Hilo: History and Legends Walking Tour With a Smartphone App

Hilo’s captivating history and enchanting folklore come alive through the "Hilo: History and Legends Walking Tour With a Smartphone App." This self-guided journey immerses you in the influential roles of Native Hawaiians, Portuguese, and Japanese settlers. Unravel local legends tied to iconic landmarks, enhanced by professional narration and music. With the flexibility to pause and resume, this app offers a unique way to appreciate Hilo’s vibrant culture at your own pace. Discover why this tour is a must-do for anyone exploring the Big Island’s past.

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Good To Know

Immersive audio guide experience with professional narration and captivating music takes users on a journey through Hilo’s rich history and cultural legends.
Explore the influence of Native Hawaiians, Portuguese, and Japanese immigrants on Hilo’s development, and the significance of the Kapu system.
Discover the resilience of the Hilo community in rebuilding after devastating tsunamis and learn about the power of the ocean.
Engage with the diverse culinary traditions showcased at the Hilo Farmers Market and learn about the preservation of local customs.
Flexibility to pause and resume the tour at leisure, with a virtual tour option for post-visit exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Hilo’s Captivating History

As you embark on the Hilo Walking Tour, you’ll uncover the captivating history that shapes this vibrant Hawaiian town.

From the influence of Native Hawaiians and immigrants to the region’s devastating tsunamis, the tour illuminates Hilo’s past. You’ll learn about the Kapu system, the arrival of Portuguese and Japanese settlers, and the significance of the Hilo Farmers Market.

The audio guide also delves into the legends and lore that have been passed down through generations.

This self-guided experience allows you to explore Hilo’s rich history at your own pace, enjoying the stories that have defined this unique destination.

Looking for more options in Hilo? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Uncovering Local Legends and Folklore

Alongside Hilo’s rich history, the Hilo Walking Tour delves into the captivating realm of local legends and folklore.

The audio guide regales listeners with tales of ancient Hawaiian kings, mystical entities, and unexplained phenomena. Hear about the kapu, a sacred set of laws and customs that governed island life.

Uncover the legends behind Hilo landmarks like the Liliuokalani Gardens and the dramatic Hilo Bay. The tour weaves these stories into a vivid tapestry, transporting visitors back in time and sparking their imagination.

The legends of Hilo’s landmarks, woven into a vivid tapestry, transporting visitors back in time and igniting their imagination.

Prepare to be enthralled by Hilo’s enduring traditions and the enduring power of storytelling.

Immersive Audio Guide Experience

The Hilo Walking Tour’s immersive audio guide transports visitors on an engaging journey through the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Featuring professional narration and captivating music, the audio guide brings local legends and immigration stories to life.

Visitors can pause and resume the tour at their leisure, allowing them to explore Hilo’s historic sites and landmarks at their own pace.

The virtual tour option also enables travelers to revisit the experience long after their trip, ensuring they can relive the insights and discoveries made during the self-guided exploration.

Discovering Hilo’s Diverse Immigration Journey

Hilo’s diversity is deeply rooted in its rich immigration history.

Explore the contributions of early Portuguese, Japanese, and Native Hawaiian communities that have shaped the city’s culture.

Learn about the Kapu system, a traditional code of conduct, and how it influenced daily life.

Discover the significance of the Hilo Farmers Market, a hub for diverse culinary traditions.

Uncover the impact of natural disasters, like tsunamis, and how the resilient community has rebuilt and thrived.

This self-guided tour offers an engaging, immersive experience to explore Hilo’s captivating past and present.

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Navigating the Hilo Farmers Market

As visitors wander through the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market, they’ll encounter a vibrant tapestry of local produce, artisanal crafts, and cultural offerings.

The market features:

Locally grown fruits and vegetables, from sweet pineapples to fragrant tropical flowers.
Handmade Hawaiian crafts, including intricate wood carvings, vibrant textiles, and unique jewelry.
Cultural performances and demonstrations, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the island.

Navigating the bustling market allows travelers to enjoy Hilo’s thriving community and discover the flavors, artistry, and traditions that make this destination truly unique.

There's plenty more to explore in Hilo

Learning About Kapu and Traditional Culture

Amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of the Hilo Farmers Market, visitors can uncover the rich tapestry of the island’s traditional culture.

The self-guided tour‘s audio guide delves into the concept of "kapu" – the sacred laws and customs that governed ancient Hawaiian society. Listeners learn how these traditional protocols shaped everyday life, from food production to social interactions.

The tour also explores the profound spiritual connection Hawaiians have with the land and ocean, fostering a deeper appreciation for the islands’ enduring cultural heritage.

This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with Hilo’s timeless traditions at their own pace.

Tsunamis and the Power of the Ocean

Although the Hilo Farmers Market bustles with activity, the audio guide also delves into Hilo’s painful history with tsunamis – powerful waves that have devastated the town multiple times.

The tour highlights three key tsunamis that have impacted Hilo:

The 1946 tsunami, which killed 160 people and caused extensive damage.
The 1960 tsunami, triggered by an earthquake in Chile, which killed 16 people and destroyed much of downtown Hilo.
The 2011 tsunami, following the Tōhoku earthquake in Japan, which caused significant flooding and destruction.

Through these stories, the tour conveys the ocean’s immense power and the resilience of the Hilo community.

Accessing the Virtual Tour After Your Visit

Even after completing the self-guided walking tour, travelers can continue exploring Hilo’s history and attractions through the virtual tour feature.

The app allows users to access the audio guide after their visit, enabling them to revisit the sites and stories at any time.

This virtual experience complements the on-location tour, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into Hilo’s rich heritage, legends, and cultural influences.

Travelers can listen to the engaging narration and music wherever they are, allowing them to extend their exploration and deepen their appreciation for this captivating Hawaiian destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as it allows participants to explore the historic sites and local legends at their own pace with the help of a smartphone app. The self-guided nature of the tour makes it suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Can I Download the App Before Arriving in Hilo?

Yes, you can download the app before arriving in Hilo. The tour app is available for download anytime, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the content and features prior to your visit.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The self-guided walking tour can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages, allowing them to explore Hilo’s history and legends at their own pace using the smartphone app.

Can I Receive a Refund if It Rains During the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it rains during the tour, you can cancel and request a refund as long as it’s within the 24-hour window.

Is It Possible to Take the Tour as a Group?

Yes, the tour can be taken as a group. The app allows multiple participants to access the self-guided tour at the same time, enabling group exploration of Hilo’s history and legends.

The Sum Up

The "Hilo: History and Legends Walking Tour With a Smartphone App" offers an immersive exploration of Hilo’s rich past. Narrated by professionals and enhanced with captivating music, the self-guided tour allows you to discover the influential roles of Native Hawaiians, Portuguese, and Japanese settlers, as well as unravel local legends tied to iconic landmarks. The flexibility to pause and resume makes it a perfect way to appreciate Hilo’s vibrant culture at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: