Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Hilo is an old sugar town and the rainiest city in the United States as well as a tropical oasis when its not raining. It is the second largest city in Hawaii yet as old-fashioned as apple pie.
While in Hilo, you will want to visit the many one of a kind and unique shops featuring island treasures, artwork, local crafts, tropical fruits and flowers. When you get hungry a picnic in Liliuokalani Park will thrill old and young alike with its Japanese gardens, bridges, gazebos, fishponds, and gorgeous views of Mauna Kea.
Hilo offers three golf courses, tennis courts, and an Olympic swimming pool. Some of the main attractions you will want to visit are:
Wai`anuenue (Rainbow) Falls a beautiful area just above the town where you can view a beautiful morning rainbow. Just a couple miles above Wai`anuenue Falls is Boiling Pots which is very beautiful especially after a heavy rain. The kids will love swimming and playing at Richardson Ocean Park rated as Hilos best beach park.
Let the kids test their strength on the Naha Stone located in front of the Hilo Public Library. The Naha Stone is a 2 1/2-ton stone used as a test of royal strength. Legend has it that whoever could move the stone would conquer and bring together all the people of the islands. King Kamehameha at the age of 14 moved the stone, conquered, and united the people of the islands.
If you love fishing and picnics then Coconut Island is the best place in Hilo. There is a footbridge taking you over to the island and a set of instructions posted telling you what you can and cannot do or bring to the island. Only certain types of fish are allowed, alcohol is prohibited and there is a pool by a diving tower that can be used for baptisms.
The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, which is also known as Hale Pohaku meaning stone house is located very high up on Mauna Kea. There is a visitor center and living quarters for workers. Information is available at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy at the 10,000-foot level. Visitors can learn about the Mauna Kea, the universe, and the telescopes. In the evening, you may view the stars through the telescopes.
Built in 1839 the Lyman House is the oldest frame building on the island. It was built by David and Sarah Lyman, Congregationalist missionaries. There is a museum next to the house displaying a magnificent realistic magma (molten rock in the earth's crust) chamber and displays also the earths formation and beginning of life.
The Wailoa Center offers a cultural and art experience. Many local artists display their work here ranging from silk paintings to woodcarvings. Theres a permanent display of a tsunami exhibit (large water waves, generally created by seismic activity). Annually one of Hawaiis largest art festivals is held at the Wailoa Center. The center is also a visitor information center.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is named after the largest active volcano in the world. The Mauna Loa plantations, factory, headquarters, and store are all located a short distance from the Hilo airport. Mauna Loa produces whole, roasted macadamia nuts lightly salted and packed in jars, foil packs, or cans. Some of the favorites produced are glazed Macadamia nuts, savory Macadamia nuts, chocolate covered Macadamia nuts, and honey roasted Macadamia nuts and Macadamia cookies. Their gift store offers many gift items and tropical treats. Tours of the factory are available also.
The Palace Theater built in 1925 as an American movie palace, this theatre provides a variety of art films, live theater productions, and concerts. The desire for the theater is to be fully restored and to promote educational, entertaining, and inspiring culturally diverse venues to the community. Fully restored 1936 vintage Simplex Model E-7 projectors equipped with Ashcraft carbon arc lamp houses are used to project the films.
East Hawaii Cultural Center is home to an association of cultural groups and arts. There are two public galleries exhibiting local, national, and international art. On the second floor are a theater, art studio, dance floor, and meeting room. On the main floor is a gift shop offering artifacts locally created.
Above it All - Island Hoppers boast a 100% accident-free safety record. They offer up close views of an active volcano, hidden valleys, rainforests, and much more.
Amusement places offering video and electronic arcades for the kids:
? Triple 7 Amusement
? Mulligans Q-Bowl and Mulligans Island
? Fun Factory
? Tilt
? Enchantasy
Hilo offers many fast food restaurants and many fine dining establishments and lodging facilities also.
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