When you think of Hawaii, certain things come to mind… like sun, sand, and sea. It’s like the land of eternal sunshine; a topical paradise at best. I can probably summarize it in an image like the one below.
That’s what I though too! But then, we went to Hilo on the Big Island and it was one rainy place!
To give you a quick background, Hawaii is composed of four major islands and a lot of little ones here and there. The four bigger ones are: the Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. I’m sure you’re all familiar with Waikiki, Hawaii’s most famous beach strip. Waikiki is located in Honolulu, Oahu, and we’ll be getting there soon. For this post, I’ll be sharing my Big Island experience.
Welcome to Hawaii, USA!!!
Incidentally, this is also my first US trip. I got a 10-year multiple-entry visa and I’m super thrilled!
We flew 18 hours into the past from Manila and landed in Honolulu and then we had to take a domestic flight to Hilo. I didn’t know what to expect. This picture is pretty much a glimpse of what the rest of Hilo looks like… wide open spaces, zero traffic, sky anticipating rain.
We checked in at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. I loved the sunsets at that place.
Check out the view from my room. Hilo is so green!
We arrived on a Saturday and had the whole Sunday to ourselves. I fancied a walk around the hotel that Sunday morning.
After a 5-minute walk, I found this Japanese-themed garden.
Up ahead, there’s a rainbow. I came to know that there is always a rainbow over Hawaii. That is probably why it is nicknamed the Rainbow State.
On the other side of the hotel is a more tropical view. There’s a paddling area nearby. I’m just content to watch and enjoy being at that place at that time.
When everyone else was up, we proceeded to have breakfast at IHOP in Hilo’s biggest mall.
Dinner at Hilo Bay Cafe. For me, it’s the best restaurant there. A few more dinner suggestions: Cafe Pesto and Ponds.
I managed to get a few shots of what went into my hungry tummy.
A quick tip: never leave Hilo without visiting Mauna Loa - the best macadamia nut brand. They also have coffee, chocolate covered mac nuts, and various souvenir items.
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, I had to fly back to Honolulu and continue the trip there. I was super excited to visit the famous Waikiki but at the same time, a bit bummed that I wouldn’t be able to go with the others to visit the volcanoes and the other beaches in Hilo.
Anyway, I can’t have both. I’ll see you on my next post!
