Hawaii Island, commonly referred to as the “Big Island,” is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain of islands that make up the state of Hawaii.
Hilo is one of the seven regions that make up “The Big Island“, along with the other six regions of Kona, Kohala Coast, North Kohala, Puna, Kauand the the Hamakua Coast.
The Hilo region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens.
Downtown Hilo overlooks Hilo Bay and is situated upon two dormant volcanoes, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea. Hilo is home to the University of Hawaii, and Imioloa Astronomy Center of Hawai’i, and the Merrie Monarch Festival, which is a week long celebration of ancient and modern hula.
Here are 5 interesting facs about Hilo, Hawaii.
Blossoms of a macadamia nut tree at the Mauna Loa Macadamia nut plantation near Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo by “MacFlowers”.
1. The world’s largest processor of macadamia seeds, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is headquartered just south of Hilo. The company was named after the Mauna Loa volcano, and is a subsidiary of The Hershey Company.
Visitors can tour the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory & Visitors Center located on One Macadamia Road in Hilo.
2. The first inhabitants arrived in Hilo around 1100 A.D, coming from from the Marquesas Islands. They brought Polynesian traditions and knowledge. It was on Captain Cook’s third voyage that he landed in Hawaii in 1778 (on Kaui), paving the way for an influx of westerners to the islands. Within one year, warriors at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island killed Captain Cook.
The S. Hata buidling in Hilo, Hawaii dates to 1912, and is home to the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, a museum on the Northwestern Hawaii Islands and its National Monument. Photo by W Nowicki.
3. Hilo means “twist” in Hawaiian.
4. Hilo is in a tropical rainforest climate and has a total area of 58.4 square miles.
5. Hilo is the oldest county in the Hawaiian archipelago. Some great points of Interest include Kalakaua Park, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Lyman Museum, and Haili Church.
Though it may be a place that is traditionally known for it’s tourism Hilo, Hawaii may give you a more authentic view of the island and will allow you a true view of the Hawaiian culture.
Learn more, or get a taste of Hilo, Hawaii with these:
Moon Big Island of Hawaii: Including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hilo Hattie: A Legend in Our Time
Mauna Loa Macadamias, Maui Onion & Garlic, 4.5-Ounce Containers (Pack of 6)
Have you visited Hilo, Hawaii? What was your favorite place to see? What do you recommend visiting?
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee. Check out her blog and LinkedIn page to see more about what she does.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
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