During your stay in one of the Big Island's Hilo vacation homes, don't forget to take advantage of all the local culture and museums that Hilo has to offer. Although not as well-known to most visitors to Hawaii as its big sister Kona, the city has its own claims to fame such as the fact that it is considered the orchid capital of the world, and hosts one of top hula exhibitions in the world. The beautiful greenery, nearby waterfalls and the lush atmosphere of the tropics all contribute toward making your stay in a Hilo home memorable.
Downtown Culture
The fastest way to learn more about the culture of Hilo is to take a leisurely walk through its downtown. Pick up a free walking tour map provided by the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association on Kamehameha Avenue that gives information on various historical and architectural points of interest. Stop in the shops on your walk to browse and swap a story or two with the friendly merchants. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, downtown is at its best with the Hilo Farmer's Market, reputed to be one of the best outdoor markets of its kind in all of Hawaii. More than 200 vendors ranging from farmers to craftsmen display their wares to locals and tourists alike. A wide variety of native fruits and vegetables are for sale, including such exotic offerings as longan, rambutan and jack fruit.
The Merrie Monarch Festival
Named for King David Kalakaua, the "Merrie Monarch" who was instrumental in restoring the hula dance to cultural prominence in the 1880s, the annual event allows participants of all ages to demonstrate their skills in performing both modern and ancient forms of the hula. The week-long festival features several exhibitions as well as competitions and is held in April, but tickets for it go on sale near the first of the year. Tickets sell out quickly, though, so if you plan on being in Hilo for the festival, be sure to buy them well in advance.
Local Museums
Catastrophic tsunamis destroyed part of the town in 1946 and 1960. In 1994, the Pacific Tsunami Museum was formed to serve not only as a memorial to those in Hilo and other parts of Hawaii who were victims of the devastating destruction, but to also be an educational center about the history of tsunamis throughout the world. The simple yet poignant exhibits bring home to visitors the heartbreak these events have caused in the lives of millions.
For a glimpse into Hawaii's colorful past, be sure to visit the Lyman Museum. Originally built in 1839 for missionaries David and Sarah Lyman, the house is the oldest frame building on the Big Island. Far from being merely a testament to the life of the early missionaries to Hawaii, the museum attempts to give its guests a well-rounded view of the entire spectrum of Hawaiian history. The museum is listed with both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Exploring the culture and history of the region through the museums and other opportunities available in Hilo will make your stay at a vacation home here all the more memorable, and with Vamoose as your guide to these amenities, you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime.