Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
front, you'll know Hiloism when you see it. Just be sure to talk to the locals: they'll
happily weigh in.
most surprising combinations end up in the same container on Wednesday and
Sunday. Goatmilk soap, anyone? After surveying the local produce, duck into
Cafe Pesto
(
Click here
)
for a fine brunch. But the questions keep coming. Is it a
French bistro? An Italian pizzeria? A Spanish tapas bar? Or more Hawaii Regional
Cuisine? You are now excused for wanting to flee into a dark room. So it's on to
Kress Cinemas
(
Click here
)
. Here you find a business that defies all the laws of
economics. Where else can you see a movie these days for $2? Welcome, certainly,
but what Twilight Zone have you entered? Head spinning, you now receive the
ated to revisiting Hilo's own destruction - twice. No wonder they show the movies
in the bank vault. You're then left wide open to a deeper shock:
Mokupapapa
Discovery Center
(
Click here
)
. And you thought there were only eight Hawaiian Is-
lands? Guess again - they go on for another 1500 miles. This entire place isn't
what you thought! By now you have lost your moorings so completely that you
need pharmaceutical support. Head back down the street to
Bayfront Coffee,
Kava & Tea Co
(
Click here
)
, where you'll find Hilo's own licit substance, kava,
ladled out at the bar. Now grasp half a coconut shell - clearly, it's time to give in -
and raise a toast to Hiloism. After all, where else on the planet can you experience
all that in 400 yards? Just don't be surprised when your mouth turns numb. You're
not supposed to talk about it!
Beaches
Except for Honoliʻi Beach Park, Hilo's beaches are all located in the Keaukaha neighbor-
hood.
All-terrain wheelchairs are available for 'surf day' events at certain beaches on sched-
uled dates. For more information call
961-8681.
Richardson Ocean Park
BEACH
Near the end of Kalanianaʻole Ave, this pocket of black sand is Hilo's best all-round
beach. There are restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a lifeguard.
During calm surf, swimming is fine, while snorkeling is good on the warmer eastern
side. (Waters are cooler on the northern side due to subsurface freshwater springs.) Lava
rocks create interesting nooks and crannies, and sea turtles often hang out here. High surf
attracts bodyboarders.
