Hilo: the air you breathe may be mixed with traces of volcanic ash, snow falling on Mauna Kea and salt spray from the sea. Mostly, it rains, fueling gushing waterfalls and watering exotic flowers that bloom in formal botanical gardens and at farmers markets. One of the wettest towns in the United States, Hilo’s average rainfall is about 128 inches a year. Gortex is the city’s official fabric.

Hilo, with a population 40,759, is Hawai’i Island’s seat of government and the site of the University of Hawaii’s Hilo branch. Yes, I’m there this semester. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the annual Merrie Monarch Festival are major visitor attractions; I’ve not yet enjoyed either of these.

Hilo is blessed with an indomitable spirit. After the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis wiped out much of the bustling waterfront town, the center of government and commercial life shifted, leaving the town in disrepair.  Today the city of Hilo retains the aura of a Pacific trading port and is committed to the continued revitalization of the city center. At the same time, the community is dedicated to the preservation of its historic character.

I’ve attached a photo of the Hilo Hotel (1950’s) – reminding all of us who love Hawai’i that it’s a blessed place to visit or live. Aloha.