Hilo : State Hawaii

Hilo is the main port of the island of island of Hawaii and located on Hilo Bay on the eastern side of Hawaii, 216 miles southeast of Honolulu. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes is located in Hilo which has been emitting lava since 1983.It is the largest island an important business and government center of Hawaii. Hilo has a population of 44,145. The main economy of Hilo comes from areas like agriculture, tourism, education, and trade. There are a few beaches in Hilo and the Hilo Beach Park is an important one often visited by tourists. Hilo also serves as the gateway to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The city also has a convenient airport and a harbor which serves as a transportation hub for the island.
The Hilo region has a warm semitropical climate and experiences abundant rainfall. Rainfall not only keeps the area green, it also results in many waterfalls. Hilo's rich soil is conducive to the growth of a variety of diversified agricultural products. At the summit of Mauna Kea the temperature ranges from about 31 to 43 degrees. In winter there is frost above the 4,000-foot level and snow above the 10,000-foot level.

Area: 54 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 38 feet above sea level

Average Temperature: January, 71.3 80° F; July, 75.5° F; annual average, 73.0° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 134 inches

Attractions

    * Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    * Kalakauna Park
    * Zen Buddhist Temple
    * Taishoji Soto Mission
    * Haili Church
    * Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
    * Hilo Tropical Gardens


Festivals

    * Chinese New Year in February
    * Kona Brewers Festival in March
    * Merry Monarch Festival in spring
    * Ethnic Foods Festival in May
    * Macadamia Nut Festival in October