Hilo, Hawaii

Banyan Drive - Hilo began planting these massive trees in the 1930's. Now their large aerial roots and leafy canopies line the entire street making it both unique and beautiful - Banyan Drive, Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Big Island Visitors Bureau - This is the county's official visitors center and the best source of local information in Hilo. - 250 Keawe St., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Coconut Island - It's simply an island connected by a footbridge to Hilo where you can watch the waves and ocean roll on past you. Local fishermen will be on hand trying their luck. - off Banyan Drive, Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Haili Church - Hilo's historic Haili Church is a local community center and statewide treasure. - Haili Street, Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Hilo Farmers Market - Stop at the Hilo Farmers Market and stock up on fruits, crafts, flowers and gifts. Open every Wednesday and Sunday, year round, from dawn until there's nothing left to sell. - Mamo and Kamehameha Sts., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Kalakaua Park - Kalakaua Park is simply a small, pleasant park in the middle of Hilo with a sundial to mark the time. It was set up in 1877 during the reign of King Kalakua. - Kalakaua St., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Liliuokalani Gardens - Queen Liliuokalani's gardens are being restored. Covering 18 acres on Hilo's scenic Banyan Drive waterfront, the gardens are testament to the Queen's love of Hawaii. - Banyan Drive., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Lyman Mission House - The Lyman Museum houses artifacts, fine art, and natural specimens of Hawaiian history. They feature new exhibits of Hawaiian natural history and culture to show Hawaii as it was then, is now, and perhaps can be in the future. The gift shop is a good source for traditional Hawaiian art. (Monday to Saturday 9AM to 4:30PM) - Haili Street, Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Naha and Pinao Stones - The Naha and Pinao Stones stand in front of the Hawaii County Library. While the Pinao Stone was just a pillar at the Pinao Temple, the Naha Stone tested the fitness of Hawaii's ali`i. Legend says that only chiefs of Naha blood are able to move it, and when Kamehameha I moved the overturned the stone, it proved he would be Hawaii's greatest king. - Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Pacific Tsunami Museum - The PTM hosts many permanent exhibits to explain how tsunami form and move through the ocean, and how the Pacific Tsunami Warning system tries to safeguard Hawaiians. The museum shows the history of tsunamis, their myths and how public safety can save lives. - Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, the Big Island, Hawaii.

Rainbow Falls - The Wailuku River runs to sea near Hilo and plunges 80 feet down a cliff into the deep pool beneath creating rainbows in the sun and mist. Rainbow Falls is in Wailuku River State Park, Hilo - Waianueue Avenue, Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii.