Hilo, Hawaii

	Hilo Overview		Must See Highlights		Shore Excursions

Located on the lush coast of the Big Island, Hilo is the capital city of Hawaii. Hilo is also where you'll find two of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of creation: Rainbow Falls in the south and the mammoth Akaka Falls in the north, which sends hundred of thousands of gallons of water plummeting over a volcanic cliff. Hilo is also home to Volcanoes National Park and the imposing Kilauea Volcano.

		Must See Highlights The "Big Island" of Hawaii is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and the most varied in landscape—with striking black sand beaches and green sand beaches, tropical rain forests, ancient Hawaii heiau ruins, alpine terrain, and surreal lava rock landscapes. Hilo, the eastern side's port city is where the seat of the Big Island's government resides and it is a launching point for the myriad of Big Island attractions.
		Shore Excursions Bring your curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes as you set out on a Hawaiian shore excursion. There are plenty of treasures to uncover in this land of lush, emerald green foliage and active, molten volcanoes. Whether you choose to visit the amazing Volcanoes National Park, enjoy a Circle of Fire helicopter tour or embark on a Hilo Bay waterfall & kayak adventure, know that your tour will be led by guides who are ready to share their rare insights about the true Hawaii.

Learn More About Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island

The small city of Hilo is built around crescent-shaped Hilo Bay , celebrated in song and dance. The peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea dominate the verdant windward district of Hilo. Hilo moku was a busy farming and fishing population center in ancient times, and evolved into the seat of county government and commercial center of sugar activity. American missionaries arrived in Hilo in 1823, and less than twenty years later, the kindom had become a Christian nation.

Hawaii's Big Island Culture & History
It’s easy to immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii's Big Island. Try dancing the hula and taking part in an authentic luau (feast). Head upcountry and discover the uniquely blended Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Mexican cultures - still alive and well among Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) on the island’s giant ranches. Visit historical Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779. And don’t miss Puukohola Heiau. This sacred spot was built in 1790 by King Kamehameha as an offering to the gods, where he asked for success in his campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii's Big Island Family Activities
Hawaii’s Big Island is a big ohana, and that means family, whether it’s a traditional mom & dad and kids, blended, extended, multi generational family reunion or a group of old friends. The Big Island ohana embraces groups of people traveling together, of different ages, with different interests and tastes. And there’s an adventure waiting for anyone with a sense of play and imagination.

In one day, a family can experience the desertlike lava plains along the Kona coast and the rainiest city in America, Hilo. Go from sea level to the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea (13,796 when measured from sea level, 33,500 from the ocean floor), cruise through green rainforest or black lava rock. Watch whales, swim with dolphins, whisper to horses or listen to rare birdsong, sleep in the hotel industry’s best, or camp out in seldom-seen places.

Hawaii's Big Island Weddings & Honeymoons
With 365 unforgettable days to choose from, Hawaii’s Big Island is the perfect place to make your wedding dreams come true and celebrate year after year. Exchange your vows and flower lei, just the two of you, barefoot in the sand. Or fill a formal ballroom with family and friends, and tropical splendor fit for a queen. Sail into a sunset ceremony at sea, walk down the aisle of Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, have fun with a western wedding paniolo-style, stroll through a garden by Hilo Bay, crossing a collection of oriental bridges to symbolize your journey together. Engage your imagination, indulge your senses, elevate your spirits here, together.

Golf on Hawaii's Big Island
There are 20 magnificent courses on Hawaii’s Big Island (and more are being developed). These courses are carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks, and fronting some of the most beautiful coastline of the Pacific. The striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows, and turquoise blue Pacific waters make for some of the most scenic holes anywhere.

Hawaii's Big Island Arts Scene
Artists find the Big Island seductive. Even if you can’t draw a straight line and have two left feet, sensory adventure can still be yours. The land’s aloha calls to your artistic mind’s eye, beckons you to share the richness and abundance of the world around.

Inspiration is everywhere to paint, sculpt, sing, dance, write – to create art aloha. Watch for continuously-changing lights and shadows, the mind-bending contrasts -- riotous exuberant forests snuggle up to somber, desolate lava fields. the glorious palette of flamboyant flowers, and the subtle tints and hues all around. And, always, strong currents of spirits and spirituality underlying daily life. Whatever it is, art is an elemental island heartbeat. Visual Arts, Performing Arts, aside, heck, living is an artform here!

Some content reproduced with permission from Hawaii's Official Tourism Site.

Some content and photos used with permission from Norwegian Cruise Line.