Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [230]
Yoga
The attractive Yoga Centered (Map; 934-7233; www.yogacentered.com; 37 Waianuenue Ave; drop-in class $14) studio emphasizes Vinyasa (flowing sequences of poses) classes, plus it sells high-quality yoga gear.
Run out of the owner’S home, Balancing Monkey Yoga Center (Map; 936-9590; www.balancingmonkey.com; 65 Mohouli St; drop-in class $14) offers more casual, 90-minute classes in the Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Iyengar methods.
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
For a complete listing of Big Island events, visit www.gohawaii.com.
Merrie Monarch Festival (935-9168; www.merriemonarchfestival.org; 2-night admission general/reserved $10/15) Starts Easter Sunday. Hilo’S biggest event is a week-long cultural festival that culminates with a spirited hula competition. The islands’ best hula troupes vie in kahiko and ′auana (modern) categories, with a skill and seriousness that puts hotel hula shows to shame. Other events include a ho′olaule′a (celebration), a Miss Aloha Hula contest and a parade. Tickets go on sale at the end of December and sell out within a month.
May Day Lei Day Festival (934-7010; www.hilopalace.com; admission free) On the first Sunday in May, the art of lei making is celebrated with incredible displays, demonstrations, live music, hula and more at the Palace Theater.
Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival (961-5711; www.ehcc.org) Mid-July. A two-day concert featuring accomplished ukulele, steel guitar and slack key guitar players from across the islands.
Aloha Festival (http://alohafestivals.com) During the August/September statewide Aloha Festival, Hilo jumps in with an outdoor concert and a festival honoring Queen Lili′uokalani.
Hawai′i County Fair September. The fair comes to town on the grounds of the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium (Map). It’S pure rural nostalgia, with carnival rides, cotton candy, orchid shows and agricultural exhibits.
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SLEEPING
The resorts and ‘vacation rental’ condos of the Kona Coast are nonexistent in Hilo. Instead, you’ll find more affordable standard hotels and a wonderful selection of homey B&Bs.
Budget
Hilo Bay Hostel (Map; 933-2771; www.hawaiihostel.net; 101 Waianuenue Ave; dm $20, r with/without bathroom $60/50; ) Put simply, this hostel is great. Perfectly situated downtown, it occupies an airy historic building with hardwood floors, well-maintained rooms and real character. A diverse crowd of older, international travelers and a welcoming staff keep the mood low-key, relaxed and friendly. The attractive common room has TV and internet computers (per hour $5). Private rooms are a great deal (room 9 holds a surprise in the exterior mural), though street noise can intrude at night.
Hilo Tropical Gardens Guest House (Map; 217-9650; www.hilogardens.com; 1477 Kalaniana′ole Ave; camping $15, dm $25, r with shared bathroom $65, huts $100; ) Near Onekahakaha Beach and tucked within an atmospheric jungly garden, this small well-managed hostel offers dorms, private rooms, two free-standing huts and campsites. The common kitchen is limited, but the on-site ice-cream shop compensates, making this a lovely budget hideaway.
Arnott’S Lodge (Map; 969-7097; www.arnottslodge.com; 98 Apapane Rd; tent sites $10, dm/r with shared bathroom $25/60, r/ste $70/130; ) Known as Hilo’S ‘party hostel,’ Arnott’S is fine if you just want a bed and the conviviality of young fellow travelers. The separate ‘deluxe’ rooms are most comfortable; others occupy a worn-out, cement-block motel. Tents crowd an open lawn, with access to outdoor showers. Staff can be grumpily rule-oriented. There’S a movie room, coin laundry, and shuttles to downtown (round-trip $3); ask about free airport pickups (until 7:30pm).
Old Hawaiian B&B (Map; 961-2816, 877-961-2816; www.thebigislandvacation.com; 1492 Wailuku Dr; r incl breakfast $80-110; ) In a private home in a neighborhood above downtown, these three cozy rooms are great value, offering pretty furnishings, a sense of seclusion, and a sociable morning over a generous breakfast on the backyard