According to ehuacom, Hilo is the largest city on the island of Hawaii and is located on the east coast of the island. It is situated in a sheltered bay surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and tall volcanoes. The city itself has a population of 43,263 (as of 2019) and covers an area of 28.3 square miles.
The geography of Hilo is dominated by its two major rivers – Wailuku and Wailoa – which flow through the city before emptying into Hilo Bay at its eastern end. The bay is protected from strong ocean currents by two small islands – Moku Ola and Moku O Loe – which form a natural harbor. The city also lies at the foot of Mauna Kea, one of five volcanoes that make up the Island of Hawaii.
Hilo experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, although it does get cooler during winter months due to its higher elevation compared to other parts of the island. It receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 126 inches, much higher than most other places in Hawaii due to its location within a rainforest region.
The landscape around Hilo consists mainly of lush green vegetation with some areas having coconut palms, banana trees, and other tropical plants growing wild. There are several parks in the city including Liliuokalani Gardens, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens, and Naha Bay State Park which offer plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy such as hiking and swimming.
Overall, Hilo’s natural beauty combined with its mild climate make it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation or outdoor adventure in Hawaii’s Big Island paradise!
History of Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii has a long and rich history of settlement. The area was first settled by ancient Polynesians, who arrived in the region around 1000 B.C. These settlers lived off the land, fishing and farming while also trading with other islanders. By the late 1700s, Hilo had become an important port for international trade and was a major hub of activity for ships sailing between North America and Asia.
In 1819, King Kamehameha I declared Hilo to be the capital of Hawaii, making it the seat of government for the entire island chain. During this time, Hilo flourished as a political center and saw an influx of new settlers from Europe and Asia who were attracted by its commercial opportunities.
In 1867, sugar plantations were established in Hilo which created a booming economy that lasted until World War II when many of these plantations closed due to wartime restrictions on sugar imports from abroad. After the war ended, tourism began to take over as Hilo’s main industry as travelers were drawn to its beautiful beaches and lush rainforest surroundings.
Today, Hilo is a vibrant city that still retains its rich cultural heritage while also embracing modernity. The city is home to numerous attractions such as Mauna Loa Observatory which offers stunning views of Mauna Loa volcano; Imiloa Astronomy Center which features interactive exhibits about astronomy; Rainbow Falls State Park which is home to some spectacular waterfalls; and Lyman Museum & Mission House which preserves historic artifacts from 19th century Hawaii. Additionally, visitors can explore local markets such as Coconut Island Market where they can buy fresh produce or handmade crafts from local artisans.
Overall, Hilo is an exciting destination with plenty of history and culture waiting to be explored!
Economy of Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii is an economic powerhouse that has been a major driver of the Hawaiian economy for centuries. Its strategic location made it an ideal port for international trade and has been a key factor in the city’s economic success. Over the years, Hilo has seen a number of different industries come and go but today it is mainly driven by tourism and services.
The tourism industry is one of the main sources of income for Hilo, with visitors drawn to its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and plethora of outdoor activities. In addition to traditional tourist activities such as sightseeing and beach-going, visitors can also take part in activities such as whale watching, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and much more.
The services sector is another major contributor to Hilo’s economy with a variety of different businesses providing jobs in areas such as healthcare, retail, finance and much more. The city also boasts many educational institutions such as University of Hawaii at Hilo which attracts students from around the world to study in its unique environment.
Agriculture remains an important part of Hilo’s economy with many local farms producing coffee beans and macadamia nuts which are exported around the world. Additionally, there are numerous small businesses operating in the city selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce which helps to keep money circulating within the local economy.
Overall, Hilo is an important economic center that provides plenty of employment opportunities while also offering visitors plenty to see and do!
Politics in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii is a vibrant city with a strong sense of political identity. Like the rest of the state, Hilo is largely Democrat-leaning and has been since the 1970s. The city’s politics are shaped by its diverse population which includes Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and many other ethnicities.
The city has a strong representation in local government with both the mayor and county council being elected by the people of Hilo. The council consists of nine members who are responsible for passing legislation and setting policies that will help to improve life in the city.
On the national level, Hilo is represented in Congress by two senators and one representative from Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District which encompasses all of East Hawaii including Hilo. These representatives are tasked with advocating for their constituents on issues such as healthcare, education and environmental protection.
Hilo also has a number of organizations dedicated to promoting political engagement such as The League of Women Voters which encourages citizens to take part in local politics through voter registration drives and other activities. Additionally, there are several political action committees operating in Hilo that work to support candidates running for office or advocate for specific causes such as environmental protection or civil rights.
Overall, Hilo is an active political center with plenty of opportunities for citizens to get involved in shaping their community’s future!
