When it comes to major tourism destinations, it's hard to beat the Hawaiian Islands. Naturally, the big attractions are Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, but the Big Island of Hawaii has its own unique charms. From the drier temperate west coast to the rainy east coast, there is a lot to do here.
At the figurative center of the Big Island's tourism is Hilo, the biggest city on it. Hilo is situated on the much wetter east coast, meaning it gets a large amount of rain every year. That also means it is filled with rich, lush greenery that fulfill your tropical vibe expectations.
Imiloa Astronomy Center
This might comes as a surprise to some people but astronomy is a big deal on the Big Island. The mountains and volcanoes are home to a staggering number of observatories and scientific research facilities. You can learn more about modern research as well as the importance of the stars to Polynesian culture at Imiloa Astronomy Center. It's also home to Hawaii's only planetarium.
Hilo Farmers Market
One of the big draws when spending time in paradise is the food. As you might expect, seafood plays a big part in Hawaiian cuisine but so does fresh produce. You will find that in abundance at the Hilo Farmers Market. You'll meet vendors selling fresh produce, coffee, and food alongside various arts and crafts. Get a taste for the Big Island while supporting local producers.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
When you're traveling to any part of Hawaii, cost is always an issue to keep in mind. That's what makes spots like Liliʻuokalani Gardens so special since it's both beautiful and free. This is a nearly 25 acre Japanese garden in downtown Hilo, close to many of the major hotels. It has been open for more than a century, a tribute to the Japanese culture that has been so influential throughout the islands.
Kaumana Caves State Park
On the outer edge of the greater Hilo area is Kaumana Caves State Park. Volcanoes are at the heart and soul of Hawaii, and this is an opportunity to explore an offshoot of them. These lava tubes were created by the Mana Loa volcano in the late 1800s. You can get up close and personal with a dormant aspect of volcanic life on the island. Just bring good shoes and a flashlight. It gets dark in there.
Carlsmith Beach Park
While it might not have the sandiest of beaches, that's not why people go to Carlsmith Beach Park. It has incredible swimming and snorkeling. And the ocean floor is sandy and easy to walk on, which is nice. A combination of lava rock and a local reef actually keep the swimming area relatively calm and protected, which makes for a wonderful snorkeling experience. Plus, sea turtles really like it.