Hilo, Big Island

Hilo, Hawaii is located amid the lush rain forest like atmosphere on the eastern side of the "Big Island." The island comes by its name honestly, as Hawaii is bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Hawaii is believed to be the first of the islands settled by Polynesians somewhere around 500-700 AD. King Kamehameha the Great, born on the Big Island, united the islands under a single monarch in 1795. During the 1800s, Hawaii's economy revolved around sugar cane plantations, pineapple plantations, and cattle ranching. While coffee, macadamia nuts and pineapples are still major exports, tourism is Hawaii's number one resource.

Start your journey on the Big Island by landing in either Kona or Hilo International Airports. Hilo serves the eastern side (windward), and Kona the western coast (leeward) portion. Either airport will get you up and running. The island has a well maintained and intricate highway system, so navigation should not be a problem.

In contrast to the fast tempo of Kailua-Kona, Hilo marches to the beat of a less enthusiastic drummer. Hilo follows the rhythms of a bygone era, harkening back to a more sedate time without the frenetic pace that is favored by the madding crowd. Hilo is a glimpse of a real Hawaii, a place where families live and work and call home. Vacationers will enjoy a slower step and relaxed atmosphere. Father Time pays a little less attention to Hilo. But remember, you still have your feet planted in paradise.

Mix culture with Mother Nature and amble over to the Lili'uokalani Gardens. Located at the west end of picturesque Banyan Drive, the gardens offer an excellent view of Hilo Bay. Along the walkways are pagodas, stone lanterns, and half-moon bridges spanning rippling rivers. On one side of the garden, women visit the Japanese Tea House to learn the gracefully artistic tea ceremony. The gardens are relatively unexplored, and if it weren't for the coconut trees, you might confuse Hilo for Japan.

The beaches in and around Hilo are not with packed sun worshipers stretched out along miles of white sandy terrain. They tend to be smaller, more private, intimate places where families can picnic, swim, snorkel, and cast a fishing line in between fingers of dried lava. James Keoloha Beach County Park, known locally as "Four Mile Beach," is a particular favorite with surfers during the winter months. Another favorite, Onekahakaha Beach County Park has all the white sand you could want, and gentle tidal pools make for great swimming holes. Be careful! Sea urchins also enjoy this particular area!

While Hilo has plenty to offer shoppers, two special markets should not be missed. Hilo Farmer's Market, located in downtown Hilo, offers the island's fruits, vegetables, and flowers, all under the cover of a tent-like cityscape. And instead of catching your dinner, bid on it at the Suisan Fish Market Auction. Make offers on your favorite yellow fin tuna (ahi), dolphin (mahi-mahi), or a number of tropical fish, squid, and seafood options.

For a day trip, head south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take a peak at an explosion captured on film in the Kilauea Visitor's Center. Head down the Chain of Craters Road and look for flowing lava. Ask about the safety of hiking the trails (it changes daily), and explore the Thurston Lava Tube, the fern forests, and the other natural phenomena of the area.

Whatever your interests, be they history, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, or lounging in the sun, Hilo is a great place for setting a Hawaiian vacation.