The rain-washed air is sweetened by flowers, and wonderful to breathe. Deep blue waves shatter into white spray against and over the jagged jet-black shoreline edged in vibrant greens. Colorfully dressed and undressed children splash in the calmer pools and sheltered beach areas edging Hilo Bay.
Life moves at a slow, friendly pace.
See how many old hitching rings you can spot, and figure out why Hilo's sidewalks are black instead of gray. Be sure to visit the farmers' market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Vendors offer taste samples of the more unusual produce, and sprays of orchids or bouquets of exotic flowers can be bought for just a few dollars. Several local canoe clubs house their outrigger canoes along the water's edge, hold practices after work, and, during the summer, compete in day-long regattas with other canoe clubs from around the island and the state. Each paddling club sets up a food booth to help pay expenses, and this is real local food.