Hilo lies on the east coast of the Island of Hawaii in the heart of Hilo Bay, whose crescent shape has earned it the name "Crescent moon Bay".
The settlement of Hilo was founded in the same year that Captain Cook arrived at the Hawaiian islands (1778). Its population of 43,500 makes Hilo the second largest town in the State of Hawaii. One third
of Big Island's inhabitants live here. Hilo is Big Island's main town and an important center of agriculture (sugar cane and flowers), as well as a significant port.
Two disastrous tsunamis in 1946 and 1960 destroyed great parts of the town. Most of the government offices, which were situated near the coast, were rebuilt in safer parts of Hilo. As coastal protection, several grassed areas for walking and leisure activities were laid in their place.
Hilo's rainy climate does not make it a particularly favorite haunt for tourists. However, its well-preserved Old Town, with buildings dating from 1870, is well worth exploring. Thanks to the heavy levels of rainfall a unique display of flowers, particularly orchids and anthurias, can be admired in the gardens and surroundings of Hilo.
Hilo is a suitable starting point for exploring the various places of interest nearby such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, only 32 miles/50km away, several waterfalls and tropical rainforests.
The town cannot be recommended to those seeking a bathing resort. The few beaches are mainly man-made beach parks which cannot be compared to the natural sandy beaches found elsewhere on the island.
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