I’ve made it no secret that I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but as I review the hundreds of travel blogs I’ve written I noticed I haven’t done many on my hometown. That said, I’ve decided to devote at least one blog a week detailing Hilo’s hot spots. Those of you who have visited Hilo may be chuckling. After all, Hilo isn’t exactly the tourist capital of the state… or even of the Big Island, but that’s part of what makes it so charming.
Hilo is the seat of the government on the Big Island and the home of the University of Hawaii—Hilo. The city and its 45,000 residents enjoy lush vegetation (the area is well watered thanks to its rainy climate) and spectacular views of two towering volcanoes. Hilo prides itself on preserving its historic character while making small strides in the area of revitalization, especially in the downtown area (which was twice devastated by massive killer tsunamis).
LYMAN MUSEUM AND MISSION HOUSE
A few blocks up from downtown Hilo sits the Lyman Museum and Mission House. It is one of the only museums in the state dedicated to the history of the early missionaries. The museum, named after Calvinist missionaries David and Sarah Lyman, houses the Earth Heritage Gallery, which spotlights the geology and natural history of Hawaii. It also features Hawaiian artifacts in addition to exhibits about the various ethnic groups that have made their mark on Hawaii. There is also a replica of a Hawaiian grass house along with tools and utensils used by ancient Hawaiians. The museum also boasts a gallery devoted to Hawaii’s early artists.
The Mission House is a separate structure located next to the museum. It is a preserved New England style house, which is listed as the oldest wooden frame structure on the Big Island and one of the oldest in the entire state. The entire house is furnished as though the Lyman’s still live there.
Read about Hilo’s other museums:
Read about Hilo’s other hot spots:
Adventure Travel–A Trip to the “Valley of the Kings”
Hawaii–Visiting the Big Island’s Best Waterfalls
Destination: Hawaii–A Great Family Beach
Visiting Hawaii’s White Mountain