| Hawaii's Big Island has been attracting explorers | | | | museums should tempt you indoors for at least a |
| for hundreds of years with its active volcanoes, | | | | little while. The Lyman Museum is the place to see |
| lush forests, and culturally unique atmosphere. | | | | many facets of Hawaii, from shell art to a |
| Everything about this destination makes it a | | | | missionary home and a rotating selection of |
| haven for travelers looking to forget their cares | | | | special exhibits. The Pacific Tsunami Museum |
| and remember what it's like to be calm, cool, and | | | | serves as an educator on the topic of these |
| collected. If you've yet to experience this | | | | fearsome storms as well as a memorial for those |
| phenomenon for yourself, set your sights on one | | | | who have lost their lives because of them. Realize |
| of the island's hottest spots for modern day | | | | the scope and strength of Mother Nature as you |
| discoverers; Hilo. | | | | tour this informative museum. |
| Hilo is located on the Eastern side of the isle at | | | | To sample the wares of the local artisans and |
| the bottom of Mauna Kea Mountain. Historically | | | | shopkeepers, and to pick up a few souvenirs, of |
| provocative as well as naturally stunning, this | | | | course, don't miss the downtown shopping district. |
| welcoming town will sweep you off your feet | | | | Art, clothing, specialty items and lots of food can |
| with its bubbling river, rich treasure trove of facts | | | | be found here, so immerse yourself in the culture |
| and finds, and array of activities that will give you | | | | while satisfying your appetite for dining and |
| a true taste of Hawaii. | | | | shopping as well. |
| Start by taking a tour of downtown Hilo, | | | | Beyond the city limits, Volcanoes National Park, |
| preferably by foot. As you wander the streets | | | | golf courses, hiking and horseback riding trails, and |
| noting the influences of the Polynesians, the | | | | many more "typical" Hawaiian diversions can be |
| Missionaries, the sugar industry, and unfortunately, | | | | partaken of. What are standard ways to spend |
| the two ravaging tsunamis that challenged the city | | | | an afternoon here on the island are anomalies on |
| in 1946 and 1960, you'll appreciate all the | | | | the mainland, so take advantage of every |
| components that have made this such an | | | | opportunity you have to get lost amongst the |
| interesting place. There is a definite spirit of | | | | banyan trees or pause for a minute alone at the |
| perseverance and hard work in the air, and as | | | | base of a waterfall. A few days down the line, |
| you let your eyes wander the ocean landscape | | | | once you're back to your normal routine, you'll be |
| and mountainous backdrop, you'll understand why | | | | grateful to have these moments tucked away |
| generations of people have put forth so much | | | | into your memory bank. |
| effort to maintain Hilo's magic. | | | | Hilo is privileged in that it offers many vacation |
| To further appreciate Hilo's wonders, you'll surely | | | | rentals for your lodging pleasure. Just beyond the |
| want to spend some time on the beach. If white | | | | typical hotel choices are a few properties that are |
| sand is what you seek, start with Onekahakaha | | | | a bit more creative than what you're used to, so |
| Park, one of the few in the area that boast the | | | | consider booking yourself a beauty for this |
| pristine stuff. A large shallow pool protected by | | | | holiday. From modern to plantation style, sprawling |
| breakwater as well as many picnic areas and | | | | to diminutive, the rentals available are different |
| public facilities make this a vacationer-friendly | | | | from one another and likely to defy your |
| place to be. For the best snorkeling in Hilo, save | | | | expectations in a good way. |
| time for a trip to Richardson's Ocean Park, where | | | | Follow the lead of so many others and make Hilo |
| the fish are fun, frisky, and fascinating. Any of | | | | the focus of an extended journey. You'll feel |
| the beaches in this region would be great for | | | | connected to past explorers and understanding of |
| simple swimming and sunbathing, so grab your | | | | the wanderlust that has brought people of all kinds |
| towel, kick off your shoes, and make your way | | | | to this magnetic place, so find yourself a fabulous |
| to the coastline. | | | | property from among all the enticing Hilo vacation |
| If you want a little brain food to balance out your | | | | rentals and make yourself a guest of honor. |
| time spent thinking of absolutely nothing, several | | | | |