Hilo -- What to see and do.

Here's a Hilo MUST DO!

`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i
http://www.imiloahawaii.org/

`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i tells dual stories of the renowned Maunakea volcano,
with its world-famous astronomy and rich traditions of Hawaiian culture. `Imiloa, which means
"exploring new knowledge," reflects both the Hawaiian voyages of discovery and the explorations
of astronomy. Located on a nine-acre campus on the slope of Maunakea, with spectacular views of
Hilo Bay, the Astronomy Center (formerly called Maunakea Astronomy Education Center) provides a
unique experience for visitors, students, and families seeking to explore the connections between
Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy.

Framed by a rich Polynesian tradition of exploration,`Imiloa is Hawai`i's premier facility for
interpreting the deepest mysteries of the universe, being unraveled by the Maunakea observatories.
The Maunakea observatoriesthe world's largest and most important collection of telescopes.
`Imiloa will inspire and educate, helping us to connect with our origins while we reach for the
stars. `Imiloa features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, group tours, a wonderful
store, a café, and a full schedule of events.

Click HERE to learn more about `Imiloa's schedule, hours, and pricing.

600 `Imiloa Place, University Campus, Hilo, Hawaii

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For year 'round theater, dance, music and Hawaiian cultueral events, check out the

U of H Performing Arts Center (Formerly known as the U of H Theater)



200 W. Kawili Street, Hilo

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http://performingarts.net/Theatre/

Calendar of Events

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The Palace featrues live events and films you won't find elswhere.


Hilo's Historic Palace Theater!

38 Haili Street, Downtown Hilo
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NOW PLAYING

LIVE EVENTS

COMING ATTRACTIONS


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East Hawaii Cultural Center

141 Kalakaua Street, Hilo

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Gallery Exhibits

Events Calendar

Perfroming Arts

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Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo

The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo is located in Hilo on the island of Hawaii and is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States
Admission is Free
Open 9 - 4 daily except Christmas and New Year's Day Gift Shop is open 9 - 4 daily 808-959-9233 for information Petting Zoo every Saturday 1:30 - 2:30 Tiger feeding 3:30 daily

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Zoo Home Page

Zoo Tours

Zoo Facts

Special note from your Hosts at the RiverHouse Hide-Away: We've been to a lot of zoos
and many years ago we decided to never go to another. We just didn't like to see animals
in cages. Some dear friends talked us into a visit to the Panaewa Zoo a few years ago and
we were, as they say, blown away. It's like a fantastic botanical garden with meandering
paths through manicured grounds, and every once in a while you get to a beautifully done
animal section. These are prepared for the anumials with lots of room to roam in natural
environs. The anumals seem happy and they are cared for with love and aloha. We give it
a two-thumbs-high-up and recommend it to everyone. Truly a super family outing!

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Big Island Fresh, Big Island Best!

The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-see experience when you are on the Big Island.
Over 100 local farmers and crafters sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical
flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere that recalls back to the
old "plantation" days of early Hilo.

Located at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in
historic downtown Hilo, it's open all year round, every
Wednesday and Saturday, from dawn til' it's gone.

Hilo Farmer's Market Web Site

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Basically Books

"The Hawaii Map Shop" More than a bookstore . . . a gathering of things Hawaiian.


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Basically Books' own list of
31 free things to do and see in Hilo!

160 Kamehameha Avenue / Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Telephone 808-961-0144

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'Akaka Falls State Park End of 'Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220), 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu
12 miles toward Hamakua from Hilo to the Akaka Falls Park turnoff.

A pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation and to scenic
vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling 'Akaka Falls
which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath
requires some physical exertion. The park covers 65 acres.
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Mauna Kea State Recreation Area At 6500 feet elevation on Saddle Road (Highway 200), 35.1 miles west of downtown Hilo.
(Note: Car rental companies may prohibit or impose conditions for use of their vehicles
on the Saddle Road.) Shrub land picnicking and lodging opportunities. Good views of
Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Pig, sheep and bird hunting nearby. Dry and clear
weather with cold nights. Periodic military maneuvers nearby may disrupt the peace
and quiet of the area. The pard covers about 20 acres.

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Wailuku River State Park Off Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo. Bear right at the "hospital" sign; that will keep you on
Waianuenue Ave. Boiling Pots Area is at the end of Pe'epe'e Falls Drive; Rainbow
Falls Area is on Rainbow Drive.
Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interests along Wailuku River. Boiling Pots is a succession of
big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubbles as if boiling;
the well-exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling
of basalt lavas. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from
its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall
was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.
The park covers about 16 acres.

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Established in 1916, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of
volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed
it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses
diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano,
Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the
birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping
opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

The Park Web Site has it all: History of the Volcano and the Park, best lava-viewing places,
news and events, and the Hawaiian culture connection to the Volcano.

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Hilo Downtown
Improvement Association

Lots of great info on Hilo
and many interesting links!

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Art Gallery

Art in the Iron Works
1266 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo
Tel: (808) 935-2300

Hours: Tuesday from 1pm to 5pm. Wednesday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Innovative gallery with rotating exhibits,
workshops, classes and performances.

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Museum

Lyman Museum

276 Haili Street, Hilo
Tel: (808) 935-5021
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: Daily or annual membership fee

The Nationally accredited Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of
Hawai'i in it's exhibit halls and its 1839 historic missionary home. The museum also features
collections of seashells and minerals that are world-wide in scope, ancient art of China,
artists of Hawai'i, and changing special exhibitions. many community programs an
events are held each year. Located near downtown Hilo, the Lyman Museum
offers a unique educational and cultural experience for people of all ages.

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Museum

Pacific Tsunami Museum

130 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo
Tel: (808) 935-0926
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Daily or annual membership fee

The mission of the Pacific Tsunami Museum is to promote public tsunami education for the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Region. The museum will also preserve the social and cultural history of Hawaii and promote economic development on the island of Hawaii as well as statewide. The museum will serve as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in past tsunami events.
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Updated 3/27/2006