This is a must! The sheer power of the ocean crashing into the rocks is not only mesmerizing but…read moremagical!!!! It should be on everyone list of must dos!

Beautiful views that are worth the trip down a long winding lane. Great place for relaxing and…read moretaking in the ocean views. It's too bad the lighthouse is no longer there

Beautiful drive up here. It's the preeminent place on earth to see stars. The conditions are…read moredeemed perfect: elevation, lack of light pollution (they have laws about that on this island specifically to protect the viewing) and some thing to do with the wind and air or such in this part of the tropics. There are 12 telescopes set up by volunteer astronomers and park rangers that you can use. All you need are your eyes. You can see satellites buzzing by with the naked eye. They use a laser to point out constellations. There is a short film in the center which is worth while. Dress warm. It is COLD up here. 40 degrees. There are 11 countries with major observatories up here at the summit. There is a visitors center that sells gifts, hot cocoa and hot tea. There are restrooms. Oh, and did I say all of this is FREE?!?! (Except the hot drinks.).

Oh no what could you improve? How about some signage for the different trails. You sent unknowing…read moretourists on a journey through hell and caused us to miss a sunset we drove an hour to see. Who creates trails for visitors without any signs? Let's get our heads out of the dirt people.

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.

"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.

I'm normally more wordy than this, but I have some catching up to do…read more.. This statue is right off the roadway with parking available across the street. While you are in Hawaii spend some time and learn the history and the true culture of the Hawaiian islands. As long as you are in the area make sure you check out the local shopping and restaurants!

Located in kohala district ! Supposed birth place of king kamehameha. The king that united the…read moreislands of Hawaii. Located in front of the old country courthouse in the town of Kapa'au. Made of cast brass and painted with lifelike colors, it depicts Kamehameha I, and represents an important cultural and spiritual object for the local community.

Impressive historical site and good interpretive signed. The pathway is paved and some of it is…read moresuitable for wheelchairs.

This is a not to miss heritage of Hawaiian history with many items from the past. Although small,…read moreit is a clean and well cared for facilities.

The Singing Bridge, also known as the Wailuku Bridge or Airplane Bridge, is located where the…read moreWailuku River meets the ocean. As you may be able to guess, it is called the Singing Bridge because the steel grate surface that allows water through makes a distinctive sound as you drive across it. It's right along Bayfront and if you're driving between Hilo and Kona, or any of the other attractions north of Hilo, such as Akaka Falls, then you will most likely have the chance to drive over it. It's a pretty cool thing to experience. It just sounds cool to drive across, and if you look down, you can see the river/ocean!

This is a joke, right? I thought the Musical Road grooves in Lancaster, California were lame (see…read morevideo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef93WmlEho0). Furthermore, the slippery metal grates aren't very safe to drive. But hey, it causes the car to vibrate and shimmy. Let's turn a risky road hazard into a playful jest. In all honesty, the bridge sang better than Kim Kardashian. A "hi" point of Hilo was Coconut Island while the musical bridge was a definite "lo" point of Hilo. Another interesting fact about Hilo are its many sister cities in Europe like Maxmin in Ireland, Guttenbad in Germany, and Vestwurst in Austria. And before anyone writes me to say I'm an idiot (which I stupidly know), I realize that Hilo is not pronounced high-low, but hea-low.