Greater Hilo

A strong sense of community, history and culture has managed to survive, and even thrive, in Hilo. Able to escape much of the tourist trap mentality, despite being built right on the ocean and surrounded by tropical greenery, this is a place that exemplifies living simply. As a hub city full of people who were raised here with the Aloha spirit, Hilo offers many free or inexpensive delights.

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings neighborhood commerce suddenly springs to life at the Hilo Market.

Both curious and experienced shoppers bustle amongst easily affordable goods priced for locals.

Rows of stalls are all piled high with farm-fresh vegetables, delicious snacks and deserts, vivid flower arrangements, as well as local and international crafts. Socializing groups “talk story” and catch up on the latest chat between purchases of the week’s groceries and the day’s lunch.

After the market, check out the historical Palace Theater with its low-key, traditional hula and ukulele shows highlighted with historical videos. Or check out a movie on the large screen a few blocks away at the dollar theater.

I swear half the city is made up of parks.

There is even a state park right in the middle of town where people bike and boat.

Whether if be a picnic lunch, full moon gathering, or community event, Coconut Island is a romantic excursion just a short walking bridge away from town.



Even in the middle of the week, the tiny waves and coconut palms exude the leisurely vibe of a lazy Sunday afternoon.

On the edge of the bay resides a well used Japanese Garden.

Recreation seekers flock here to jog, fish, or simply relax in the well manicured gardens.



In addition to the elegant bridges, ponds, and flora, there is a traditional Japanese tea house facing the garden. We greatly enjoyed parking by the tall trees and green grass while we listened to the library’s Harry Potter Books on CD complemented by bird song.

Families seem to spend a great deal of time out of doors barbequing, lounging, and swimming. Beaches fill quickly on weekends. One of our favorite beaches was Richardson’s, which offered clear tide pools and swimming holes protected from the waves. Small children splashed in the bright blue water while parents relaxed on the grass by the shore. I don’t think we took any photos on those days, but I had to grab my camera the morning after an unusually large storm. Where demur waves normally splashed playfully against the rock breaker, large swells now crashed, creating powerful sprays reaching up to 20 and 30 feet high.

As a tribute to both the beauty of this tiny city on the water, and its connection to nature, Rainbow Falls is actually found inside the city boundaries. At first sight this water fall presents an exciting splash of grandeur.

Lush vegetation frame misty cascades showcasing occasional rainbows and plays of light. Follow the rock staircase to the less frequented swimming holes and views from above the falls.

Fil crawled up to the top of the falls to capture a shot of a rainbow in the mist.

On a later visit, he was eventually able to gently coax me up there. . .at least close enough to get this see this much

and enjoy the hidden cove just above the drop, perfectly carved for laying back and cloud watching.