Hilo is a gateway to off-the-beaten-path activites. Not that the original author of this article bothered to find out about any. Too bad the ignorant use TA to give bad advice. The author obviously never has been to Hilo, or the Big Isle, and seems to violate the "real advice from real..." moto. Check out http://www.bigisland.org/daytrips/227... for a good guide (and links to lots of Big Isle sites and activities).
The Big Island is not only the newest Hawaiian island, but has some of the most interesting places to see.
Check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens: http://www.htbg.com/ or pick up a walking tour map and walk around Old Hilo Town, or hop on a sampan bus, Hilo's unique transportation. The farmers' market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers (and people) is a good local experience and a cheap way to get good papayas etc.
Twenty minutes north of Hilo is Akaka Falls State Park, home to the beautiful cascade of Akaka Falls. The park requires some light hiking, but rain or shine, the view of the falls is reward for your efforts. And it rains a lot on this side of the the Big Isle and the waterfalls really get going in stormy weather.
From here (from here? From Akaka? What, you cazy?), travelers rarely miss the opportunity to see an active volcano. Volcano National Park is located just slightly farther along (in the other direction for goodness sake - 50 miles from Akaka Falls in the wrong direction) from Akaka Falls. The active beast of Mount Kilauea provides entertainment for all, while continuing to add to the the biggest and newest of the Hawiian islands. The park changes slightly every day to accommodate the unpredictable flow of lava. From where the lava covered the Chain of Craters Road there is a rough hike to view the lava. Very impressive. Visitors can follow flags to approach the flowing lava from the safest viewing point..
For a better look at a real crater (go walk on any of the several hiking paths), helicoptor tours are a very popular attraction (no locals ever bother, only tourist ever go on these things) and many leave from Hilo (and sadly keep returning). You may want (or you may not want to spend a lot of money for limited benefits, but it's up to you - if you have lots of money and want to do a TOURIST activity where you sit on your tail, fine) to try one of the following tour service companies: Sorry, this isn't an advertisement anymore for a couple heli tour outfits: TripAdvisor isn't intended to be a site that promotes certain companies.
Honaunau Bay , a place of refuge, is located farther along highway 160 from Volcano Park. The bay is famous for its incredible marine life; it is a perfect opportunity for snorkeling, so make sure to bring your gear and prepare to see a bay full of every color fish you can imagine!
THIS REVIEW IS JUST WRONG! Honaunau Bay is a LONG LONG way from Hilo. Who wrote this kukai?
From Hilo go to Waipio (nice rocky beach, hiking [the famous song Hiilawe refers to the Hiilawe waterfall in Waipio - a tough great hike] and horse riding, Laupahoehoe, Lilioukalani Gardens, Honokaa, and talk to locals and ask their advice. And go to http://realtravel.com/e-257044-hilo_e... where Real Travel has several in depth articles. Here's a link to info about the drive from Hilo to Waipio, the Hamakua Heritage Corridor,