a view of Hilo Bay
the coastline near Hilo
one of the many secluded beaches
Indian Mongoose were introduced by sugar cane farmers in 1883 to control the local rat population
lush vegetation inside the Akaka Falls State Park
the views here are very impressive
and the second stage of the Peepee Falls
the first stage of the Peepee Falls
another spectacular seaside view
you may see many flowering trees like this one
The North Eastern shores of Hawaii are called the
Hamakua Coast . The region receives plenty of rainfall and hence has lush
tropical rainforests and waterfalls.
The seaside views are very impressive and
Upstream from the Rainbow Falls you will find the
Peepee Falls with pools called boiling pots.
The
first Polynesian explorers arrived in the Hilo area around 1100 AD and from there settled the rest of the islands.
Hilo
is now the county seat of the Big Island with Hilo airport as gateway for tourists, be it to the other Hawaiian Islands
or for a very scenic flight over the nearby active volcano fields. You may well see the red stuff!
Hilo's location makes
it prone to tsunamis. The last one, caused by the
Great Chilean Earthquake, struck in 1960 and killed 61 people.
We
traveled along Hawaii's East Coast twice, the last time was in July 2001.
on the northern plains. Note the observatories high atop Mauna Kea
there are several short trails that will lead you through lush vegetation to the seaside
the famous Rainbow Falls near Hilo
at Akaka Falls the water drops a full 150 meters
