June 19th, 2007

Yes, Hilo is a fairly wet place due to 130 inches of rain and it lacks some of the amenities of many of the popular vacation spots but it makes up for that with a rich history, a vibrant local culture and some of the grandest sights in the islands. Hilo is the second largest city on the islands and has a spectacular setting with palm-lined Hilo Bay and 13,796 foot Mauna Kea rising majestically in the background, a view worth getting in your Hilo vacation rental. Hilo is a place where you get the feeling of being in a laid-back working class town. There are no tourist aires put on here. You will find delicious local cooking made with fresh local grown produce or fish caught and bought at the local fish market. If you’re looking for local produce you must visit Kamechameha Avenue where tropical fruit, flowers, vegetables, smoked fish and local cheeses are waiting to be purchased and taken back to your vacation home to be cooked up into one of the many local recipes we can provide when you call.

You don’t want to miss the monuments at the ocean where people were given a safe haven from the law if they could get there before getting caught. It’s called Pu’uhonau o Honaunau Place of Refuge. This is a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past where traditional Hawaiian lifestyle, ancient temples, and ki’i (wooden images) are preserved. There is also the Pacific Tsunami Museum that is a must see attraction. Hilo was devastated by two deadly tidal waves in both 1946 and 1960. It’s not your typical Hawaiian vacation spot with white sand beaches lined with palm trees but it is a place to visit to get the feel for what life is like in an island city with a lot of history.