The Oldest Town In Hawaii That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Let’s start out by saying that it’s pretty difficult to determine the oldest town in Hawaii for a variety of reasons. Unlike other American states, Hawaii’s earliest settlements do not qualify as cities, as they are often features of urban societies with much larger populations than the communities in pre-European contact Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. But after some research on the subject, it looks like the oldest Hawaii settlement is Hawaii Island’s Hilo. Here are some interesting facts if you are planning on visiting Hilo in Hawaii,
With a population of approximately 45,000, Hilo is the state’s fourth-largest city.
Although there is little archaeological evidence, oral history of people living in Hilo - along the Wailoa and Wailuku rivers - can be traced back to 1100 AD when the first Polynesians arrived in the area. At this time, much of the eastern coast of Hawaii Island was designated as Hilo, though it has since been split into the District of South Hilo, and the District of North Hilo.
The city didn’t expand until much later in its life.
It wasn’t until the early-mid 1800s that missionaries came to this area, founding the Haili Church where modern Hilo sits today. Hilo grew consistently as an increase of sugar plantations in the surrounding areas created new jobs and drew in workers from Asia.
Though many of the nearby sugar plantations closed in the 1990s and caused an economic slump, the city has since experienced commercial and population growth in recent years, in part due to the fact that the neighboring Puna District is the fastest-growing region in the state.
Visiting Hilo in Hawaii is unlike many big Hawaiian cities as it has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the state’s pre-World War II persona and is full of plantation-style architecture and historic storefronts.
Two decades after Hilo expanded inland in the 1960s, the downtown district found a new purpose as the city’s cultural center and is home to a variety of galleries, museums, and the iconic Palace Theatre. If you're looking for things to do in Hilo, just know that there are plenty of options.
From an ancient Hawaiian settlement and a popular landing spot for European missionaries to a sugar cane hub and cultural center, Hilo has experienced quite the evolution throughout the years, and the city reflects that in everything from architecture to the sense of community.
Due to its geography and location, Hilo has been the site of a few major disasters throughout its history - the April 1, 1946 tsunami that resulted from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands claimed 160 lives. In response, an early detection and warning system was put in place three years later and resulted in only 61 deaths in the 1960 tsunami. Housed in a bank building that barely survived the last tsunami that hit the Big Island is the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Though the museum is a tourist destination, staff members strive to educate Hilo’s inhabitants about tsunami preparedness.
The city is home not only to the breathtaking Hilo Bay, but also the stunning Wailuku State Park, which includes two stunning natural marvels: Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots. Oh, and you can’t forget about the gorgeous Kaumana Cave, or a visit to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo’s lush grounds.
But the weather is a bit more dreary than the rest of Hawaii.
With an average of 272 rainy days each year, Hilo is one of the state’s rainiest cities - but that just means it will never be overrun with tourists and will keep its charm. And, if we’re being honest, the rain is a nice respite from the constant sunny weather found elsewhere in Hawaii.
Ready for another trip to the past? If you’re interested in some of the best small towns to visit in Hawaii, be sure to check out these 12 historic towns.
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Address: Hilo, HI 96720, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Visiting Hilo In Hawaii
April 05, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are the best small towns to visit in Hawaii?
It’s always a treat to visit small towns around Hawaii with their quaint main streets and tranquil natural surroundings. The town of Haleiwa is a surfer’s paradise along the north shore of Oahu with pristine beaches as well as numerous galleries, restaurants, and shops lining the streets. The artsy vibe is part of what makes this paradise of a town a fantastic place to spend some time. Take a step back in time with a visit to Lahaina in Maui where you can view old-world architecture from the plantation days and learn about the whaling industry that was once so prevalent here. The historic downtown is a designated National Historic Landmark and is filled with shops, restaurants, and other sites that are quite a draw for tourism. There are many other small towns you may wish to visit throughout the state, so we advise you to read about 7 Of The Most Charming Small Towns In Hawaii.
What are some things to do in Hilo, Hawaii?
Hilo is filled with plenty of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Liliuokalani Park and Gardens is an idyllic place to take a stroll past fish ponds, over picturesque footbridges, and through Japanese gardens. From these gardens, you can cross over a footbridge to the tiny island of Mokuola, which is also referred to as “Coconut Island.” This is a lovely place to enjoy a picnic, go for a swim, or just relax. For more of an adventure, plan a hike to both Rainbow Falls and Pe’epe’e Falls.
What are the best restaurants to go to in Hilo, Hawaii?
For dinner, head to The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm which is Hawaii’s first seafood restaurant, established in the 1920s. This unique establishment sits along the shores of a 30-acre fishpond where your meal comes from, as long as you order fish. Inside an old bank building in downtown Hilo is Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, a seafood restaurant with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and remnants of the former bank’s vaults. The elegant ambiance only enhances your experience as you dine on fish, steak, and pasta entrees.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
