UMI 2011 • Program

Places of Interest In and Around Hilo

Welcome to the Island of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i’s “Big Island,” and the lovely historic town of Hilo. Hilo showcases country shops, museums, and parks, and is nestled between lush green rain forests and tall, sometimes snow-capped, volcanoes. Hilo, rich in culture and history, is filled with creative art and music in many forms, and is also home to the University of Hawai‘i Hilo campus. We look forward to welcoming you to Hilo and to the Island of Hawai‘i. Some activities to enthrall your senses include:

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i

Located at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo campus, the Center showcases connections between Hawaiian culture and astronomical research conducted at Mauna Kea. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 808-969-9700. www.imiloahawaii.org

The Pacific Tsunami Museum, in Hilo

Offers a poignant history of tsunami (tidal waves) and the devastation of the 1946 and 1960 waves that hit Hilo. Learn about plate tectonics, ocean waves, tsunami, and more. The museum offers pictures, videos, stories, and interactive displays. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 808-935-0926. www.tsunami.org

The Lyman Museum

Built in 1839 by a New England missionary couple who came to Hilo in their early 20s and spent the next fifty years of their lives there, Lyman Museum is now the oldest wood frame building on the Island of Hawai‘i. It offers a daily guided tour. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 808-935-5021. www.lymanmuseum.org

The Rainforest ZipLine and Waterfall Adventure

Zipping over gurgling streams and waterfalls with a view of the blue Pacific Ocean in the distance, the Adventure also includes a World Botanical Gardens stroll, views of two of Hawai‘i's most beautiful waterfalls, and a picnic lunch. Pickup available in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. 808-937-0644. www.nuipohaku.com

Volcano Winery

Wine tasting in Paradise is just a sip away. Taste local wines inspired by volcanic fire and the bounty of the island. Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 808-967-7772. www.volcanowinery.com

Big Island Candies

Founded in 1977, Big Island Candies pride themselves with using only the finest ingredients. Their dedication to high quality and great tasting products is reflected in each delectable confection. Open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 808-935-8890 or 800-935-5510. www.bigislandcandies.com

The Waipio Valley Shuttle

Offers a 1.5- to 2-hour tour of 1200 foot waterfalls, lotus ponds, roaming wild horses, taro patches, and fresh water rivers, with narrated Hawaiian history and legends. Tours available Monday to Saturday. 808-775-7121.

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company Visitor Center

Observe the processing of macadamia nuts and enjoy free samples at the self-guided factory tour. Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 808-882-1690. www.hawnnut.com

The Mokupapapa Discovery Center

Nestled in downtown Hilo is a place to learn about one of the last wild places on Earth: the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 808-933-8195 (reservations, group), 808-933-8184 (programs). www.papahanaumokuakea.gov

 

Conference Contact Information

  • Conference Coordinator
  • Ms. Karynne Morgan
  • University of Hawai‘i
  • 1000 Pope Road, MSB 303
  • Honolulu HI 96822
  • Tel: +1 808.956.6036
  • Fax: + 1 808.956.9772
  • E-mail: karynnem@hawaii.edu

 

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