Learn About Tsunamis
Hilo was hit by major tsunamis in 1946 and 1960. The city was so badly damaged that after the 1960 event, townspeople refused to rebuild on the waterfront, which is now a lovely park area. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is filled with exhibits and literature about how the killer tidal waves formed. And the Wailoa Center, an art gallery, has an entire floor dedicated to photos showing the terrible damage to Hilo in 1946 and 1960.
Pacific Tsunami Musuem
130 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 935-0926
tsunami.org
Wailoa Center
Wailoa River State Park
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 933-0416
Japanese Gardens
Pagodas, footbridges and lovely fish ponds mark the Lili'uokalani Gardens on Waiakea Peninsula. The gardens are on the site of the former Japanese Quarter, right on Hilo Bay, one of the spots that was converted into open space after the 1960 tsunami. The tranquil garden has an arched bridge that attaches it to Coconut Island, a popular local fishing spot. Banyan Drive, with its gigantic celebrity-planted banyan trees, surrounds and shades much of the area.
Outdoors Activities
When there's a little sunshine, visit Rainbow Falls just west of downtown. This 80-foot, easily accessible waterfall glimmers on sunny days when the rays of the sun filter through the mist to create myriad rainbows. To the west of downtown, Hilo does have a few beaches, in particular, the James Kealoha Beach Park (Kalaniana'ole Ave.), which is sheltered to allow swimming and colorful snorkeling.
Rainbow Falls
Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Hilo Municipal Golf Course
Different from many Hawaii courses, Hilo Municipal is a fun course with no bunkers, flat fairways and views of Hilo Bay. While the course is narrow in spots, there is little trouble and you can run a shot up to any of the greens. The lush course is short, playing at 6,325 from the tips and is quite forgiving.
340 Haihai St
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 959-7711
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
