Hilo, Big Island

Hilo at a Glance

Situated on the eastern, rainy windward side of Hawaii Island is the coastal town of Hilo. It has long been recognized city in the United States to have the wettest population having 128 inches of rainfall annually. It is near two shield volcanoes, the active Mauna Loa, and the dormant Mauna Kea, where one finds some of the best ground-based astronomical observatories. University of Hawaii and Hilo International Airport serve the education and transport needs of the community. A week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula known as Merrie Monarch Festival is observed annually after Easter.

Polynesians who lived along the shores of Hilo Bay first inhabited the town in 1100 A.C. As farmers and fishermen, they traded goods along the Wailuku River. In 1700, under King Kamehameha's rule, Hilo became the center of political activity and social growth. In 1940 missionaries brought not only Christianity but also Western education which further changes the lifestyle of the native Hawaiians and Hilo grew into a commercial center. The boomimg sugar industry led to construction of wharves, the breakwater and railroad that connected Hilo to other parts of the island. Until now, it has survived as an example of Hawaiian plantation town, and cultural diversity as downtown Hilo offered new opportunities for businessmen and entrepreneurs from Japan, Korea, China, Philippines and Portugal.

In 2000, Hilo was estimated to have a population of about 40,759 people in its land area of approximately 58.4 square miles. Per capita income was estimated at US$18,220.

Hilo's zip code is 96720.

Hilo in Bullet Points

Hilo Location

Hilo Map (top)

Hilo Weather (top)

Now
76°F
Windchill:
76°F
Cloudy
Location: Hilo, HI, US
Wind: 9 mph NE
Humidity: 74%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30 in steady
Sunrise: 6:31 am
Sunset: 5:40 pm Fri
Hi: 78°F
Low: 68°F
Showers
Sat
Hi: 79°F
Low: 68°F
Showers