Hilo

Hilo is the county seat on the eastern side of Hawaii Island and spreads along a bay between the slopes of Mauna Loa and the ocean. The streets run through neighborhoods with low buildings and parks kept green by frequent rainfall.

Polynesian settlers reached this shore around the year 1100 and established fishing grounds and farmland. In the 19th century the area turned into a trade hub through sugarcane farming and the arrival of immigrants from Asia.

The name Hilo comes from the Hawaiian word for the first night after a new moon and remains in everyday use among residents. The town shows its character through wooden plantation-style homes and small shops along the bay where fishermen sell their morning catch.

An airport connects the town with other Hawaiian islands and a public bus system runs through the area. Rain showers occur throughout the year so waterproof clothing is advisable for outdoor visits.

The town receives more than 10 feet (3 meters) of rainfall per year, making it one of the wettest inhabited places in the United States. Despite that, fruit trees and flowers grow right in the front yards of many homes.