Hawai'i the Big Island - Hawaii - page 422

Wailoa Center & Wailoa River State Park ART GALLERY
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( 933-0416; 8:30am-4:30pm Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, noon-4:30pm Wed) This eclectic,
state-run gallery hosts a variety of monthly exhibits. You might find quilts, bonsai,
Chinese watercolors or historical photos, all done by locals. Surrounding the center is a
quiet state park on the Wailoa River.
The main park landmark is a 14ft, Italian-made bronze statue of Kamehameha the
Great, erected in 1997 and restored with gold leaf in 2004. There is also a tsunami me-
morial and a Vietnam War memorial.
Hawaiʻi Nui Brewing BREWERY
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( 934-8211; http://hawaiinuibrewing.com ; 275 E Kawili; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri) This mi-
crobrewery has a small tasting room where you sample some excellent craft beer. Mauna
Kea pale ale is the most popular, but don't overlook Southern Cross, a powerful Belgian
ale that gives those Trappist monks a run for their money.
Activities
While Hilo's coast is lined with reefs rather than sand, the gentle waters are ideal for
stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Rent a board and paddle, and launch from Mokuola (Co-
conut Island), Reed's Bay or Wailoa River State Park. For surfing, head to Honoliʻi
Beach Park.
While diving is best on the Kona side, there are decent shore-dive spots in or near
Hilo; inquire at the dive shops.
Sun & Sea Hawaii WATERSPORTS
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( 934-0902; [e-mail]; 244 Kamehameha Ave; SUP half/full day $45/65, 1-/
2-tank shore dive $99/$129) This friendly one-stop shop for ocean sports rents SUP pack-
ages and sells a variety of snorkeling, diving and swimming gear.
Nautilus Dive Center DIVING
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( 935-6939; www.nautilusdivehilo.com ; 382 Kamehameha Ave; 2-tank dive $85; 9am-5pm
Tue-Sat) Hilo's go-to dive shop since 1975 offers guided dives, PADI certification courses