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Visitor Attractions in Hilo
Information about the most popular visitor attractions in
the town of Hilo on the east coast of the Big Island
of Hawaii.
Rainbow Falls
This 80 foot waterfall is located right in the town
of Hilo on the Wailuku River. The falls pour into
a natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Upstream from the falls there are some rapids known
as the Boiling Pots.
Wailuku River Canyon Bridges
There are three old bridges across the Wailuku
River Canyon, just downstream from Rainbow Falls.
One of those bridges is at Wainaku Street and
one is at Keawe Street. You can get a nice picture
of a third bridge, the Wailuku River Canyon, and Hilo Bay by
standing on one of those two bridges.
Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
The beautiful, state-of-the-art Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located
on a hillside above the town of Hilo and it features a planetarium and
exhibits telling the story of the Maunakea Volcano as it relates to astronomy
and the Hawaiian culture.
Mokupapapa Discovery Center
This 4000 square foot museum is dedicated to the natural science,
culture, and history of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Exhibits
include interactive displays, three dimensional models, and
a 2500 gallons salt water aquarium,
Opened in 2003 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For more information call 808-933-8195.
(308 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii)
Queen Liliuoklanai Park
The Queen Liliuoklanai Park and Gardens on the waterfront
in Hilo includes a beautiful Japanese style garden
Botanical Gardens in Hilo
Information about public and privately owned Japanese gardens and tropical
botanical gardens in and near Hilo.
Downtown Hilo
The portion of Kamehameha Avenue between Waianuenu Avenue
and Mamo Street is called "Front Street" by the local
residents. Front Street overlooks Hilo Bay and many
of the buildings there have been restored. The eight
square blocks behind Front Street, including Keawe Street
and Kinoole Street and their cross streets are considered
a seedy area by some visitors but I think it is fun to
explore that aera with its massage schools, tattoo parlors,
thrift shops, and cafes.
Banyan Drive
This is a wide, curved road on Hilo Bay that has
an atmosphere of old elegance. Many of Hilo's
hotels are located on Banyan Drive. Queen Liliuoklanai
Park is located nearby. In the 1930's it was a tradition
for famous people to plant trees on Banyan Drive. Some
of the celebrities who participated in this tradition included
Cecil B. DeMille who planted a tree on October 24, 1933 and
Amelia Earhart who planted one on January 6, 1935,
Lyman House Memorial Museum
The Lyman Mission House is the oldest wooden building
on the Big Island and tours of the house are offered
three times a day. The Lyman Museum is located in a newer
building next to the old mission house and it features
cultural history and natural history exhibits. The museum
is open Monday throught Saturday and there is a $10 entry fee.
Call 808-935-5021 to confirm operating hours and entry fees.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
This museum features photos exhibits about tidal
waves in Hilo and other parts of Hawaii.
Located on the corner of Front Street and Kalakaua Street
in downtown Hilo. Open 9 to 4 Monday through Saturday
and there is a $7 entry fee. Call 808-935-0926
to confirm operating hours and entry fee.
Palace Theatre
This famous theater was bilt in 1925, making it more
then 80 years old. Today it a popular venue for movies
and live performances inlcuding a weekly $5, 45-minute,
"Hawaiiana Live" show feauring hula dancers and a
historic film, accompanied by live music played on the
theater's organ. The theater is locatd just off of
front street on Haili Street. To confirm movie and live
show schedules and times call 808-934-7010.
S. Hata Building
This Victorial style building was constructed on Front
Street in 1912. One of its most distinctive features
is a row of arched windows on the second floor.
S. H. Kress Company Building
This art deco style building was constructe on Front
Street ini 1932. Its most distinctive features are
its geometric contours.
Hilo Farmer's Market
Two days a week produce, pastries, flowers,
artwork, and souvenirs are sold at this outdoor market
at the corner of Front Street (Kamehameha Avenue) and
Mamo Street in downtown Hilo. There are typically
about 120 vendors on Wednesdays and sometimes fewer on
Saturdays. Begins at dawn. For more information
call 808-933-1000.
Wailoa River Memorial Park
There is a park near the Wailoa River that
has a statue of King Kamehameha I and a
memorial to those who died in Hilo's
two largest tidal waves.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
This 12 acre zoo is located south of Hilo in the
Panaewa Forest Reserve. About fifty species of animals
are exhibited including tigers, tapirs, and the
pygmy hippopotamus.
Suisan Fish Market
This fish market at 85 Lihiwai in Hilo is more then 90 years old
and it is most well-known for its morning fish auction. Fresh
and frozen fish can also be purchased in the market all day
along with fish prepared in different ways such as marinated
or dried. Market is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through
Saturday. Call 808-935-9349 to confirm operating hours.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Orchard
Visitors can drive through a macadamia nut orchard
and then view nuts being processed, watch nuts
and cookies being dipped in chocolate, sample products,
and visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts Gift Shop
and Snack Bar. Located about 10 or 15 minutes from
the Hilo Airport.
East Hawaii Cultural Center
This arts and crafts center is located inside
a former police station facing Hilo's Kalakaua Park.
It is managed by the East Hawaii Cultural Council
which is an umbrella organization for a group
of east Hawaii artisans. Features art exhibits,
workshops, and classes.
Highlights in and Near Hilo
Downtown Hilo
Hilo Farmers Market
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Lyman Museum
Imiloa Astronomy Center
Banyan Drive
Merrie Monarch Festival
More Attractions In and Near Hilo
Ainako Park
Akaka Falls State Park
Bayfront Park
Honolii Beach Park
Carlsmith Beach Park
Clem Akina Park
Coconut Island (take bridge from the Naniloa Hotel)
Gilbert Carvalho Park
Hilo Bay
Hilo Bay Beach
Hilo Municipal Golf Course
Hoolulu Park
Kaipalaoa Landing Wharf
Kaumana Caves Park (5 miles above Hilo)
Kealoha Beach Park
Keaukaha Beach Park (in Puhi Bay)
Keaukaha Military Reservation
Keikiland Playground
Kionakapahu Pond
Kuhio Bay
Kalakaua Park
Lehia Beach Park
Leleiwi Beach Park (4 miles east of Hilo)
Lincoln Park
Lokoaka Pond
Mohouli Fishpond
Mokaoku (what is this? on Banyan Drive Point)
Naha Stone
Naniloa Country Club
Old Police Station (East Hawaii Cultural Center)
Onekahakaha Park
Plantation Museum
Puhi Bay
Richardson Ocean Park (aka Richardson Ocean Center)
Reed's Bay
Reed's Bay Beach Park
Taishoji Soto Mission
Waiakea Fishpond
Wailoa Center (in Wailoa State Park)
Wailoa River State Recreation Area (aka Wailoa State Park)
Wailuku River State Park - Rainbow Falls Area
Wailuku River State Park - Boiling Pots Area
Communities North of Hilo on Highway 19 (south to north)
Wainaku
Papaikou Town
Onomea Town
Kawainui
Pepeekeo Town
(inland here is
Akaka Falls State Park)
Honomu Town
Waileea
Above information to be divided into these sections:
Downtown Hilo
Inland from Downtown Hilo
North of Hilo on Highway 19
South of Hilo Along the Coast
Saddle Road Area
Hawaii Belt Road Area
See also:
Introduction to Hilo Town
Other Big Island Attractions
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Related Links
Hawaii Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
Elsewhere on the Web
Trip Advisor on Hilo Attractions
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