Well appointed library with helpful activities for youth (art classes, story time) and adults…read more(computer literacy) alike

There's no air conditioning here so don't come here on a hot day! It's a nice little library…read morethough and the library manager is really good. She has a wealth of knowledge and she will reward you with a snickers bar if you help promote the library.

I highly recommend the Volcano Art Center. My Beautiful Bride and I joined the free nature trail…read morewalk this morning. Our octogenarian guide Rob overflowed with historical and botanical knowledge. And he's a very kind person. While online reviews describe the trail as a wide gravel pathway, what we experienced this morning was a fairly narrow path, mostly of dirt and often covered with leaves. Also, instead of the advertised 60 minutes, our tour was closer to 90 minutes. Time well spent! We had not intended to stay longer, but we were delighted to transition to the free onsite art protect. Today's hands-on activity, led by project guide Chris, was creating prints from Dietrich Varez relief blocks. My partner and I each made two. The materials and lesson were all free.

Although the visitor station was closed, the Art center was open and had souvenirs and jewelry to…read morepurchase at the entry to the park.

10/14/2024 Pacific…read moreTsunami Museum 130 Kamehameha Ave Hilo, HI 96720 I went there on Columbus Day, so it was open (closed Mondays)! Street parking is available on Kalakaua Street and Kamehameha Avenue. If you are a Hilo resident or a Baby Boomer from Hilo, I highly recommend a visit. There are rooms for the history of Hilo Tsunamis and the 1960 Tsunami which I experienced. The other displays were interesting, educational and informative. The 1975 local Tsunami display was especially relevant to me because one of the fatalities was my brother's doctor. The other rooms feature displays for other Pacific Tsunamis and Tsunami science. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly I won't repeat until we have another future Tsunami for display.

This is only open on the weekends! It is well worth the visit. There is so much history with…read moretsunamis in Hawaii.

"We all long for fairytales in a world full of nightmares... believe... & you're halfway there..."…read more Location: Hilo, Big Island, Hawai'i. Who doesn't enjoy an ancient story? Thor and the Throne of Asgard; Arthur and Excalibur; Tomoe Gozen and the Battle of Azawa in 1184. Not all stories are truth, but always remember there's a reason it was told. Today, many pass-by the Hilo Library, tourists and locals alike, and fail to notice the two heavy stones that rests in front. The larger one is called the Naha Stone. According to legend it had a duel purpose in ancient Hawai'i... First, the 7,000 lbs. Naha Stone, said to be brought over by canoe from the island of Kauai, had magical powers. Legend say whoever was able to move it would be the first King of the Hawaiian islands. At the age of 14, a young Kamehameha decided to try to move this large stone (risking death if he failed). He tried many times, finally moving it with his great strength. The prophecy was then fulfilled when he became King Kamehameha the Great and unified all the islands under his mighty rule. Second, In ancient Hawai'i, it was used to find out who belonged to the ruling Naha clan. After a baby was born, it was placed on top of this stone. If it remained calm, the baby was Naha. If it cried, it wasn't. I can only imagine the outcome of the later. In the end, it always starts from the beginning, and where we all came from. Maybe the Naha Stone is not for everyone, as the previous reviewer mentions, some might be bored (looking at large rocks lol). To me, it's all about respecting the past and understanding the great cultures of our world. And yes, I moved the Naha... slight exaggeration lol, but I did feel the Mana, I hope you do too... And so the ancient story goes...

As a you learn Hawaiian history as a kid in Hawaii you undoubtedly learn about Kamehameha the Great…read morelifting the Naha Stone and about what a feat of strength it was. I am sure every local kid has envisioned it in some capacity. The Naha Stone was very easy to find and sit fronting the Hilo Public Library which I think is absolutely fantastic. Of course we didn't really try to lift it and only posed for the photo.

As I age like fine wine I realize the value of learning about history. I may not be good on…read morejeopardy or remover the exact years but I find history especially in person exquisite. Wanting to fill our house with historic and local art we had to visit the statue and pay our respects. The first ruler of the kingdom of Hawaii uniting the island. Located downtown easily for all to see. A huge parking lot to drive up and park surrounded by a well manicured landscape. You can see how much he means as even today people continue to show respect by leaving plants and leis to decorate his statue. The bright and vibrant colors pop against the blue sky's and green surroundings. It was definitely worth the stop and a well kept area to wander around taking in Hilo slowing down and enjoying the scenery.

Beautiful statue of Kamehameha the Great cast in bronze. One of three statues in the state (Hilo,…read moreNorth Kohala, and Honolulu). This one is very easy to drive up to and maybe less crowded than going to see the one in Honolulu. I love how at this one there was hookupu in abundance.

What a change! Very little waiting, place to sit, no reservation necessary (though this would…read morespeed things up even more) It was a painless process!

Top notch, I am on the mainland and have a Vehicle in Hilo…read more Had some registration issues ,called the department. Spoke to a very nice employee who guided me on how to get the proper forms and to send my money in to get my car registered. You don't get that here in the mainland. Mahalo

The person that assisted and I so wish I got her name was soooo awesome!! She actually helped both…read moretimes for my registration appointments for a JDM import. She was extremely knowledgeable and very detailed and made the whole process go as smooth as possible. Thank you for your 5 star service!

Wow! The WORST experience at this location. Very unprofessional clerk that raised her voice and…read morerolled her eyes when talking about proper documentation to bring to the appointment....and no we weren't rude to the clerks. Think of the tone of a mother scolding her child. The check off list they provide is VERY vague so be prepared to be turned away if it isn't the correct form of the document. We followed the clerk's instructions and returned only to get yelled at. Looks like we'll try to Hilo location instead so we don't fear getting mistreated.

Ever since moving here Ive had no problems, yeah sometimes the line can be out the door but that's…read moreno big deal, plus it's the holidays too! They are always so helpful, most of the times they help me with my packages out to my truck, so glad I came to this one instead of Mountain View.

love our local post office! Friendly staff, cheery atmosphere that's always festive for the…read moreholidays. Wait time is still pretty quick even when the lines do get long.