Hilo Live Cam

Hilo is a historic town located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The town has a rich cultural and historical significance that dates back to the Polynesian settlers who first arrived in the area more than a thousand years ago.

The town of Hilo was officially founded in the early 19th century by the ruling chief of Hawaii, King Kamehameha I. He saw the potential of the area for agriculture and established a plantation to grow crops like sugar cane and coffee. As the plantation grew, so did the town of Hilo, and it quickly became a center of commerce and trade on the Big Island.

In the late 1800s, Hilo experienced a period of rapid growth due to the booming sugar industry. Many wealthy sugar plantation owners built large homes and estates in the area, and Hilo became known as the "sugar capital" of the world.

In 1946, Hilo was devastated by a massive tsunami that was triggered by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. The tsunami caused widespread destruction throughout the town and claimed the lives of 159 people. Despite the tragedy, the town of Hilo rebuilt and has since become a thriving community with a strong focus on preserving its cultural heritage.

Today, Hilo is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the stunning Wailuku River State Park. The town is also home to several museums and cultural centers that showcase the rich history and traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Overall, the history of Hilo is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land and sea. The town has overcome many challenges throughout its history and continues to thrive as a vibrant and culturally significant community on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hilo Top Tourist Attractions

Hilo, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a popular tourist destination with many attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hilo:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This park is one of the most popular attractions in Hilo and is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can hike, bike, and explore the park's many trails and scenic vistas.
• Rainbow Falls: This beautiful waterfall is located just a few miles outside of Hilo and is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Big Island. Visitors can view the falls from a lookout point or hike down to the base for a closer look.
• Wailuku River State Park: This park is home to several waterfalls, including the impressive Pe'epe'e Falls and the stunning Rainbow Falls. Visitors can hike through lush rainforest and take a dip in the refreshing pools.
• Imiloa Astronomy Center: This science center and planetarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about astronomy and Hawaiian culture. The center features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and cultural events.
• Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: This small zoo is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and endangered Hawaiian birds. The zoo also features a butterfly house and a botanical garden.
• Hilo Farmers Market: This bustling market is open daily and features a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Overall, Hilo has something to offer everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs to foodies. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions, it's no wonder that Hilo is a top tourist destination in Hawaii.

Hilo Climate

Hilo is a town located on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it is warm and humid with abundant rainfall throughout the year.

The average temperature in Hilo ranges from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 18 to 30 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, with only slight variations between seasons. The humidity is typically high, hovering around 80 percent, which can make it feel warmer than the actual temperature.

The rainfall in Hilo is also high, with an average of around 126 inches (3200 mm) per year. The rainy season runs from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in November and December. However, it can rain in Hilo at any time of the year, and visitors should be prepared for wet weather regardless of the season.

Overall, the climate in Hilo is tropical and lush, with abundant vegetation and greenery. It is known for its beautiful rainforests and waterfalls, and visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities in this stunning natural environment.

Hilo Geography

Hilo is located on the east coast of the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. It is the largest town on the island and the county seat of Hawaii County.

The town is situated on the Hilo Bay, which is a deep-water bay that serves as a commercial and transportation hub for the island. The bay is surrounded by hills and mountains, including the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, which are both located nearby.

Hilo is also home to several rivers, including the Wailuku River and the Kaumana Stream. The Wailuku River flows through the town and is famous for its many waterfalls, including the popular Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots.

The geography of Hilo is characterized by its lush, tropical vegetation, which is a result of its high rainfall and warm climate. The town is surrounded by dense rainforests and has many parks and gardens, including the Liliuokalani Gardens, which is a Japanese-style garden located on the shore of Hilo Bay.

Overall, the geography of Hilo is stunningly beautiful and unique, with its combination of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lush vegetation. It is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Pacific Tsunami Museum

The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a museum located in Hilo, Hawaii, dedicated to the history and science of tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1994, following the devastating tsunami that struck Hilo in 1960, which caused significant damage and loss of life.

The museum's exhibits cover the science of tsunamis, their causes, and how they are detected and monitored. Visitors can learn about the history of tsunamis in the Pacific and see artifacts and exhibits related to major tsunami events, including the 1946 Aleutian Islands tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

One of the highlights of the museum is the large wave tank exhibit, which demonstrates how tsunamis are generated and how they behave as they travel across the ocean. The exhibit uses sound and lighting effects to simulate the experience of a tsunami, giving visitors a better understanding of the power and destructive force of these events.

The museum also features exhibits about the 1960 Hilo tsunami, including survivor stories and photographs of the damage caused by the wave. Visitors can learn about the community's response to the disaster and how it helped shape the town's future. Overall, the Pacific Tsunami Museum is a fascinating and educational museum that provides a unique perspective on the history and science of tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural disasters, oceanography, or the history of Hawaii.