Historical Hilo
Our next location to visit is Hilo The wet side of the island. Hilo, meaning "the first phase of the crescent moon," is aptly named to signify the graceful crescent shape of its bay.
Here you arrive at Liliuokalani Gardens. Modeled in the Japanese Shinto style, this park’s fishponds, teahouses, rock gardens, and arched bridges celebrate the beauty of a type of landscaping and architecture that originated in Japan. Japanese culture introduced itself to Hawai’i in the late 1800s with the coming of the first Japanese immigrants.
Although Hawai’i’s plantation structure, tropical climate, and ethnic diversity presented a new way of life for them, they remained deeply rooted in their traditions, which fostered the growth of a strong Japanese community. Their contributions to the local scene, especially in education and business, play a big role in the Hawai’i of today.
Cross the footbridge to Coconut Island, also known as Moku Ola or Island of Life. Once a place of healing and refuge, it is surrounded by many freshwater springs said to be beneficial to health. Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island offer outstanding photo opportunities.
North on Kamehameha Avenue, you come to downtown Hilo, with its eclectic mix of shops, ethnic cuisine, museums, and historic buildings.
Stop and enjoy the Hilo Farmers’ Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Also visit the Tsunami and Lyman Museums and the Mokupapapa Discovery Center.
Learn More about Historical Hilo in your Fire & Water DVD
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