Beautiful and Historic Hilo: the Town and the Aina

On a nice day Hilo is perhaps the most beautiful area on the island. Unfortunately this is the wet side of the island, and there are days where you will see nothing but rain.

Besides being one the main sources for commerce on the Big Island, Hilo has always been famous for its beautiful rivers, streams and waterfalls.

Some of the other things this area is famous for is its Historic Architecture, The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, The wide Variety of cultures, and its rich fertile farm lands.

Because it is the East side of the Island, you can treat yourself to the beauty of watching the sunrise over the ocean. Kona has some amazing sunsets, but they don't have anything over these sunrises.

Below is a picture of a awesome Hilo Sunrise.

To see more pictures of Hilo sunrises visit our Hilo Photo Gallery

Hilo Waterfalls, Rivers and Streams

If you have the chance to see some of the Waterfalls in Hilo, jump on it. They are some the most breathtaking sites on the Big Island. Just driving along the highway a few miles north of the city you can see quite a few, but if you take the time and go a little out of your way, you will be in for a treat.

Wailuku River State Park

Rainbow Falls is a 80 ft waterfall whose pool is almost a 100 feet in diameter. Located in the Wailuku River State Park, this is a landmark on the Big Island. Legends surround this waterfall, from ancient Hawaii, and in modern days, it is one of the most photographed spots on the Big Island. For directions to the park, more photos of the waterfall, and some of the stories surrounding the area, follow this link to our page on Rainbow Falls. Akaka Falls State Park

Drive a little out of your way and walk less then half a mile, and you will see one of the Big Island's Wonders. Water cascading 442 feet straight down is the main attraction of the Akaka Falls State Park, but the vegetation, the trail, and the smaller(100 ft) Kahuna Falls make this a well rounded adventure on Hilo side.

For directions to the park, more photos of the waterfall, and some of the stories surrounding the area, follow this link to our page on Akaka Falls State Park

Historic Downtown Hilo

Downtown Hilo was one of the busiest towns on all the islands in the early 1900's. With the sugar trade booming, and easy access into Hilo bay, and the wharfs were loaded with activity.

Major Tsunamis in 1946 and in 1960 changed the area forever. In reconstructing the city a massive breakwater was built, to give shelter to incoming vessels, and possibly slow down incoming Tsunamis. Also most of the coast line was left as parks, and commerce was moved more inland.

Finally Growth came to almost a halt in the early eighties when Mauna Loa threatened to cover Hilo in Lava. Because of all this, there are areas in downtown that the architecture has not been altered since the 40's. This gives the downtown area a feeling of still being a old style plantation town.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Every year people flock from around the world for the Merrie Monarch Festoval at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo. 2008 marks the 45th Merrie Monarch Festival.

Hula Halaus (troops) practice all year for the competition segment of this prestigious event. Inside the stadium you can almost smell the adrenaline the anticipation is so intense.

This event is televised State wide, and News shows across the world do segments on the outcome of the festival.

Besides the competition there is the Ho'olaulea (Music Festival), the exhibition night, arts and crafts fairs, and the big Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.

Follow this link to our page on the Merrie Monarch Festival for more information, history and other links.
To see Merrie Monarch Videos, and Learn more about the different phases of the competition follow this link