"When
you visit the Hilo area, you will glimpse the Hawaii of old. From
the quaint downtown to the outlying areas you will find the true
spirit of aloha. No artificial spirit this, for here commercialism
does not enter the equation. Here there are no strangers but rather
one big ohana (family). Should you experience trouble, someone
will come forward to help. The local people willingly take time
to answer questions and "talk story." Listen carefully and you
will learn historical facts too personal to appear in history
books. When driving you will seldom have to wait to enter traffic,
as someone will certainly stop and wave you into line. Here there
is no reason to hurry. If you notice someone driving fast or moving
frantically, it will likely be a visitor to the island who has
not yet absorbed the peace and beauty surrounding him, someone
who has not yet achieved the "hang loose" philosophy that still
pervades Hilo. From the vendors in the farmers' markets who add
extra fruit or flowers to your purchase to those who will be your
neighbors during your visit, you will begin to learn, through
their caring and sharing, the true meaning of aloha." -
written by Samantha Payne
Click
HERE to check out Hilo Area Activities.