Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
chain of islets and atolls containing the healthiest coral reefs in the USA. Learn more
about it at this fascinating and well-done museum. Unfortunately the lasting image may
be of the enormous amounts of plastic now washing ashore there.
East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center
ART GALLERY
best venue for local art is this downtown center, which has some truly fabulous works on
display. The exhibit changes monthly, while workshops and classes on varied creative
forms (eg painting, drawing, ukulele and hula) are ongoing. Check the website for spe-
cial evening concerts featuring top artists.
Liliʻuokalani Park & Banyan Drive
PARK
Banyan Dr is Hilo's mini 'hotel row,' but many of its hotels are in tragic decline due to a
leasing battle with the government. A grander past is evident in the giant banyan trees
lining the road, planted in the 1930s, and in beautiful Lili'uokalani Park.
Named for Hawaii's last queen, the 30-acre Japanese garden has manicured lawns,
shallow ponds, bamboo groves, arched bridges, pagodas and a teahouse. You can also
stroll across the footbridge from here to Mokuola (Coconut Island), where you can swim
and picnic surounded by a spectacular view of the bay, the town and majestic Mauna Kea
in the distance.
Peʻepeʻe Falls & Boiling Pots
WATERFALL
This interesting series of falls cascading into swirling, bubbling pools (or 'boiling pots')
is 2 miles past Rainbow Falls, and the better of the two sights. Restrooms available.
You might be tempted to hike closer and take a plunge, but heed the warning signs;
currents are much stronger than they appear and there's a drowning in this river about
once a year.
Rainbow Falls
WATERFALL
A regular stop for tour buses, the lookout for this 'instant gratification' cascade is just
steps from the parking lot. Depending on rainfall, the lovely 80ft waterfall can be a tor-
rent or a trickle. Go in the morning and you'll see rainbows if the sun and mist cooperate.
Waianuenue (which means 'rainbow seen in water') is the Hawaiian name for these
falls. To get here, drive up Waianuenue Ave (veer right when it splits into Kaumana Dr)
about 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo; follow the signage.
