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Latest Hilo hotel reviews
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After visiting this town many more times than I wished to on extended stays (my parents lived here for years) , I can truthfully state that this is not a friendly tourist town or full of friendly natives or any such nonsense. As a tourist , this is a stop-off point for visiting the terrific wonders of the volcano and nothing more. I think the best way to visit the volcano is to go by cruiseship and take the included bustrip up to the volcano , then return back to the ship without staying over. That way you won't have your vacation ruined by the sour-faced locals that don't like you anyway or harrased by adolescent male thugs that have nothing better to do (as is attested to by other reviews within). I saw and experienced a considerable amount of predjudice against "howlies"(mainland caucasions) here over the years. Tip; If you are confronted and have dark hair , say you're a "Portugee" (thats o.k. by them -- why? don't know -- thats just the way it is). If you have light hair , just keep on walking (on the other side of the street). If you choose to go by car, I'd recommend planning your choice of sites to see beforehand to keep your time here to a minimum. If staying overnight , stay at a namebrand hotel in the safer (and more picturesque) area of Banyon Drive (but still beware -- you're not in friendly territory). If you do stay here and decide I'm wrong about all this , keep in mind that tourist oriented business's work hard to try (usually unsuccessfully) to get there employees to "act" friendly but be it known , this is just patronization. In truth , I've seen campaigns launched by the Hawaiian government trying to pursuade locals to be friendlier to tourists (tourism being Hawaii's biggest business). A safer (and friendlier) enviroment for tourist , is on the other side of the island (across the "Saddle Road") in Kona. Kona is more tourist oriented and better fits the typical vacationer's pre-conceived idea of "Hawaii" (besides , the suns shines here as opposed to the constant grey of Hilo).
Updated Oct 28, 2011
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Acting like a local will get your ass kicked if you say it to the wrong "Blalah" (big ass polynesian dude). Sadly, there are some who dislike others on their "aina" (land) and will call out anyone looking at them wrong. You shouldn't run into any of them unless you just happen to be walking down Four Miles Park. The main thing to remember is, be friendly and you'll get the same in return. Please, for your safety, don't be ignorant and mock anything cause these guys will make you wish you had chose another location to vacation in.
What am I scaring you for? It's not that bad lol, just don't make trouble with anyone and you'll be fine. You may get laughed at for wearing that funky getup though. You know what I mean, you have it in your summer closet... The Hawaiian shirt, fanny pack, knee high socks, cowboy hat, short shorts....
Written Oct 25, 2005
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A'a or sharp edge lava rocks can cause your trip to go south. Common sense would tell you not to walk over these but hey, I'm in Hawaii what the hey! Many if not all of Hilo's beaches are not sandy. The Island is not old enough to have vast stretches of sand as erosion has not set in just yet. Though quite beaufitul, please watch your step when going into the water as sharp rocks are not your only concern. We also have Wana (Sea Urchins) which are poisonous. Stepping on one of these will cost you a trip to the hospital. It may not cause you death but it will ruin your vacation as you may not be able to walk for a while (unless you can handle the pain!). Wear protective gear when going into rocky areas, don't be brave.
Written Oct 19, 2005
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Sea turtles are endangered and hefty fines for touching them.
There are seven species of sea turtles: green, flatback, hawksbill, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley, and leatherback.
I love to see them swimming wild, while I was in Mexico, I held baby sea turtles in my hand that were 10 days old.
Updated Jun 24, 2003
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NEVER leave a car unlocked - especially in tourist areas. Hilo is a depressed area and many thieves are on the lookout for rental cars that have cameras, gear, luggage, etc. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Written Aug 24, 2002
The locals are super aggressive..They feel affronted by almost anything..looking for a excuse to beat you with there huge ham hands..my advice is carry a gun because thats the great equalizer
Written Jul 2, 2010
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Warning.....The green turtles are a protected species and are not to be bothered.
It is illegal to touch them in any way.
Fines will be imposed for doing so.
Written Apr 17, 2009
Website: http://www.coffeetimes.com/aug97.htm
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when the park service says don't go there, especially on a volcanic ledge, they mean it. People have died because the lava near where the volcano empties into the ocean is very unstable.
Written Feb 9, 2003
Never drive down private roads...stay on main highways.
Written Aug 26, 2002
This is a gecko lizard...not too harmful I do not think?
Written Aug 25, 2002
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5 Reviews and 606 Opinions I have traveled to the Hilo side of the island several times this past year. I found an unexpected...
4 Reviews and 95 Opinions We stayed at Arnott's Lodge since there really isn't much in the way of lodging in Hilo, but we were...
4 Reviews and 192 Opinions This is a run down hotel. I have stayed at many hotels across 27 different countries and I would...
Reviews and photos of Hilo attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Hilo sightseeing.
This is a gecko lizard...not too harmful I do not think?
55 members live in Hilo
Q: I'm thinking of taking a contract job in Hilo. From what I've read so far , I'm starting to re-think this. I'll be there at least...
A: Aloha, The locals are not unfriendly. In my opinion the people in Hawaii are more friendly than in most places. Just relax and try not to have an attitude when...
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Business Center of the Big Island
Hilo is definately one of the most rainiest places in the country. Most of the pictures you see here have grey skies, don't be suprised! Most people think it never rains here and it is always sunny......
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Hilo is located on the east side of the Big Island. Those looking for a more laid-back vacation will appreciate the quiet, tropical landscape on this side of the island. Of course, with the fertile...
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I won't have any hotel tips on this page as we spent our time on the Big Island with my brother and sister-in-law in a house they had rented. It was a very nice and spacious place sitting right on the...
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Hilo is on the rainforest side of the island, which has its pros and cons. It's a rainforest...it rains...alot. But, that makes for wonderful waterfalls and Eden-like gardens. The Hilo bayfront was......
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Downtown Hilo has a lot to offer if you appreciate small shops and like to see something besides chain stores and restaurants. Hilo has a special history and local flavor, and this is the place to...
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