OUR TAKE ON HILO
The second biggest city in Hawaii, Hilo is a popular adventurous spot in the heart of Hawaii, and there's plenty of things to do in Hilo. Besides being a popular vacation spot for honeymooners, people bring their kids here every year to experience the sights and splendor of the peaceful Pacific. You'll love how Hilo infuses modern with ancient, combining strong Polynesian tastes with modern American splendor. Instead of vacationing in a quieter place this summer, consider making your vacation perfect in Hilo, Hawaii's biggest Island city.
For starters, Hilo is the home to many natural points of interest, including the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. A very kid friendly attraction, Pana'ewa is the only zoo that is located in an actual rainforest, budding with wildlife such as rare white Bengal tigers and exotic birds. If your kids want a different sort of adventure, consider visiting the Pacific Tsunami Museum, a museum dedicated to the two tsunamis that ravaged Hawaii in the 1900s.
For an adventure without the kids, consider a visit to Banyan Drive, Hilos's own natural "Walk of Fame". Many celebrities, including Richard Nixon and Babe Ruth, have planted trees on Banyan Drive, making this drive truly historic. Banyan Drive also overlooks the Pacific, making this a popular romantic destination during the evening. Another great romantic destination is Hilo Tropical Gardens, previously owned by a Hawaiian princess. Lodging is widely available here, completing a romantic night out.
If you would like to pick lodging somewhere else, consider staying in downtown Hilo. Along with many historic hotels available at affordable rates, Hilo also had traditional Hawaiian lodging available. For more information bout Hilo, including lodging information, kid friendly attractions, romantic spots, and vacation information, read Hilo's official blog.
LODGING
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Shipman House Bed & Breakfast Inn
"br / br br / just a fantastic experience in a wonderful setting with a gracious host" - a user of Yahoo! Travel
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Dolphin Bay Hotel
"wonderful hospitality at a bargain price" - a user of Fodors
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Waterfalls Inn B%B
"sounds of the waterfuls made our stay really relaxing" - a user of TripAdvisor
THINGS TO DO
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Onekahakaha Beach Park
"Tidepooling!!! A truly unique experience for a visitor to the islands!" - a user of Yelp
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Pacific Tsunami Museum
"Pretty interesting place. The museum is located in an old bank downtown and is set up nicely. The main goal of the museum is to spread knowledge of tsunamis and how to protect your…" - a user of TripAdvisor
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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
"Our group of 7 visited the zoo a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. One of the teenagers who were with us had never been to a zoo, so that may have made it a little more enjoyable, but …" - a user of TripAdvisor

