By our fourth full day in Hilo, the island attitude had taken over. Friday’s meandering around town (waterfall, museum, brewery, dinner) could’ve been followed by something energetic. Instead we took our time before heading downtown to visit the Farmers Market (photo above) and an equally large area where local crafters sold their wares. A few souvenirs were purchased, always with an eye to the minimal space in our luggage. (We pack light. A carry-on suitcase each, a large purse/bag for my wife, a soft attaché-style bag for me.)
After the market we wandered the downtown area. Hilo manages to look like my childhood of the late 50s and the 60s, except for the modern cars:
Downtown Hilo looking northeast toward Hilo Bay. Turn left from this position and one is smack dab in front of the KTA Superstore mentioned in the post about our first day on the Big Island. September 2024.Downtown Hilo, nearing the beachfront. In the foreground is Turn the Page, a bookstore. Like many of the merchants, it has no glass in the windows–those openings let the breezes (and birds) into the store. In the background and through the palms one can see the hotels on the peninsulas where our hotel stands. September 2024.
The Palace Theatre. Google shows it delightfully lit up at night. Hilo, HI, September 2024.
Eventually we ended up at Hilo Brewing Company which sits about a mile from the beaches of city center. It reminded us of the rough-looking ones around Raleigh and in San Diego County where all the work goes into the beer, all 4-6 kinds of it. We like that.
On the way to the restroom, aided by yellow footprints painted on the concrete and surrounded by brewing accoutrement. I’m sure this is up to code, right? Right? Hilo, HI, September 2024.A short wooden bar seating about six to eight. Surf documentary on the TV. Eight taps, several of which were tapped out. Through the open rollup door we gazed at other patrons talking and laughing at picnic tables. The brewer sits in a mixed industrial area. Think cyclone fences, cracked pavement with grasses growing in them, a kind of Quonset Chic vibe. Hilo, HI, September 2024.
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Published by pilchbo
Reporter, editor, photographer. Eighth grade teacher of English and computers. Actor. Quality assurance professional for pharmaceutical manufacturing. And always a writer.
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One thought on “Downtown Hilo”
It sounds like you really soaked in the laid-back charm of Hilo! I love how you captured the blend of nostalgia and the island’s unique quirks, like the open-window shops and the relaxed brewery vibe
all the voices in my head 
It sounds like you really soaked in the laid-back charm of Hilo! I love how you captured the blend of nostalgia and the island’s unique quirks, like the open-window shops and the relaxed brewery vibe