Highway 19
East Hawaii

This charming historic city fronts the large curved Hilo Bay. The area is always lush and green due to an annual rainfall of over 70 inches per year and is the wettest city in the USA. Numerous historical sites are located within the city limits. A free Walking-Tour pamphlet is available at the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association or from numerous merchants.

The Hilo area of Hawaii was first settled by Polynesians in 1100 A.D. In the late 1700's, the city was the political and social center of the island. In the early 1800's, Missionaries choose Hilo as their home on the Big Island. The city thrived during the early 1900's when the sugar crop was king. Today, after two fierce tsunamis and the decline of sugar as a commercial crop, Hilo still thrives as a relaxing, beautiful and historical center.

On April 1, 1946, the city of Hilo was hit by a tsunami that killed 159 residents and destroyed 1,300 homes. On May 19, 1960, the area was again struck by a tsunami which killed 61 more. This clock, which stood in the city at the time, stopped at exactly 1:04 AM - the moment the wave hit the town. The area was made into a park and the clock was preserved and stands as a reminder and memorial to those lost lives.

Quaint, colorful shops face Hilo Bay and reflect the casual, relaxed atmosphere of the community. Festivals, fairs, and open-air markets can often be found along this stretch of town.

Click on a link below for historical and cultural sites in downtown Hilo:

Banyan Tree Drive
Hilo Clock
Hilo Cultural Center
Kalakaua Park
Lyman Museum
Naha & Pinao Stones
Tsunami Museum
Wailoa Center

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(left) The Federal Building was initially built in 1910 with the two wings being added in 1936.

Click on a link below for nature areas in and near downtown Hilo:

Boiling Pots
Coconut Island
Hilo Bay
Lili'uokalani Park
Pe'epe'e Falls
Rainbow Falls
Waiale Falls
Wailoa Park
Wailuku River

Click on a link below for beaches near downtown Hilo:

Carl Smith Beach Park
Ice Pond
James Kealoha Beach
Leleui Beach Park
Onekahakaha Beach
Richardson's Ocean Center