Hilo, HI

If you visit Hilo's waterfront today, you will notice wide lawns, calm waterways, and open parkland stretching along the bay. That layout is the direct result of two devastating tsunamis in 1946 and 1960. Rather than rebuilding commercial blocks right along the water after the second disaster, the town chose to step back and turn the most vulnerable coastal land into a permanent green zone. Today, places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area give downtown Hilo an airy, open feel and a natural buffer against the ocean.

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For residents, that green space serves as an everyday gathering spot. You will regularly see locals jogging across the arched pedestrian bridges, fishing along the riverbanks, or relaxing on the grass with lunch. Right in the park, the Wailoa Center hosts free local art exhibits inside its distinctive round building, while the nearby Pacific Tsunami Museum downtown preserves the stories of the families who lived through the historic waves. Just inland from the park, wooden storefronts house a friendly mix of mom-and-pop shops, bakeries, and casual cafes.

ATTRRobert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada / CC BY 2.0

As the county seat and the commercial center for East Hawaiʻi, Hilo offers a stable local economy anchored by education, shipping, and government. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo brings great energy to the south side of town, drawing students and researchers who study everything from marine biology to volcanology alongside the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Up the hill from campus, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center connects modern Maunakea stargazing with Hawaiian voyaging and language traditions, reflecting the area's blend of scientific research and deep local roots.

ATTRPaul Hirst ( Phirst ) / CC BY-SA 2.5

Every spring, the town comes alive for the week-long Merrie Monarch Festival. What began in the 1960s to honor King David Kalākaua has grown into the world's most prestigious hula competition and a major celebration of Hawaiian culture. Visiting dance troupes, master artisans, and musicians arrive from across the islands and beyond. Even if you do not have tickets to the evening stadium performances, the excitement fills the entire town with free midday shows, packed craft markets, and a lively parade winding through downtown.