Hilo became a stopping place for explorers, whaling ships, traders and those curious about active volcanoes. By the 1900s, Hilo had grown into a commercial center. The sugar industry was booming, a number of wharves had been constructed, the breakwater was begun and a new railroad connected Hilo with other parts of the island. Then in 1946 and again in 1960 two destructive tsunamis swept Hilo's Bayfront causing the relocation of Hilo's government and commercial life. When the town was rebuilt, a large park and roadway were situated between the buildings and the shoreline to absorb future tidal waves.

Besides being a rare surviving example of an Hawaiian plantation town, cultural diversity is one of Hilo's special charms. The local term, mixed plate, describes well the impact made by Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Koreans, other Pacific Islanders and Europeans on Hilo's mixed-race culture of today. All these ethnic groups blend in the faces of the people who give Hilo its charm. Its diverse shopping opportunities, its small scale and its friendliness makes Hilo the perfect town in which to linger just a little longer.

Coconut Island

 A park on the south end of Hilo Bay. Take a picnic lunch and cross the pedestrian bridge that leads from Banyan Drive to this grassy little isle. Originally called Mokuola (Healing Island), there are shallow pools with sandy bottoms that are ideal for the kids. A favorite with the locals for fishing, swimming and picnicking.

Onekahakaha Park

 Onekahakaha Park is the largest area with picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and large shallow white-sand bottomed pool protected by breakwater. This is one of the few white sand beaches in Hilo. The second pond located to the north is not protected by breakwater. It is deeper with a rocky bottom and large sea urchin population.

James Kealoha Park

Restrooms, lifeguard, landscaped grounds, brackish water ponds surrounded by lush foliage and white sand swimming area. Easy entry to the swimming area.

Richardson's Ocean Park

 Most popular snorkeling spot in the Hilo area. The waters are protected from the current and home to a variety of fish and other marine life. Good area for surfing, kayaking and diving. There is an expanse of black sand beach and easy access to the ocean.

Honoli'i Beach Park

This popular gathering place for surfers is located just off Highway 19 at Alae Point, about 4 miles north of downtown Hilo. An old Hawaiian myth associated with this place tells about a demi-god named Maui. Maui was chasing a boy and a girl in the Honoli'i gulch. To catch the girl who had climbed a breadfruit tree, Maui changed himself into an eel and crawled along the side of the trunk. The tree stretched itself to avoid Maui's reach. A priest came along and struck the eel and killed it, which, according to one version of the Hawaii myth, is how Maui met his death. Be careful here--especially if you're not a strong swimmer.

Kehena Beach

Located just off highway 137 in Puna, between Kalapana and Kapoho. There is a small parking lot with a trailhead going down to the beach. The trailhead is rocky and steep in areas. Kehena is a clothing optional beach which serves as the main black sand beach for the Puna district. There is a nice tidepool for swimming and a large shorebreak on the beach. Calm seas allow swimming but use extra caution, especially if you're not a strong swimmer. Kehena Beach is a "social event", especially on Sundays when up to 50 people join together to provide drumming beats and music.

Kalakaua Park

This lovely park, located downtown, is named after the king. Hilo became a visiting place of the king who designed the first county complex at this site in the late 19th Century. The park contains a sundial bearing the inscription, "This sundial was erected in the Fourth Year of the reign of King Kalakaua, A.D. 1877, Hilo, Hawaii." It is thought that some of the trees in the park were planted during King Kalakaua's time, making them over one hundred years old.

Wailoa State Park

Large park in downtown Hilo. Open grassland with 3 soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, and large lagoon with bridge across the water.

Mo`oheau Park

Mo'oheau Park, which sits between the downtown area and Hilo Bay, was named for Chief Ka'aiwa i Mo'oheau, son of Kahinu Ho'olulu who once owned most of the land in Hilo. Mo'oheau means "holy serpent." There are several large banyan trees, a bandstand for local events and entertainers, sports fields, and plenty of open grassy areas.

Lili'uokalani Park

30 acres of manicured gardens and majestic island. Beautiful 30 acre park was designed and landscaped to honor Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. This is one of the largest Japanese-style gardens outside of Japan.