"Rainforest Trip" a Hilo Travel Page by KiKitC

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 the site of two tsunamis in 1946 and 1960. Now, instead of a town, the bayfront is park. Expect to get rained on while here, but this is a good launching site for many great day trips. Can't get a spot in Volcano? It's just a short trip from Hilo. Also, it took about one and a half hours of driving to get to Waipi'o Valley, if you have four wheel-er and know how to really use it, there's a road into the valley, but it's insanely steep.

This was the last leg of our trip. By now I had learned how to move around with the pins in my hand and this huge club-like cast and we actually did quite alot for someone just out of the hospital. We spent our nights in a "spirited" hotel room, had the best Italian food I've ever had (sorry Grandma), and had to say good-bye to Hawaii here.

From here, it's a very short trip to Rainbow Falls, Pe'epe'e Falls, the Boiling Pots, Pu'u 'O'o hike, Kaumana Cave, Akaka Falls State Park and Onomea Bay.