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