Are you looking for a perfect vacation destination or maybe considering relocating? Then let us introduce you to Hilo, Hawaii! With its unbeatable natural beauty and unique culture, Hilo is an ideal place to live in or visit. In this blog post, we’re sharing all the reasons why Hilo should be on your bucket list.
Quick Hilo Information
Are you curious about the beautiful town of Hilo, Hawaii? From stunning beaches to lush rainforests, this destination has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready – it’s time to explore! Hilo offers:
- shopping
- sight-seeing
- state and national parks
- beaches
- dining
Discover the History of Hilo
Discover the History of Hilo, from its foundation in 1822 to the present day. The Hawaiian King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian Islands, including the area around Hilo. Later, 19th century missionaries and Christian converts settled in Hilo and influenced the town’s modern-day culture. Hilo became one of the most important ports in Hawaii during World War II, and it was heavily impacted by the devastating tsunami of 1960. Since then, Hilo has grown into a vibrant town, with a variety of attractions, amenities and activities to enjoy.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Hilo
Explore the Natural Beauty of Hilo from the lush orchid gardens, interesting parks, and museums, to the breathtaking waterfalls and rainforests, Hilo is an especially beautiful destination. Take a day trip to visit Queen Liliuokalani Gardens and Wailuku River State Park, or explore Kaumana Caves. Go on a scenic drive or a hike and enjoy the tropical plants and trees that make this part of Hawaiʻi so special. Don’t forget to swing by Akaka Falls State Park, too!
Visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is a must-see when visiting Hilo. Located in Keaʻau, visitors can learn all about the growing, harvesting and processing of macadamia nuts on the Big Island. The factory is a popular stop during tours of the area, offering free samples of macadamia nuts in various flavors. It’s also an educational experience, as visitors can learn about how macadamias are a signature crop of Hawaii and how Mauna Loa grows 10,000 acres of macadamia trees on the eastern side of the island. Tours are available to explore the facility and take in all the sights and smells that Mauna Loa has to offer.
See the Onomea Falls and Lava Tubes
The Onomea Falls and Lava Tubes are a must-see in Hilo. Located on 40 acres of land, the stunning Onomea Falls flow through old lava rocks and lava tubes, creating a beautiful, bubbling effect. For those looking for an adventure, take a hike along the Onomea Trail, ending at a scenic promontory in Onomea bay.
Along the way, you’ll find Kaumana caves where you can marvel at the 25 feet high waterfall. The trail will also lead you to vast viewpoints where you can admire the beauty of Hilo. Enjoy nature and its many wonders all while exploring Hilo’s unique landscape.
Experience the Diverse Species of Tropical Plants and Trees
Experience the Diverse Species of Tropical Plants and Trees in Hilo, Hawaii. From the endemic ‘Ohi’a lehua trees to the 2000 species in the 40-acre oceanfront gardens, to hundreds of species in the 400-acre World Botanical Gardens, Hilo offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the lush and vibrant landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands. Take a stroll through mid-elevation sites and witness the bloom of ‘ōhi’a trees and towering fronds of giant hāpu’u, or explore the Edie’s bioreserve to identify flowers and other plants. With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in mind, let Hilo be your guide to living in harmony with planet earth.
Enjoy the Tourism Section of Hilo
Enjoy the Tourism Section of Hilo, where visitors can explore the many attractions of this vibrant town. From the Kona side of the island, to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, to the Onomea Falls and Lava Tubes, there is something for everyone. Plus, don’t forget to check out Hawaii’s only Tsunami Museum and experience all of the diverse species of tropical plants and trees found in the area. With so much to explore, a trip to Hilo is sure to be unforgettable.
Visit Hawaii’s Only Tsunami Museum
After exploring the beautiful and diverse attractions of Hilo, don’t miss the chance to visit Hawaii’s only Tsunami Museum. Located in Hilo, this small but informative museum provides a wealth of multimedia information on tsunamis and their effect on the Pacific islands.
Docents, many of whom are actual tsunami survivors, give visitors an insight into the devastating impact these natural disasters can have. It allows visitors to take a tour within the East Hawaii tsunami corridor from the northern end of the Hamakua coast down to popular beaches in Kona. The museum serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in past tsunamis and is dedicated to saving lives through education and awareness. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, especially with tsunamis witnessed as recently as the terrifying destruction just last year in Japan. Visit Hawaii’s Tsunami Museum for an important reminder of the power of nature and for tips on how to stay safe in case of another tsunami.
Experience Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Experience the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a giant park home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Located 45 minutes (30 miles) southwest of Hilo, the park offers a variety of activities suitable for everyone.
Take a tour from Hilo and explore the wonders of the park, including learning about volcanoes and their impact on our daily lives. View lava, visit old eruption sites, take a helicopter ride over black sand beaches where lava once flowed, enjoy a range of wilderness adventures, short hikes and scenic drives. Moreover, Kīlauea Volcano is constantly active so you can witness and learn about how nature is constantly changing. Make sure to stay late to see lava and stars and don’t forget to take one of the scheduled hikes (more like a walk) with experienced park rangers. No matter if there’s an active volcanic eruption or not, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an amazing place to visit when you’re in Hawaii.
Experience the Amenities of a Vibrant Town
From the hustle and bustle of the town on Kamehameha Avenue which faces the beautiful Hilo Bay, to discovering fun and unusual things to do in Hilo, such as exploring volcanoes, enjoying wild animals and joining water activities, there is something for everyone in Hilo. So come explore the vibrant amenities that this town has to offer!
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