This charming historic city om The Big Island of Hawaii fronts the large curved Hilo Bay. The area is always lush and green due to an annual rainfall in access of 70 inches per year and is the wettest city in the USA. However, most rain showers occur in the evening and overnight . Numerous historical sites are located within the city limits. A free Walking-Tour pamphlet is available from numerous merchants in town.
Notably, on April 1, 1946, the city of Hilo was hit by a tsunami that killed 159 residents and destroyed 1,300 homes. On May 19, 1960, the area was again struck by a tsunami which killed 61 more. This clock, which stood in the city at the time, stopped at exactly 1:04 AM - the moment the wave hit the town. The area was made into a park and the clock was preserved and stands as a reminder and memorial to those lost lives.
Hilo is the best place to use a a gateway to the fabulous Volcanoes National Park just around an hour away. There are also many waterfalls located within a short drive of Hilo. Don't overlook this beautiful place!
