Hilo, Hawai'i

Hilo, located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town including museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests, and blooming gardens. It's also home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is a convenient stop on your way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located just 45 minutes south. The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence its nickname, Big Island), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and the elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. From the many geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights...