Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Pahoa, Volcano, Hamakua Coast

Hilo overlooks a large ocean bay at the base of  Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, which is the site of some of the world's most important ground-based astronomical observatories. Hilo is home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi, as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula that takes place every year after Easter. Hilo is also home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, one of the world's leading producers of macadamia nuts. The town is served by Hilo International Airport and draws tourists who come to see the lush landscape and waterfalls, to visit the Volcanoes National Park and black sand beaches and much more.