By Isabel Prontes
Hilo, Hawaii is a town on the coast of the big island of Hawaii. Some of the most notable facts about Hilo include that it is the home of the world-famous Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation and also that the University of Hawaii at Hilo is located there. Hilo has an abundance of cultural, educational and recreational activities to partake in: there is no shortage of fun activities to do while in Hilo.
Boat Tours
There are various boat tours in Hilo, such as the Hilo Ocean Adventures Boat Tour. This tour leaves from the Wailoa River Boat Camp and then sails northward by the Hilo coast. This is a scenic boat tour for those who like watching rolling waterfalls. The boat tour makes a stop at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, which connects the Hawaiian culture to astronomy. Other places to check out while on the boat tour include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Laupahoehoe Train Museum. The website is www.lavaocean.com, or call (800) 966-4200.
Nani Mau Gardens
Nani Mau Gardens is a scenic botanical garden that is open every day. Nani Mau literally means "forever beautiful," and the over 2,000 plant types in the garden do the name justice. There are also over 2,300 different types of orchids and over 100 fruit tree species. Make sure to stop by the European garden, the anthurium grove, the Japanese gardens, the butterfly house, the botanical museum and much more. Visit www.nanimaugardens.com or call (808) 959-3500.
Arnott's Lodge and Hiking Adventures
Arnott's Lodge and Hiking Adventures is a company based out of Hilo that offers guests an abundance of adventure tours all around the city and surrounding areas. A few of the exciting tours offered include ones focusing on lava hikes, Mauna Kea sunsets, waterfalls and even frozen fires. If you want to go hiking with a guided tour and be able to stop at all of the key areas, using Arnott's Lodge and Hiking Adventures on your trip is a smart idea. Go to www.arnottslodge.com or call (808) 969-7097.
Air Tours
Hawaii Air Tours is a company in Hilo that offers aerial views of volcanic eruptions in the area (such as those of the Kilauea Volcano). Visitors can witness these eruptions from the safety and security of a helicopter or small plane. Whether you want to look at rainforests, waterfalls, or even the volcano that contributed to the demolishing of countless homes back in 1990, you can do so while taking air tours over Hilo. They are located at 200 Kanoelehua Ave. Suite 103-285 in Hilo.
Akaka Falls State Park
This magnificent state park in offers guests a bevy of exciting outdoor activities, including hiking. Whether you want to experience easier trails that go downhill or more challenging and complicated trails, you will be able to find what you want at Akaka Falls State Park. The falls at this park are Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls. This is a charming, breathtaking place to witness natural scenery and also get some healthy outdoor physical activity as well. It is at 75 Aupuni Street in Hilo; the telephone number is (808) 974-6200.
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
