| Hilo is a good base for exploring nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast just north of town. Until recently, downtown Hilo was virtually a ghost town of empty old buildings, but a decade of quiet restoration by the Hilo Main Street Program is having an impact. Today this county seat is worth a visit even if you do no more than stroll the historic district. | |