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Hilo

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Overview

Kailua-Kona may host more visitors, but Hilo is the beating heart of Hawai‘i Island. Hidden beneath its daily drizzle lies deep soil and soul, from which sprouts a genuine community and aloha spirit. Hilo's demographics still mirror its sugar-town roots, with a diverse mix of Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Filipinos, Portuguese, Puerto Ricans, Chinese and Caucasians.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Liliuokalani Park,  Hilo, East Coast.

    Liliʻuokalani Park

    Hilo

    Arguably Hilo's most beautiful spot, these sprawling Japanese gardens are perfect for picnicking. Named for Hawaii's last queen (r 1891–93), the 30-acre…

  • HILO, HAWAII - SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - Pacific tsunami museum in Hilo on September 8, 2011 in Hilo, Hawaii. Museum is dedicated to history of April 1, 1946 Pacific Tsunami which devastated much of Hilo.
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    Pacific Tsunami Museum

    Hilo

    You cannot understand Hilo without knowing its history as a two-time tsunami survivor (1946 and 1960). This museum encompasses only a few rooms, but they…

  • HILO, HAWAII/U.S.A. - MAY 22, 2019: Photo of unidentified people enjoying the Richardson Beach Park, located on the east coast of the Big Island.
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    Richardson's Ocean Park

    Hilo

    Near the end of Kalanianaʻole Ave, this little pocket of black sand is a favorite all-round beach. When calm, the protected waters are popular for…

  • Onekahakaha Beach Park

    Onekahakaha Beach Park

    Hilo

    Ideal for kids, this spacious beach has a broad, shallow, sandy-bottomed pool, protected by a boulder breakwater. The water is only 1ft to 2ft deep in…

  • Rainbow forms near the base of Wailua Waterfall.
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    Rainbow Falls

    Hilo

    A regular stop for tour buses, the lookout for this 'instant gratification' cascade is just steps from the parking lot. Depending on rainfall, the lovely…

  • Kaumana Caves

    Kaumana Caves

    Hilo

    Don't expect too much, but these two lava caves offer a mini adventure: pitch dark, sharply rocky, dripping wet, low in spots, mossy and thick with ferns…

  • King Kamehameha Statue

    King Kamehameha Statue

    Hilo

    At the northern end of Wailoa River State Park, a 14ft bronze statue of King Kamehameha stands facing the bay. Sculpted by R Sandrin at the Fracaro…

  • Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

    Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

    Hilo

    Hilo's 12-acre zoo is a terrific, family-friendly spot. Stroll along paved paths past tropical foliage to view a modest collection of tropical birds,…

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