From its humble beginnings as an early farming and fishing community, Hilo became a thriving town serving the sugar industry in the 1800’s. Today, the town provides an interesting and convenient base for visitors wanting to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is just 45 minutes from Hilo.

Downtown Hilo is home to many early buildings, several of which are on the National Register of Historic Places - you can visit the neo-classical Palace Theater (1925), several art galleries, and the Hilo Farmers Market. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, you can visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum, the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and the Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Hikers can have fun admiring waterfalls and the Boiling Pots at the Wailuku River State Park.

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