It’s 5:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning in Hilo. First light is just beginning to break through the clouds in hues of amber and apricot. A traffic light turns green for no one along this quiet street. I’m still wiping the sleep from my eyes, but already a dozen employees have been hard at work
Located on the northeastern side of Hawaiʻi Island, Hilo is a quirky town filled with loveable charm, fascinating history and jaw-dropping natural wonders. While the town itself is often considered quiet and sleepy, Hilo is filled with life. Here, the streets are lined with hole-in-the-wall shops and beautiful hiking trails that are just short drives from
Standing among a row of tall, verdant trees, Kea Keolanui hands me a small leaf and says, “Chew on this.” The bitter taste is slightly mouth-numbing and I have zero guesses of what this spice is. Keolanui tells me it’s clove. The aromatic flower buds are from Syzgium aromaticum tree, which are native to Indonesia
Are you considering a trip to Hilo? The colorful town is known in the Islands as the birthplace of the iconic loco moco and famous around the world for being home to the Merrie Monarch Festival. It’s also a bucket-list destination for those planning to see the epic Kīlauea eruption. READ MORE: Best Loco
Seeing a waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Yes, it’s a thing. And one of the most accessible waterfalls is ʻAkaka Falls on Hawaiʻi Island. In fact, you can see two waterfalls—ʻAkaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls—on this short but beautiful hike through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo and wild orchids. And it’s only a half-hour
Since the first event in 1964, the Merrie Monarch Festival has been a vibrant celebration of hula and Hawaiian culture. Excitement builds during a week of festivities, including parades, performances and Hawaiian art fairs, and reaches its peak during three nights of hula competitions. It’s when the quiet town of Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, where
While a car will take you to the far corners of any island, sometimes the best way to discover an area is by foot. From historic surf towns and colorful art districts to former plantation neighborhoods, Hawaiʻi is home to many great walkable regions. And you’ll quickly notice an afternoon can easily slip away when
School’s out, and it’s time to get out in nature. Trade in midterms, homework and the weekly grind for a peaceful, mindful adventure in Hilo, a gateway to the wild side of Hawai‘i Island. Here’s our guide for mapping out spectacular natural wonders, cultural connections and active pursuits, plus all the must-dos to make the
Hawai‘i has long had a reputation for top-notch hospitality, with great service, friendly smiles, attention to detail, and, of course, the spirit of aloha. Enter SCP Hilo Hotel, a newly renovated 128-room property, which steps up hospitality to the max by focusing not only on its guests, but on the community and even the planet.
Travel is back, and visitors are once again welcome to discover the Hawaiian Islands. As we enthusiastically make post-pandemic travel plans, we do so with mindfulness and a deeper gratitude toward the planet. How can we make a richer connection with the places we visit and the cultures we experience? How can we leave our
A lesser-known gem of the Hawaiian Islands, Hilo is situated around a crescent-shaped bay studded with charming shops, galleries and restaurants, and acts as a gateway to the wild side of Hawai‘i Island (also known as the Big Island). Follow our must-do itinerary for a taste of authentic culture, local eats and active pursuits and
