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farmer's market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is also a must see. In addition to fresh foods, there are numerous local crafters and artisans plying their wares.

Beach Parks

This is Hawaii, so of course we have to talk beaches. But Hilo's situated on an active volcano, which means that while there are beaches, they may not be the kind of beaches you usually think of!

Just north of Hilo lies Honoli'i surf beach. Situated at the mouth of a river stream, this is the most popular local surf spot, and draws a crowd every day. Bayfront beach in town is home of numerous outrigger canoe clubs, and the site of canoe races throughout the year. Coconut Island, located near the hotels, is a leisure spot with a couple small sandy beaches that are popular with children. Reeds Bay, just east of the hotels, is a sandy beach with sailboats moored offshore. A mile or so east of town, Onekahakaha beach offers tide pools and a large, protected swimming area that's excellent for children and beginners. Half a mile past that, Kealoha beach, also called "Four Mile" for its distance from the downtown post office, has a slightly deeper protected swimming area, as well as some areas open to the ocean. A mile further, at the end of Kalanianaole Street, is Leleiwi Beach, which includes the town's best snorkeling area, Richardson Ocean Park. Dozens of species of tropical fish can be seen here, as well as corals, sea urchins, moray eels, and the Green Turtles which frequent many local beaches.

Southeast of town in the rural Puna district, the Kapoho Tidal Pools are another popular snorkeling spot, though not as much of a beach as Richardson. Just south of Kapoho, Ahalanui beach park features a large stone saltwater pool with an outlet to the pounding surf, heated to about 90 degrees fahrenheit by magma deep underground. A few miles south, Pohoiki is another popular surf spot.

Waterfalls

If you want waterfalls, we've got 'em! The Wailuku River on the north side of downtown is known for Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall located off Waianuenue Avenue below the hospital, not even 2 miles from downtown. Further up Waianuenue, "Boiling Pots" and Pe'epe'e falls are found.

Fifteen miles north of Hilo, above the rural town of Honomu, Akaka Falls State Park is home to its namesake, a waterfall which plummets over 400 feet in a single drop, as well as Kahuna Falls, which cascades down a mountainside.

There are numerous other falls - Kulaniapia, Umauma, and many others whose names are less known if

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