Only steps from the Pacific Ocean, our grounds are within a beautiful garden/jungle setting right on our property. Located about 5 minutes by auto from downtown Hilo, we also have a bus stop just outside our door for the island wide FREE BUS SYSTEM ...

Hilo Then and Now 

In ancient times, Hilo was famous for its rich coastal land and waterways which supported a thriving population of native Hawaiians. Its pristine rivers, streams, fertile lands and coastline are well recorded in ancient chants and today's contemporary music. With the new renaissance of Hawaiian cultural and its hula and language, Hilo is at the forefront of the growing awareness of the rich heritage of its indigenous people.

Hilo and its historic architecture are recognized as the best preserved Pacific township in the entire State of Hawai'i. At the turn of the 20th century when the heyday of the sugar plantations was the economic engine of the Territory of Hawai'i, the commercial districts of each island were understandably located as close to their major harbors as possible. These harbors included the railroad links for the loading of commercial raw sugar for shipment to processing in California (C&H Sugar) and offloading of imported food, hardware and other supplies for local consumption.

With this growth, commercial districts such as downtown Hilo offered new opportunities for Caucasian businessmen and entrepreneurial former immigrant contract laborers of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Portuguese ethnic diversity. This original "rainbow" of Hawaii's new era of growth is the foundation of today's melting pot of people and places. To this day, downtown Hilo reflects this cultural heritage in both architecture and business enterprises. The host culture of native Hawaiians and the core culture of its "rainbow" diversity makes the Hilo experience unforgettable.

Modern Hilo, as was in ancient times, is truly the Crown Jewel of the Big Island of Hawai'i.

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