-5021. Located in downtown Hilo, this museum features a restored missionary house (hourly guided tours). They also have a small collection of local artwork, historical exhibits, and the 9th best mineral collection in the United States.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls: If you don't have time to make it up to Akaka falls, or you don't like hiking, Rainbow Falls is worth a visit. Try to visit early in the the day. You have a better chance to see the rainbow created by the mist. It's located up Wainuenue ave. from downtown Hilo. Follow the signs. If you pass the hospital, you have gone too far.

Very wheelchair accessible, but the Boiling Pots will require some hiking.

King Kamehameha Statue: Erected in 1997 at Wailoa State Park, the statue of King Kamehameha is perhaps the most impressive of the four found throughout the state. A gift from the island of Kauai who failed to erect the statue due to the historical significance of being the only island never to be conquered by Kamehameha the Great. Standing at 14 feet tall, the statue now overlooks Hilo where the first King of Hawaii established his seat of government.

Naha Stone: Displayed in front of the Hilo Public Library on Wainuenue, the Naha stone weighs nearly five thousand pounds and was prophesized that the man who moved the Naha stone on its end would be the greatest king of all Hawai`i and bring the other chiefs under his rule. Kamehameha at the age of fourteen, not only moved the stone, but lifted it end over end to eventually become the first King of the Islands.

Lili'uokalani Gardens: Located on Banyan Drive, this authentic Japanese gardenpark was built in the early 1900's as a memorial to the immigrant Japanese who developed the old Waiakea Sugar Plantation and is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.

Nani Mau Gardens: Located 3 miles from Hilo, "Nani Mau" which translates as "forever beautiful" features 20 acres of artistically landscaped displays of native and exotic tropical flowers and plants, a spectacular orchid garden, rare palms and tropical fruit orchards. First opened to the public in 1972, this tropical garden claims to have every flowering plant in Hawaii.

[edit] Do

Many of the activities that are available are strictly daytime, and focus on the ocean. Surf culture is big, and boards may be rented from Orchidland Surf, located in the Bayfront district. Stan, the owner, will be happy to fill you in on where to go as well as the current conditions.

Other ocean fun can be found at Richardson's Ocean Park at the end of Kalanianaole (Highway 19). This is a popular spot for family cookouts, and has occasional waves. Snorkeling is a popular activity here. You can also find people relaxing on the beach or in the grass reading and visiting.

Four Mile is a popular swimming spot, also located on Kalanianaole, before you get to Richardson's. Though there is no 'beach', it is rather like a large salt water swimming pool, with a sandy bottom, protected from the ocean by a reef. The brackish water is colder, a mix of the ocean and fresh water springs.

• Helicopter touring is popular, with flights over macadamia nut plantations to the lava flows at Kilauea.

• Kaumana caves are fun to explore and it's free. You should bring your own flashlight.

• Pacific Tsunami Museum is a great place to learn about the tidal waves that destroyed Hilo several times.

• Hilo Art Museum is the island's only general art museum. It is located in the historic Hilo Iron Works building with the best view of Hilo Bay.

[edit] Buy

Walking along the Bayfront and visiting the quaint shops along Kamehameha Avenue is fun for browsing and shopping. Hilo also has many shops with extremely high quality printed fabrics that are locally made. The print designs are Polynesian or Hawaiian in style. You can find shops selling the fabrics as well as shops selling the clothing made from the beautiful fabrics.

Chase Gallery: Located in Hilo's scenic Bayfront district, along highway 19, this gallery features an excellent collection of local artwork.

Hilo Farmer's Market: Every Wednesday and Saturday, you can visit the Hilo farmer's market. Here you'll find an abundance of amazing fresh produce, things to snack on, and the obligatory junk you don't really need (tm), i.e. towels with dolphins on them, jewelry, sarongs, semi-legal weaponry, etc.

Hilo Guitars, 114 Ponahawai St, (808) 935-4282. Speicializing in acoustic instruments, they also have the best colleciton of Ukuleles in Hilo.

Kahuina Gallery, corner of Mamo and Kilauea (just up the street from the Farmer's Market), (808) 935-4420. A cooperative of Island artists and musicians. A variety of cards, posters, CD's, original works of art, and small publications are available from local artists and musicians. Each Friday night is free open mike and music.

Kathmandu Imports: A fascinating new addition to the Hilo Bayfront district, Kathmandu Imports sells a collection of Tibettan and Nepali items. Located on Waianuenue ave.

The Mall: The main shopping center for Hilo is the Prince Kuhio Plaza, located on Kanoelehua (Highway 19). This mall features a number of standard retail stores (Macy's, Longs Drugs, Sears, Suncoast, even a "Hot Topic" should you need a punk teeshirt for something) as well as a satellite location of Hilo Hatties, for all of your tacky aloha-wear needs. There is also a Borders if you need some reading material, as well as a Wal-Mart.

KTA: also known as Taniguchi store to the locals, KTA blends local and Japanese varieties to provide you with your daily necessities.

Hilo Surfboard Company, 84 Ponahawai St., 808-934-0925. Is the Big Island's most ‘authentic’ surf shop. People travel all the way form Kona to check out boards as they really do have the largest selection of boards. And unless you want a Hilo Surfboard Company T-shirt or shirts from a couple locals Like Moku Nui or KRU, better go to the mall. This is a real core surf shop! Owner Scott Murray will be stoked to see you and talk story!

[edit] Eat

The good news is, people in Hilo like food. There are a number of excellent places to eat ranging from the local plate lunch, to a few passable upscale establishments.

Hilo is known for its locally-made ice cream. It's some of the best on earth and can be found several places, including Hilo Homemade Ice Cream downtown at 41 Waianuenue Avenue.

Coconut Grill, 136 Banyan Way Excellent entres including Chicken Mauna Kea, Fillet Mingnon, fresh fish dishes and desserts such as Naughty Hula Girl Mud Pie (enough for a family of 4!) and mac nut ice cream.

Akmal Pakistani & Indian Cuisine, 14 West Lanikaula St., Tel: (808) 959-7479, next to Tyke's Laundry Mat at the intersection of Kilauea and Lanikaula. Akmal offers a different flavor in a world of non-stop local style foods. For a change of pace and to meet fellow world travelers or the starving artist types, stop in at lunch (10am - 2pm) or dinner (4pm - closing) (closed Sundays). You'll fall in love with their varieties of vegan, chicken, or lamb dishes and awesome lassi drinks.

Blane's Drive-In, 150 Wiwoole St. and 217 Waianuenue Av. Falling into the category of "plate lunch" place, Blane's has a large, inexpensive menu. Perfect for a heavy lunch after surfing for a couple of hours. A plate lunch, for those who don't know, usually consists of 2 scoops of steamed rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and your choice of a variety of extremely fattening delicious goodness. For the less adventurous, they also serve up burgers, fries, chili, etc. They are famous for their loco mocos.

Cafe 100, 969 Kilauea Ave, Tel: 808-935-8683. In honor of the famed 100th Infantry Army Battallion, Mr. Miyashiro who served in the 100th during World War II, established this local restaurant with his wife in 1945. Destroyed twice by the devastating tsunamis, Cafe 100 offers good food at a great price. Known for their famous "Loco Moco" consisting of a bowl of rice with a hamburger patty, gravy and an egg, it is one of the best places to "grind" on the island and a local favorite.

Restaurant Miwa, 1261 Kilauea Av., Tel: 808-961-4454. An upscale Japanese restaurant, ask about their famous Chirashi bowls, you won't be disappointed. Located in the Hilo Shopping Center.

Sunlight Cafe, 1261 Kilauea Ave., Tel: 808-934-8833. Japanese 'izakaya' type menu.

Seaside Restaurant, 1790 Kalanianaole Ave, Tel: 808-935-8825. One of the best places to be served an "ono" and fresh seafood lunch or dinner. Seaside can be found on Kalanianaole street across from 4-mile beach.

Cafe Pesto, 308 Kamehameha Av., Tel: 808-969-6640, [6]. If you have a memory of coming to Hilo as a child, and eating in a reasonably nice restaurant with a view of the bay, chances are it was Cafe Pesto. They have a wide range of food, everything from pizzas to furikake-crusted ono. It's also open late, which is a definite plus in Hilo.

Kuhio Grille, Prince Kuhio Plaza Suite 106A Tel: 959-2336 by Starbucks and Jamba Juice, Home of the one pound Lau Lau!

O'Keefe & Sons Bakery 374 Kinoole St. Tel: 934-9334 Great sandwiches and many different types of tasty breads and deserts.

The Hilo Bay Cafe, 315 Makaala Street, #109, Tel: 808-935-4939. This restaurant was started by the owners of a local health food store (Island Naturals) and features excellent cuisine, featuring local organic produce, etc. A great place for a date. Try a Mojito, you'll thank me. The name is somewhat misleading, since it's actually located in the Prince Kuhio Mall, close to Wall-Mart. Strange location, fabulous place. Reservations may be required on Friday or Saturday nights.

Ken's House of Pancakes, 1730 Kamehameha Av., Tel: 808-935-8711. Don't let the name of this place throw you off. They have an amazingly varied menu, and perhaps more importantly, they are the only 24-hour eatery in Hilo. Look for Ken's on Kanoelehua, before Banyan Drive.

Ocean Sushi Deli, 250 Keawe St. Ocean Sushi features low-cost original and creative sushi along with local-style Japanese food. Some favorite sushi: eel with cream cheese, scallop roll with melted cheese on top--yum!

Pescatore, 235 Keawe St, Tel: 808-969-9090. A good northern Italian restaurant, located in downtown Hilo on Keawe st. The ahi carpaccio is not to be missed.

Garden Snack Club-- weird name, but original Thai food. 82 Kilauea Ave Tel: 808-933-9664.

Naung Mai 86 Kilauea Ave. Tel 808-934-7540 Best Thai food in all of Hilo, behind Garden Exchange.

Sushi Bar Hime14 Furneaux Lane in downtown Hilo near the Farmer's Market. Place sits only 10 people--cozy.

[edit] Outside of Hilo

The Pahoa Market: Another weekly flea market, the Pahoa market is open only on Sundays. It's located on Highway 130, on the way to Pahoa town. This market is a little less produce, a little more hippie. They also tend to have more pre-prepared food, so it's a good stop for lunch.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Bars

Hilo is a small town, and as such, there is not a lot of public drinking to be done. Despite of a very lackluster nightlife, almost every bar has a cover charge. Still, there are a few places to wet your whistle, and maybe catch a live act.

• Uncle Mikey's, at Waiakea Villas. Not a bar for Haoles, there is a police presence, with fights common. The crowd tends to be mildly antagonistic toward non-locals. Wednesday is College Night there is a $7 cover charge. Occasionally there is Hawaiian music nights, usually on Fridays.
• Detour A relatively new bar catering mostly to an Asian/Hawaiian clientèle. There is a dance floor with music supplied by a house PA system, there is no DJ. There is a bar/lounge area with pool tables, darts, TV's and sofas and a separate dance floor area. Fights tend to be common here also. On weekends there is typically a $7 cover charge.
• Shooters, Banyan Drive. They call this place a club, but the reality is this is a dive bar. That being said, service personnel are friendly and attractive, and drinks are relatively inexpensive. Music is mediocre, but not bad for a small town. It is within walking distance of all major hotels, so if you want to drink a lot in Hilo this is a good place to go. The fact they charge a $5 cover is a joke.
• Cronies, downtown Hilo, corner of Waianuenue and Kamehameha. General sports bar, closes at 9pm, not a spot for nightlife.
• Charley's, Located in Keaau, about 20 minutes drive outside of Hilo in the Keaau shopping center. Live music and dancing.
• Emerald Orchid, Keawe St., Downtown Hilo. A neat British pub-style bar with a nice selection of beers and liquor served by friendly bartenders. Features a small dance floor with the occasional live band or DJ. Attendance is hit or miss, with some days being packed and the next week being nearly empty. Very close to Hilo Hostel.

[edit] Coffee

• Bear's Coffee, in Downtown. Good waffles, lame hours.
• Kope Kope, Hilo Shopping Center on Kilauea. Great coffee (from Hilo Coffee Mill), wonderful atmosphere, rockin' baristas (new owner - yeah!).
• Starbucks They just appeared one day. One is on Kilauea, the other is in the Prince Kuhio shopping center.
• Ono Kona Coffee corner of Kilauea and Pauahi Streets (by the new State building). Great sandwiches and pastries from 0'keefe Bakery (the owners) and 100% pure kona coffee.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Hotels and motels

• Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr., Tel: 808-935-9361, Fax: 808-961-9642, [7]. Older hotel of 286 rooms with great views. It is clean, the staff are friendly, but it is really showing its age. Beds for instance, feature bedspreads which are clearly 20+ years old. Plus, air conditioning in each room is a small corner unit that works, but is hardly central air. Internet access in rooms, but the TV is 15 inches.

• Dolphin Bay Hotel, 333 Iliahi St., Tel: 808-935-1466, Fax: 808-935-1523, [8]. Modest, clean accommodations. 13 Rooms.

• Hilo Bay Hotel, 87 Banyan Dr., Tel: 808-935-0861; Fax: 808-935-7903, [9]. Inexpensive with a touch of Hawaiian hospitality and fun. 145 rooms.

[edit] Bed and breakfasts

• At the Beach with Friends Bed and Breakfast, 369 Nene St., tel: 808-934-8040, Email: beach@hilo.net, [10]. Custom built as a B&B on a lagoon at Hilo's favorite swimming beaches. One of a kind tropical setting, privacy, comfortable rooms, friendly, good food, and a great location. Beautiful house and garden with great tropical fish and plant collections. Computer station and WiFi. Cable TVs, and private phone lines in all the rooms. Lounge with books and music.

• Waterfalls Inn Bed and Breakfast, 240 Kaiulani St., Tel: 808-969-3407, [11]. Four suites in a classic old house. Country relaxation.

[edit] Respect

• Haole = Caucasian: Though many think that "haole" just means white person, it refers more to an attitude than anything else. Treat the locals with respect, and the same respect will be returned to you. There are a few native Hawaiians who have a generally negative attitude to Haoles, and may express this attitude through looks or comments. You are best to simply ignore comments to avoid provocation.
• Do not mix aloha patterns: It's just tacky.
• No local people wear full aloha outfits: Look around. Do you see anyone from here wearing matching aloha-print shirts and shorts?
• Do not wear matching aloha-wear outfits: See above, and it looks silly.
• Be respectful: Both in Hilo and anywhere you go!
• Foot outfits: It's called slippers here, not flip-flops. Say it once and immediately be branded as a tourist.
• Style: Very casual to resort casual at best. Dress shoes don't fare well in mud and/or puddles. (Hence the slippahz. Please refer to above installment regarding "Foot Outfits.")

[edit] Get out

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