It seems like everything grows on Hawai‘i Island, from coffee beans to sweet potatoes, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Hilo. Gorgeously lush, the town features a distinctly overgrown aesthetic with small businesses, shops and natural wonders around every corner.
Photo: Kayla Rivera
1. Pacific Tsunami Museum
Tsunami evacuation signs are scattered around Hilo and showcase only a small part of the town’s long history with destructive, colossal waves. The Pacific Tsunami Museum tells the rest of that story, and through its collections of photos, first-person accounts on video and in writing, artifacts and maps, aims to educate the public on the Islands’ turbulent history with tsunamis. 130 Kamehameha Ave., (808) 935-0926, tsunami.org.
2. Hana Hou Hilo
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Hana Hou Hilo specializes in Hawai‘i-made goods, clothing and accessories. The store’s hand-woven lau hala hats are works of art, and are sold at a premium price. 160 Kamehameha Ave., (808) 935-4555, hanahouhilo.com.
3. Moon and Turtle
If you want to dine on the best produce and proteins Hawai‘i Island has to offer, this low-key eatery uses locally sourced ingredients in a variety of mouthwatering entrées and appetizers, and features an ever-rotating menu based on season and availability. 51 Kalākaua St., (808) 961-0599
4. Two Ladies Kitchen
Unlike most hole-in-the-wall confectionery shops, Two Ladies Kitchen, which specializes in various flavors of mochi, is easy to find—just look for the out-the-door line. If the shop is sold out of its strawberry mochi, which happens regularly, try a peanut butter-filled mochi or one stuffed with sweet azuki (Japanese red bean paste). 274 Kīlauea Ave., (808) 961-4766
5. Suisan Fish Market
Hawai‘i locals often debate about who has the best poke bowl. Well, Suisan Fish Market makes a strong contender. Known for its fresh ‘ahi, the hardworking staff behind the counter serves tasty poke bowls that showcase cubes of fresh fish flavored with a variety of sauces and seasonings. 93 Lihiwai St., (808) 935-9349, suisan.com
6. Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens
Photo: John Mernarn/Flickr
Built in 1979 on land donated by Queen Lili‘uokalani, this Edo-style park and garden is right on Hilo Bay and is the perfect place to jog or walk. 189 Lihiwai St.
7. Basically Books
Photo: Ron Paul
You can find a book in almost any genre at Basically Books, from fiction to history and language studies to biographies. The place is also home to a surprisingly large collection of Hawaiian music. 1672 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 961-0144, basicallybooks.com.
