On April 1, 1946 and May 23, 1960, Hilo faced the horrific devastation of tsunami waves generated by earthquakes in the Aleutian Islands and South America, respectively. Trace these dramatic events at Pacific Tsunami Museum (Tsunami.org; 130 Kamehameha Ave.), a former bank building surviving both disasters. Hilo history also rolls out at Lyman Museum and Mission House (LymanMuseum.org; 276 Haili St.) and Mokupapapa Discovery Center (Papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/center.html; 76 Kamehameha Ave.). Or shoot for the stars at the stellar Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii (ImiloaHawaii.org: 600 Imiloa Pl.). The research center with planetarium reveals connections between early Polynesian navigators and modern-day astronomers who stargaze to determine how life began. Hilo’s moist climate creates a floral frenzy, with Liliuokalani Park and Gardens displaying some 30 acres of Hawaiian and Oriental plantings, walkways, pagodas, bridges and ponds. World Botanical Gardens & Waterfalls (BotanicalWorld.com), Hilo Tropical Bioreserve & Garden (HTBG.com) and Nani Mau Gardens (NaniMauGardens.com) elevate the beautiful bounty. Other “don’t miss” stops just north of Hilo include Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. While you can stop en route from Volcanoes to Kona, you’ll find so many more attractions along the way that it’s best to visit when overnighting in Hilo. On the accommodations front, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo–a DoubleTree by Hilton (GrandNaniloaHotel.com) truly embraces Hawaiian culture. Ten minutes from Hilo’s airport, this refreshed Banyan Drive retreat welcomes with nearly 400 guest rooms in three towers. A Daily Resort Fee covers two rounds of golf on Hilo’s only nine-hole course with driving range, state-of-the-art fitness center use, snorkel rental for two, Internet access, valet parking, discounted KapoHokine Adventure Tours and other perks. Replay an adventure-packed day sipping “umbrella drinks” in the lively Lobby Bar as warm ocean breezes flow in from Hilo Bay. Hula Hula’s refuels with “farm to fork” fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s Willie K’s Crown Room concert hall is a local pick for an exciting schedule of live music events. Neighbor Islands - Hawaii Island 302 Scorching hot molten lava oozing into fierce ocean water on Hawaii Island. As the lava cools and hardens, it adds more mass to Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. Photo Credit: HTA/Tor Johnson
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