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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The Pacific Tsunami Museum
 If you are visiting Hilo on the big island of Hawaii, a stop well worth your time is the Pacific Tsunami Museum right in downtown Hilo. The museum offers stark evidence of the power of tsunamis and discusses the destructive waves that have hit Hilo and the rest of the Pacific Basin.
The Museum is located just across the street from Hilo Bay, and a live webcam keeps its electronic eye on the bay to watch for Tsunamis. In addition an evacuation plan is conspicuously posted as you come in, since the Museum is within the tsunami zone in Hilo. However don’t worry too much, with all of the monitoring that occurs within the Pacific, you should have plenty of warning if there is a tsunami and be able to escape to higher ground.
The Museum is located on Kamehameha Avenue and literally a stone’s throw away from Hilo Bay. Much of downtown Hilo with the rest of Hilo mostly behind (and up the hill) from the Museum.
Getting in
The Museum is open daily from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Admission fee for the Tsunami Museum are: Adults:$7, seniors:$6, students:$2 and kids under 5: free.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a fairly simple museum. It occupies a single level and there are a number of different exhibits and presentations located throughout the space detailing the historical tsunamis that Hilo and the rest of Hawaii have faced, tsunamis around the world and efforts today to detect, track and warn the public about current or future tsunamis.
Expect to spend some time at each exhibit as almost all of them are a mix of photographs, text and some video. Some of the videos are quite long and almost all of them are quite interesting for anyone with an interest in earthquakes and tsunamis. The videos detailing the tsunami destruction in Hilo are especially interesting considering you can look out the windows of the museum and imagine the damage and destruction around you.
In 1994, the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo incorporated. Its mission statement: "We believe that through education and awareness, no one should ever again die in Hawaii due to a tsunami."
The museum serves as a living monument to the people who lost their lives in past tsunamis. Featured are a series of permanent exhibits that detail the history of tsunamis in the Pacific region; myths and legends about tsunamis; public safety measures in the event of a tsunami; and oral histories that make the tsunami experience "hit home" for each museum visitor.
If you plan to visit, here are some pertinent info:
Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha Avenue
Hilo, HI 96721
Phone: 808-935-0926
Please visit the Pacific Museum Website.
The Lyman Museum
 The nationally accredited Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai`i in its exhibit halls and its 1839 historic missionary home. The museum also features collections of seashells and minerals that are world-wide in scope, ancient art of China, artists of Hawai`i, and changing special exhibitions. Many community programs and events are held each year. Located in downtown Hilo, the Lyman Museum offers a unique educational and cultural experience for people of all ages.
The Lyman Museum began as the Lyman Mission House, originally built for New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman in 1839. Nearly 100 eventful years later, in 1931, the Museum was established by descendants of Sarah and David. Today, the Mission House has been preserved, and is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It may be visited by guided tour.
The Lyman Museum building, next door to the Mission House, houses a superb collection of artifacts, fine art, and natural history specimens as well as an archives, special exhibitions and a gift shop. Visitors touring the two facilities can see the old Mission House and life as it was 150 years ago, as well as state-of-the-art exhibits on many aspects of Hawaiian natural history and culture…a rare and well-rounded view of the real Hawai`i, as it was, as it is today, and where it may be in years to come.
The Lyman Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, one of only four such museums in the State. It is located on Haili Street in downtown Hilo (see map).
Lyman Museum & Mission House
276 Haili Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone 808.935.5021
Email: info@lymanmuseum.org
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:30am - 4:30pm.
Guided Mission House tours at 11, 1 & 3pm.
Closed Sundays, January 1, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and December 25.
Visit The Lyman Museum Website
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Transportation
The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency provides public transportation around the island on the Hele-On bus.
Best of all, most routes are FREE with a few exceptions. Please check Fees and Schedules here.
In addition, the Transit Agency offers a Shared Ride Taxi program which provides door to door transportation for as little as $2.00 within the urbanized area of Hilo.
In consideration of others and for your safety:
- Shirts and footwear are required.
- No smoking.
- Consumption of food and beverage is prohibited.
- The playing of radios, tape players, dvd players, and cell phones is prohibited without headphones.
- Refrain from horseplaying, yelling or talking loudly.
The following items are prohibited unless prior permission is granted:
- Boogie boards
- Pets are allowed provided they are kept in an enclosed container or cage.
- $1.00 charge per carry-on item larger than 18"X18", or more than one item underneath your seat.
- Please utilize designated bus stop zones whenever possible.
- Please remain seated at all times when bus is moving.
How to board the bus:
- Wait on the proper side of the roadway for the bus.
- Flag the bus (please call for bus stop information.
- Wait until the bus makes a complete stop.
How to exit the bus:
- Before reaching your desired "get-off" stop, pull the cord located by the window of the bus.
- Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Exit from front of bus.
- DISCLAIMER: The County of Hawaii will not be responsible for any inconvenience, expense, or damages resulting from the failure to depart or arrive at stated times or for any items brought on the bus.
Bus Schedule is here.
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Merry Monarch Festival
 Begun forty years ago by the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and continued by the private Merrie Monarch Festival community organization, the major purpose of the festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education. The festival is considered the world's premier forum for people of all ages to display their skills and knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula.
The annual presentation of the Merrie Monarch Festival has led to a renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that is being passed on from generation to generation. The week-long festival includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii, and a three-day hula competition that has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance.
Through the celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival, thousands of people in Hawaii and throughout the world are learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is committed to: 1) Perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; 2) Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity; 3) Reaching those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate; and, 4) Enriching the future lives of all of Hawaii's children.
In preparation of the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula studios and instructors in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland hold classes, workshops, and seminars throughout the year to teach the art of hula, the meaning of Hawaiian chants and songs, the Hawaiian language, the making of Hawaiian clothing and crafts, and the history of the Hawaiian people.
Through this ongoing year-round learning process, students also gain a knowledge and appreciation of the unique harmony and balance the ancient Hawaiian people maintained with their island environment. The chants, songs and dance tell stories of the Hawaiians' relationship with nature-the birds and fish, trees and flowers, mountains, oceans, rivers, wind, rain and Hawaii's active volcanoes.
Proceeds from the Merrie Monarch Festival support educational scholarships, workshops, seminars, symposiums and the continuation of the festival.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is the focal point and catalyst that supports and draws together an extensive network of instructional hula studios, hula masters, instructors, researchers, professors of Hawaiian studies and students of all ages who are committed to the perpetuation and advancement of the Hawaiian history and culture.
Please visit the Merrie Monarch Festival website.
Big Island International Marathon
 This certified, scenic course follows "the coast of old Hawaii" along the Pacific Ocean, past exotic waterfalls, over narrow bridges and lava beaches. Start to mile 10 is a net downhill of 500 ft., with some hills in the first 8 miles but fairly flat after that.
Hilo is located in one of the cooler, more lush parts of the "Big Island" of Hawaii, which translates into good running conditions.
Enthusiastic volunteers at well-stocked aid stations, awards given in various age groups, entertainment and great food at the Finish Line make this a memorable event for everyone.
Deadline for mailing your entry form is March 10, 2008.
Please visit the Big Island International Marathon wesite
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 The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and Namaste', a white Bengal Tiger.
Visitors can stroll through the shade of over 100 varieties of Palm or pinic with Peacocks among extensive collection of Orchids, Clumping Bamboos, ferns and Tropical Rhododendrons. The planting effort by volunteers is continuous and the Zoo grounds are considered a botanical garden.
Best of all: admission is FREE!
Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is located off Hwy. 11 in Hilo on the big island of Hawaii
Open 9 - 4 daily except Christmas and New Year's Day
Call 808-959-9233 for more information
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Petting Zoo every Saturday 1:30 - 2:30
Tiger feeding 3:30 daily
Visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo's Website.
The 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i
An Authentic Hawaiian Voyage through Time & Space.
Originally called the Maunakea Astronomy Education Center, Imiloa was developed in the mid-1990s by a team of educators, scientists and community leaders who understood the need for a comprehensive educational facility that would showcase the connections between the rich traditions of Hawaiian culture and the groundbreaking astronomical research conducted at the summit of Maunakea.
 The 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i tells dual stories of the renowned Maunakea volcano, with its world-famous astronomy and rich traditions of Hawaiian culture. 'Imiloa, which means "exploring new knowledge," reflects both the Hawaiian voyages of discovery and the explorations of astronomy.
Located on a nine-acre campus above the University of Hawaii-Hilo, with spectacular views of Hilo Bay, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center (formerly called Maunakea Astronomy Education Center) provides a unique experience for visitors, students, and families seeking to explore the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy.
Framed by a rich Polynesian tradition of exploration,'Imiloa is Hawai'i's premier facility for interpreting the deepest mysteries of the universe, being unraveled by the Maunakea observatories -- the world's largest and most important collection of telescopes. 'Imiloa inspires and educates, helping us to connect with our origins while we reach for the stars.
'Imiloa features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, group tours, a wonderful store, a cafe, and a full schedule of events.[ Visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center Website ]
We Recommend: Kapohokine Adventure Tours, as shown below:
If you’re planning for a tropical vacation, you may want nothing more than to sit on a sandy beach with an umbrella drink in your hand, soaking in the rays and enjoying a break from the norm. It’s fine if you want to relax, but if you’re in Kona or Hilo, you simply cannot miss booking one or more of the Big Island tours with KapohoKine Adventure Tours. With six adventure tours departing daily to accommodate your preference, you can take a family-friendly, scenic volcano lava tour between the two majestic volcanoes that make up Hawaii island, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Look for surface outbreaks and ocean entries while the black, smoking landscape changes right before your eyes as the gorgeous Hawaii sun sets. For thrill-seekers, KapohoKine provides the Big Island’s only zip line tour with breathtaking views of the triple tier Umauma Falls. Covering nearly ½ mile, our dual line zip is the longest on the island, and is quickly becoming the most popular tour at KapohoKine!
We Recommend: Adventure Travel Hawaii, as shown below:
AdventureTravelHawaii.com
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
 Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is easily visited by car in just a few hours or may be explored in more depth over several days. Here are some recommendations when planning your visit to the Park:
If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive; an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks.
If you have four to five hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where lava flows crossed the road in 2003.
Hikers will find an abundance of trails to satisfy their curiosity. Day hikes and wilderness hikes offer great adventures for visitors who wish to explore beyond the roadways. You can also find some beautiful pieces of lava if you look carefully.
Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows from the end of the road. No food, water, or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.
Due to the volatile and trasient nature of the active volcanoes, visitors are advised to visit the official website of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: http://www.nps.gov/havo for current conditions and advisories.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a spectacular Garden in a Valley on the Ocean - acclaimed as one of the most beautiful areas in all Hawaii. The Garden is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, 8 1/2 miles north of Hilo on the four-mile Scenic Route at Onomea Bay
In this garden valley, nature trails meander through a true tropical rainforest, crossing bubbling streams, passing several beautiful waterfalls and the exciting ocean vistas along the rugged Pacific coast.
The Garden displays a vast variety of palms, heliconias, gingers, bromeliads, and hundreds of other rare and exotic plants from all parts of the tropical world - presently more than 2,000 species, and the collection is always growing! This non-profit nature preserve is dedicated to providing a plant sanctuary, a living seed bank, and a study center for trees and plants of the tropical world and to preserving the incredibly beautiful natural environment of Onomea Bay for generations to come.
 Visitors walk the 500 foot dramatic, beautifully landscaped boardwalk down into the Garden on the ocean. This boardwalk alone is a photographer's paradise that should not be missed.
The boardwalk is not wheelchair accessible. The Garden provides golf carts to transport wheelchair-bound visitors with their companion and their wheelchairs up and down the boardwalk. Once you've exited the boardwalk, you may use your wheelchair through most of the Garden. Only non-electric wheelchairs are permitted entry into the Garden.
The Garden is open from 9am to 5pm everyday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, with Garden admissions ending at 4pm. This self-guided tour takes an average of about an hour and a half. The walking distance is just over a mile, round trip.
Admission for a day is $15 for adults, children ages 6 - 16 are $5. Children under 6 are free. For a $5 fee, Golf Cart assistance can be provided to those visitors that are not wheelchair-bound but otherwise physically limited.
To preserve the serenity and non-pollution of this beautiful garden we discourage the use of golf carts on the boardwalk unless absolutely necessary.
Some Beautiful Spots just to the south of us, but close to this side of the island:
Naalehu Waiohinu
Green Sands (olivine crystal) Beach Punaluu Black Sand (Turtle) Beach
South Point Ka Lae Pahala Kahuku Ranch Kau Forest Reserve
Kula Kai Caverns Punaluu Bakery South Point Hostel
Colony One at Sea Mountain
Please visit the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden Website.
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Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is easily visited by car in just a few hours or may be explored in more depth over several days. Here are some recommendations when planning your visit to the Park:
If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive; an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks.
If you have four to five hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where lava flows crossed the road in 2003.
 Hikers will find an abundance of trails to satisfy their curiosity. Day hikes and wilderness hikes offer great adventures for visitors who wish to explore beyond the roadways. You can also find some beautiful pieces of lava if you look carefully.
Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows from the end of the road. No food, water, or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.
Due to the volatile and trasient nature of the active volcanoes, visitors are advised to visit the official website of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: http://www.nps.gov/havo for current conditions and advisories.
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