Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawai?i's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts?many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places?housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.

Hilo, located on the "wet" northeastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, is special because it offers an authentic, old-school Hawaiian experience that contrasts sharply with the manicured resort areas of Kona. It is famous for its lush, tropical environment; being one of the rainiest cities in the U.S., it is surrounded by dramatic waterfalls like Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) and Akaka Falls. Hilo’s downtown is a charming, historic district with wooden storefronts that are on the National Register of Historic Places, housing quirky museums like the Pacific Tsunami Museum. It also serves as the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located just 45 minutes away. Culturally, Hilo is the heart of the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s most prestigious hula competition. Unlike other tourist hubs, Hilo feels like a real community centered around its crescent-shaped bay, featuring black sand beaches and the beautiful Liliʻuokalani Gardens. It is the place to go for those who prefer rainforests, botanical gardens, and local farmers' markets over high-end shopping malls.