Hawaii Vacations - Featured

Hawaii Vacations and All Inclusive Hawaii Vacation Packages Oahu Maui Kauai Lanai Molokai Big Island Home | Hot Deals | Featured Specials | Hawaii Honeymoon | Hawaii Group Travel | Hawaii Weddings | Contact Us Hawaii Vacations - Featured Specials HAWAII ISLAND: Maui Grand Wailea Resort and Spa RATING: Luxury Starting Price: $1547.49 The Grand Wailea Resort and Spa is an award winning resort on the sun drenched coast of Wailea Maui. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Oahu Turtle Bay Resort RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: $906.00 North Shore Premium Plus Package View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Kauai Kauai Sheraton Resort RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: Call To Learn More The Kauai Sheraton Resort sits on beautiful Poipu Beach. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Kauai Hyatt Regency Kauai RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: Call To Learn More 50 acre oceanfront resort in sunny Poipu. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Kauai Princeville Hotel RATING: Luxury Starting Price: Call To Learn More This luxury hotel offers exclusive guest services. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Big Island Fairmont Orchid RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: Call To Learn More Nestled on 32 acres of the sunny Kohala Coast View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Oahu 7 Nights at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: Call To Learn More The remarkable JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa sits beside a pristine lagoon, surrounded by white sand and azure sky. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Oahu Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa RATING: Deluxe Starting Price: Call To Learn More Located on the scenic side of Waikiki near Diamond Head. View Details HAWAII ISLAND: Maui Four Seasons Resort Maui RATING: Luxury Starting Price: Call To Learn More The Four Seasons Maui is one of the world's finest resorts. View Details Hawaii Vacations DP World Travel has the lowest pricing on all inclusive Hawaii vacations. Our Hawaii vacation packages include the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and Big Island. DP World Travel also offers the best discount hawaii vacation packages including Hawaii honeymoons , hawaii weddings , and hawaii group travel vacations . We understand that planning a Hawaii vacation package, wedding or honeymoon takes special knowledge and experience that average Hawaii travel agents cannot give you. We're Hawaii vacation experts and our customer service is unbeatable. Call one or our friendly Hawaii vacations experts today and let us help you plan your Hawaii vacation. Search Hawaii Specials Destination: [Choose Your Island] Big Island Maui Oahu Kauai Lanai Molokai Type: [Choose Your Type] Romantic Honeymoon All-Inclusive Group Meetings Family Golf All Hawaii Vacations | Oahu Vacation Rentals | Maui Vacation Rentals | Kauai Vacation Packages | Lanai Vacation Rentals | Molokai Vacation Rentals | Big Island Vacation Rentals | Hawaii Vacation Deals | Hawaii Vacation Specials | Hawaii Honeymoons | Hawaii Group Vacation Packages | Hawaii Wedding Services | Resources

Hawaiian gifts, hula supplies.

Ala Moana Center - Specialty Kiosks & Stores :: Shopping Directory :: Dining Directory :: Mall Map :: New Stores & Restaurants :: Specialty Kiosks & Stores :: Style and Gift Guide Specialty Kiosks & Stores You'll find wonderful surprises at these Specialty Retailers located throughout the Center. 3-DIMENSION ART Personalized pendants & keepsakes from your cherished photos. Street Level, by Bella-A-Bella 808-946-5757 ADIDAS Adidas-branded shoes apparel and accessories. Mall Level next to Papyrus 808-952-6666 ALOHA CIGAR Preminum cigars and collectible lighters. Street Level, fronting L'Epicier 808-942-9911 ALOHA MAHALO BY HATORIE Exquisite handmade glass items and Made-in-Hawaii gifts. Mall Level, fronting Sephora 808-946-3388 ARTISTICA Uniquely designed jewelry and gift items by Artistica. Mall Level by The Apple Store B. TIFF Fashion jewelry with uniquely elegant designs. Upper Level at Center Court BICO AUSTRALIA Unisex fashion jewelry from Australia: Tribal, Aboriginal, surf-style designs. Mall Level fronting Reyn's 808-946-0463 BOHEMIAN BAGS Beaded and sequined fashion handbags. Street Level by Lids CORAL TREE Hand-selected coral and Hawaiian jewelry and opals. Mall Level, fronting Hermes 808-942-9911 CROCS Casual comfort with Crocs-branded shoes and coordinating hats & t-shirts Street Level, by The Sunglass Hut 808-955-9700 DIAMOND WIRELESS The first stop for your Verizon Wireless needs. Street Level, fronting Top Knots 808-953-2136 FANTASTIC SEWING & GIFTS Handmade Hawaiian-style gifts and products at affordable prices. Street Level, by Lids 808-955-2279 FLOWER NAIL ARTS EXPRESS Express nail art service, specializing in flower art. Street Level by The Slipper House 808-955-2255 FLOWER NAIL ARTS EXPRESS II Express nail art service, specializing in hand-painted flower art for beautiful nails. Mall Level, fronting Hermes 808-355-1222 GAME BOX Virtual TV games and remote-control toys. Street Level by Yami Yogurt GOOD KINE COOKING COMPANY Delicious hand-decorated cookies. Baked fresh daily. Upper Level at Center Court GREAT SAVINGS BY ELEPHANT WALK Fantastic savings and great buys for that special someone. Street Level by Locals Only HAWAIIAN ACCESSORIES Koa wood handcrafted jewelry and gifts of Aloha. Mall Level, at Center Court 808-944-9928 HAWAIIAN TOE RING CO. Gold and silver toe rings & anklets. Street Level, fronting The Body Shop 808-955-9794 HONOLULU COOKIE COMPANY Pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies in 8 Hawaiian flavors. Street Level, in Makai Market Food Court 808-945-0787 IN STYLE CELLULAR ACCESSORIES Featuring the latest trends in cellular phone accessories Street Level, fronting The Sunglass Hut 808-941-3222 INDIAN SUMMER Native American Indian jewelry and accessories. Street Level, by Thirst Aid Station 808-952-9887 KANSAI YAMATO Japanese mochi confections and tea drinks. Street Level, in Makai Market Food Court 808-955-9588 LASSEN GALLERIES Christian Riese Lassen's original masterpieces - sculptures, murals and fine art limited edition prints. Mall level next to Puma 808-949-2980 LE LOTUS BLEU Clothing, Handbags & Accessories Ultra Luxe Upper Level, near Tommy Bahama 808-941-1300 MICKS PEPA KELE Delicious glazes and condiments - mild to totally hot! Mall Level by The Disney Store MIDAS TOUCH AUTO DETAILING Car wash & professional auto detailing service. Street Level parking lot, corner of Ala Moana Blvd. and Piikoi Street 808-228-6755 MINI MASSEUSE Professional hands-free massagers relieve tension and sore muscles. Mall Level, by Macy's 808-941-3520 MOTION PICTURES Illuminated images, moving water and natural soundscapes to inspire relaxation. Street Level by Hat Zone NATURAL BEAUTY Beauty products for the face, hands, feet and nails. Mall Level, fronting The Disney Store 808-942-2444 NATURE'S TREASURES HAWAII Natural stone ikebana flower vases.  Copper & glass wind spinners. Street Level, fronting Kay Bee Toys 808-947-6034 NEVER HAVE DRY SKIN AGAIN Products for your skin, backed with a 100% guarantee. Street Level, fronting Artlines 808-942-9152 NEVER HAVE DRY SKIN AGAIN II Products for your skin, backed with a 100% guarantee. Mall Level, fronting Gymboree PEARL PLUS Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater cultured pearls. Mall Level, at Center Court 808-949-7909 PINEAPPLE & COCONUT HUT Real fruit smoothies, ice cream and pure fruit juices. Street Level, in Makai Market 808-951-7722 PRICEBUSTERS Great buys on gifts, toys, souvenirs and holiday decor. Street Level, next to Crabtree & Evelyn 808-944-3495/808-947-5451 PROACTIV Banish breakouts and get clear skin with Proactiv Solution. Street Level by The Body Shop 808-943-6414 SILVER RHINO Unique selection of sterling silver jewelry at great prices. Street Level, by The Cookie Corner 808-946-6671 SOHO Exclusive collection of hair extensions and hair jewelry. Mall Level, by The Disney Store 808-955-7646 STONE WORLD Precious and semi-precious stones in sterling silver settings. Mall Level, by Oakley 808-944-1920 SUNGLASS KING Designer-style sunglasses. Street Level, by Watumull's & Mall Level, fronting Bernini 808-955-0569 SUPER STEAMER Convenient and compact travel steam irons. Street Level, by The Slipper House THE GOOD FEET STORE Your arch support store. Comfort, balance and support. Upper Level, next to Bally 808-944-1441 THE UKULELE HOUSE Ukuleles and related accessories, Hawaiian gifts, hula supplies. Upper Level, next to Swarovski 808-955-8587 THELMA'S FLOWERS OF PARADISE Miniature floral arrangements, hair adornments and accessories. Street Level by Yami Yogurt TRADEWINDS GALLERY Fine art and quality crafts from Hawaii. Upper Level at Center Court 808-946-2391 TROPICAL BREEZE AQUA MASSAGE Relaxing water massage - while you stay perfectly dry! Street Level by The Slipper House UPNEXT WIRELESS Wireless accessories and services (AT&T, Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon). Street Level, fronting L & L Drive Inn/Chopsticks Express 808-941-3882 YOU NAME IT! Decals, graphics, image engraving and more! Street Level, by Dippin' Dots 808-778-7827 ZAGU CRYSTAL AND PEARL SHAKES Crystal and Pearl shakes - more than 30 flavors. Street Level, in Makai Market Food Court 808-951-7722 (Japanese Version) Hours/Directions Mall Map Email To A Friend 1450 ALA MOANA BOULEVARD HONOLULU, HI 96814 (808) 955-9517 | Privacy Policy | GGP, Inc. | Contact Us

Maui Snorkeling

Maui Dive Shop- Scuba Diving on Maui, Maui Activities, Maui Snorkel Trips, Dive Programs Hawaii Links Kauai Company Local Phone Toll Free Phone Categories Air Kauai Helicopters 808-246-4666 800-972-4666 Helicopter Tours Aloha Kauai Tours, Inc. 808-245-7224 800-452-1113 Bicycling, Guided Land Tours, Hiking, Snorkeling, Eco Tours Blue Dolphin Charters 808-335-5553 877-511-1311 Boat Tour, Sailing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Whale Watching Captain Andy's Sailing, Inc. 808-335-6833 800-535-0030 Boat Tour, Rafting, Sailing, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Captain Sundown 808-826-5585 Boat Tour, Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Whale Watching Catamaran Kahanu 808-645-6176 888-213-7711 Boat Tour, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Hilo Hattie 808-524-3966 800-233-8912 Shopping Holo Holo Charters Inc. 808-335-0815 800-848-6130 Boat Tour, Sailing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Island Adventures 808-245-9662 888-245-1707 Island Helicopters Kauai, Inc. 808-246-0008 800-829-5999 Helicopter Tours Jack Harter Helicopters, Inc. 808-245-3774 888-245-2001 Helicopter Tours Kauai ATV 808-742-2734 877-707-7088 ATV Tours, Guided Land Tours Kauai Backcountry Adventures 808-826-6777 Guided Land Tours, Hiking, Zip Line, Eco Tours Kauai Sea Tours 808-826-7254 800-733-7997 Boat Tour, Rafting, Sailing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Eco Tours Kayak Adventures, Inc. 808-826-9340 Kayak Tours Lahela Ocean Adventures 808-635-4020 Association Member, Boat Tour, Fishing, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Liko Kauai Cruises 808-338-0333 888-724-5464 Boat Tour, Sailing, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Magic of Polynesia 808-523-7750 Attractions, Nightlife, Dinning Mana Divers 808-335-0881 Boat Tour, Scuba, Snorkeling, Scuba Lessons Maui Divers Jewelry 808-946-7979 800-462-4454 Attractions, Shopping Na Pali Explorer 808-338-8999 Boat Tour, Rafting, Snorkeling Outfitters Kauai, Ltd. 808-742-9667 Kayak Tours Princeville Ranch 808-826-6777 Rainbow Runner Sailing 808-632-0202 888-245-1707 Boat Tour, Sailing, Snorkeling Roberts Hawaii 808-539-9400 800-831-5541 Attractions, Boat Tour, Guided Land Tours, Island Day Trip, Luau, Nightlife, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Transportation, Eco Tours, Dinning Safari Air Tours 808-246-0136 800-326-3356 Helicopter Tours Seasport Divers 808-742-9303 800-685-5889 Boat Tour, Scuba True Blue Charters 808-246-6333 Boat Tour, Fishing Wailua Kayak Adventures 808-822-5795 Hiking, Kayak Tours Will Squyres Helicopters 808-245-8881 888-245-HELI (4354) Helicopter Tours Wings Over Kauai 808-635-0815 Airplane Tours Oahu Company Local P hone Toll Free Phone Categories Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise 808-523-7750 Nightlife, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Dinning Atlantis Adventures 808-973-9811 1-800-548-6262 Boat Tour, Submarine Atlantis Cruises, Navatek 808-973-1311 800-548-6262 Boat Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Dinning Battleship Missouri Memorial 808-973-2494 877-891-1234 Attractions, Museums Bishop Museum 808-847-3511 Attractions, Museums Blue Hawaii The Show 808-923-1245 888-922-2424 Attractions, Nightlife, Dinning, Show Dive Oahu 808-922-3483 866-922-3483 Boat Tour, Rental Equipment, Scuba, Scuba Lessons, Snorkeling, Transportation, Whale Watching Dole Plantation 808-621-8408 Attractions, Shopping, Fruits & Hawaiian Products Enoa Tours/Waikiki Trolley 808-593-2822 800-824-8804 Attractions, Guided Land Tours, Transportation Hawaii Maritime Center 808-000-0000 Attractions, Museums, Shopping Hawaii Water Sports Center 808-395-3773 Hawaii's Plantation Village 808-677-0110 Attractions, Museums, Shopping, Fruits & Hawaiian Products Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park 808-674-9283 Attractions Hilo Hattie 808-524-3966 800-233-8912 Shopping Iolani Palace 808-522-0832 Attractions, Museums, Shopping Kualoa Activity Club & Secret 808-237-7321 800-231-7321 Attractions, Guided Land Tours, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Shopping, ATV Tours Magic of Polynesia 808-523-7750 Attractions, Nightlife, Dinning Makani Kai Helicopters 808-834-5813 Helicopter Tours Maui Divers Jewelry 808-946-7979 800-462-4454 Attractions, Shopping Oahu Nature Tours 808-924-2473 Guided Land Tours, Hiking Paradise Cove Luau 808-842-5911 800-775-2683 Attractions, Luau, Nightlife, Weddings Paradise Cruise, Ltd. 808-983-7763 800-334-6191 Boat Tour, Snorkeling, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Dinning Pineapple Express 808-591-6232 Attractions, Railroads, Shopping Polynesian Cultural Center 808-293-3333 800-367-7060 Attractions, Luau, Museums, Nightlife, Shopping, Fruits & Hawaiian Products, Dinning Roberts Hawaii 808-539-9400 800-831-5541 Attractions, Boat Tour, Guided Land Tours, Island Day Trip, Luau, Nightlife, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Transportation, Eco Tours, Dinning Sea Life Park Hawaii 808-259-2500 866-365-7446 Aquariums, Attractions Soderholm Sales & Leasing, Inc 808-834-1417 Association Member Tour Talk-Hawaii Nei 808-545-2820 877-585-4799 Cultural, Guided Land Tours, Island Day Trip, Transportation USS Arizona Memorial 808-422-2771 Attractions, Museums USS Bowfin Submarine Museum 808-423-1341 Attractions, Museums, Shopping Waikiki Aquarium 808-923-9741 Aquariums, Attractions Big Island Company Local P hone Toll Free Phone Categories Aerial Sportfishing 808-326-2553 Boat Tour, Fishing Atlantis Adventures 808-973-9811 1-800-548-6262 Boat Tour, Submarine Blue Hawaiian Helicopters 808-871-8844 800-745-2583 Helicopter Tours, Eco Tours Body Glove 808-326-7122 800-551-8911 Boat Tour, Scuba, Snorkeling Captain Beans Cruises 808-329-2631 800-831-5541 Boat Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Dinning Dive Makai Charters 808-325-3029 Boat Tour, Scuba, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Scuba Lessons Fair Wind, Inc. 808-322-2788 (800)667-9461 Boat Tour, Rafting, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snuba, Whale Watching Hilo Hattie 808-524-3966 800-233-8912 Shopping Hwn. Islands Rec. Scuba 808-000-0000 Association Member In To Spirit, Inc. 808-936-1470 Boat Tour, Rafting, Snorkeling, Whale Watching Jack's Diving Locker 808-329-7588 800-345-4807 Scuba, Scuba Lessons Kamanu Charters, Inc. 808-329-2021 1-800-348-3091 Boat Tour Kona Honu Divers, Inc. 808-324-4668 888-333-4668 Boat Tour, Scuba, Scuba Lessons Magic of Polynesia 808-523-7750 Attractions, Nightlife, Dinning Maui Divers Jewelry 808-946-7979 800-462-4454 Attractions, Shopping Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures 808-326-4699 Kayak Tours Red Sail Sports Waikoloa, L.P. 808-886-2876 Boat Tour, Sailing Roberts Hawaii 808-539-9400 800-831-5541 Attractions, Boat Tour, Guided Land Tours, Island Day Trip, Luau, Nightlife, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Whale Watching, Transportation, Eco Tours, Dinning Safari Air Tours 808-246-0136 800-326-3356 Helicopter Tours Sea Paradise Scuba, Inc. 808-322-2500 800-322-5662 Scuba Sea Quest, Ltd. 808-329-7238 SpeediShuttle LLC 808-661-6667 800-977-2605 Transportation Spellbound Sportfishing 808-329-9498 Fishing Sunshine Helicopters 808-871-0722 800-544-2520 Helicopter Tours UFO Chuting of Hawaii 808-661-7836 800-359-4836 Parasailing 1-800-542-DIVE | info@mauidiveshop.com E-Mail A Friend | Add to your Favorites Visit other Maui Dive Shop Websites 2004 All Rights Reserved

Maui Snorkeling

Maui snorkeling tours Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-983-8080 or direct 1-808-244-1979 Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Adventure *Whalewatching included on Snorkel Trips, Dec.-Apr.* Lani Kai departs Maui's Maalaea Harbor slip #76 daily at 7:00am for Molokini Crater Marine Preserve and "Turtle Town"* INCLUDED: Continental breakfast Beer, Wine, Mai Tai's Soft Drinks Deli-style buffet lunch Snorkel equipment Optical masks Boogie boards Ski belts OPTIONAL: Underwater cameras Snuba Wetsuits T-shirts Hats Fish Identification Cards Once underway, you will be treated to a delicious continental breakfast. Upon arrival to the Molokini Marine Preserve the crew will pass out the complimentary snorkel gear and flotation devices as well as give a brief lesson/refresher course in snorkeling to anyone who requires it. ...then into the water! After your Molokini snorkeling adventure, you are invited to relax as we take a swift cruise to Maui's now famous Turtle Town * where green sea turtles, moray eels and other exotic marine life abound. Here you'll find some of Hawaii's best underwater photographic opportunities. While at Turtle Town you'll enjoy a sumptuous deli-style lunch and ice cold beverages before returning to Maalaea harbor. This 5 hour snorkel trip treats you to some of the best underwater snorkeling Maui has to offer. Fun for all ages and skill levels! Check-in/boarding: 6:45am daily Returning: 12:00 noon Price: Adults (ages 13 and up) - $88.00 Children (ages 5 to 12) - $58.00 Age 4 and under - FREE *INTERNET RESERVATIONS RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT OFF OF THESE PRICES! all prices plus tax (7.166%) Alternate snorkel sites may be chosen at Captain's discretion. Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links Afternoon Snorkel *Whalewatching included on Snorkel Trips, Dec.-Apr. Lani Kai departs Maui's Maalaea Harbor slip #76 daily at 1:00pm for three fabulous hours of snorkeling and whalewatching INCLUDED: Beer, Wine, Mai Tai's Soft Drinks Deli-style buffet lunch Snorkel equipment optical masks Boogie boards Ski belts OPTIONAL: Underwater cameras Snuba Wetsuits T-shirts Hats Fish Identification Cards Depending on the weather, the captain will lead you to either the world renowned Molokini Crater or secluded Coral Gardens. Both dive sites provide excellent opportunities for snorkelers of all skill levels. From late December through early April, humpback whales can often be seen en route, and Lai Kai's knowledgable crew will be glad to share information with you about these awesome 40-ton leviathans. This 3 hour snorkel experience is perfect for those who prefer to sleep in! Check-in/boarding: 12:45pm daily Returning: 4:00 pm Price: Adults (ages 13 and up) - $44.00 Children (ages 5 to 12) - $33.00 Age 4 and under - FREE *INTERNET RESERVATIONS RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT OFF OF THESE PRICES! all prices plus tax (7.166%) *Alternate snorkel sites may be chosen at Captain's discretion. Home Snorkeling Trips Snorkel Reservations Maui Links Private Charters Want the boat all to yourself? , private charters are great for conventions, family reunions, birthdays, weddings or a romantic getaway. We can cater to your special needs! Just Call Us: 1-888-983-8080

Hawaiian City Garden

Charming, blue-collar Hilo is the unsung Hawaii SFGate Home Business Sports Entertainment Travel Jobs Real Estate Autos SFGate News Web by Charming, blue-collar Hilo is the unsung Hawaii Eric Brazil, Special to The Chronicle Sunday, August 25, 2002 now part of stylesheet -- Printable Version Email This Article Hilo, Hawaii --Because Hilo gets 130 inches of rain a year, lacks white-sand beaches and has a history of being clobbered by tsunamis, tourists tend to bypass Hawaii's second-biggest city. Big mistake. Hilo, the county seat of the Big Island, with a population of 47,000, has authentic South Seas charm, a vibrant local culture, a rich history and some of the grandest sights anywhere on the planet. Located on the windward side of the island, Hilo has taken a backseat as a tourist destination to the Kailua area on the Kona Coast, with its dry climate and reliable sunshine, luxury hotels, world-class sportfishing and famous coffee. Hilo's physical setting is spectacular, with false-fronted, early 20th century downtown buildings curving along Kamehameha Avenue around palm-lined Hilo Bay, and 13,796-foot Mauna Kea -- snow-crowned in winter -- rising majestically in the background. The city's tropical gardens are perpetually abloom with orchids, ginger and anthurium, and its orchards are heavy with avocados, bananas, guava and macadamia nuts. Just up the road, the active volcano Kilauea steams and smokes and sends molten lava streams snaking seaward. Unlike Honolulu, which is beset by many of the mainland's intractable big-city problems, or Kailua-Kona, with its array of glitzy shops and tourist hustle, Hilo is your basic working-class American small town, except for its decidedly tropical atmosphere. A city with a day-old-bread store smack in the middle of its main street does not put on airs. Yes, Hilo has sprawl. Development, including a huge shopping center with a Wal-Mart, creeps inexorably up Highway 11. But at the city's old, slightly ramshackle, multiethnic core, the beat is slow. Pidgin, the local dialect, is widely spoken here. The Wiki Wiki market advertises "Poi -- We Always Get" in its front window. An arborist in the Puna district bills himself as "Da Puna Pruna." One of Hilo's most colorful and distinctive institutions, the Suisan fish auction on the waterfront at Banyan Drive and Lihiwai Street, was recently closed and doesn't expect to reopen. But visitors can still experience fresh-from-the-producers action at the daily farmers' market on Kamehameha Avenue, where flowers, tropical fruit and vegetables, smoked fish, local cheeses and even some livestock are for sale. We saw a baby goat sold for $50 and led away on a rope leash by a father who evidently intended it as a family pet. Old-town Hilo, between Ponahawai Street and Wailuku Drive, extending three blocks back from Hilo Bay, is an easy stroll. But a car is handy for attractions on the edge of town, notably Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots on the Wailuku River, and the tropical gardens that lie just beyond the city limits. One of Hilo's don't-miss attractions is its Pacific Tsunami Museum. Hilo was devastated by two deadly "tidal waves." In 1946, 91 people died and most of the city's business district, an entire residential area, its railroad and the royal fish ponds were destroyed. In 1960, a 35-foot swell, born of an earthquake off the coast of Chile, 6,000 miles away, killed 61 people and destroyed 537 buildings. The museum features awe-inspiring photographs of the damage created by the tsunamis and a video, with scenes from both, plus interviews with survivors. "We're overdue for another big one," said Nani Pierce, a museum docent and survivor of the 1960 disaster. Hilo figures to be better prepared next time, since the installation of a fine-tuned early-warning system, plus the creation of clearly marked evacuation routes leading to higher ground. "First there's a warning," Pierce said. "Then 'it's coming' and finally 'watch out, it's here.' " Another worthwhile attraction is the Lyman Mission House and Museum. Built in 1839 by Congregationalist missionaries, it is the oldest wood-frame building on the island of Hawaii, and it contains an impressive aggregation of furniture, household implements and artifacts from the period when the impact of newly arrived people of European ancestry was first being felt in the Hawaiian Islands. Dining in Hilo can be an adventure. And it can be cheap. At Cafe 100 on Kilauea Avenue, we filled up for $4 each on loco moco -- a cholesterolically lethal, but tasty, concoction of fried meat under a mountain of gravy-soaked rice, topped with a fried egg. Cafe 100 serves 17 kinds of loco moco, including the Super Loco, which includes Spam, linguica, kim chee, two fried eggs and a side order of macaroni-potato salad. Low International Food, which occupies the corner of Kilauea Avenue and Ponahawai Street and specializes in unusual breads -- mango, guava, taro, coconut -- also serves something called a gravy burger. Being fainthearted haole mainlanders, we passed. Banyan Drive, a 15-minute stroll or a short drive from downtown Hilo, is a destination in itself, with luxury hotels, Uncle Billy's lounge -- which has a nightly Hawaiian musical act -- a nine-hole golf course and one of the most delightful public spaces anywhere, the Liliuokalani Garden. Meticulously landscaped, clean as a pin and free, the Japanese-style garden is situated on the edge of Hilo Bay and has been constructed to permit tidal movement in the pools set among its walking paths and flowering shrubs. Fishing is permitted. The banyan, ironwood and palm trees throughout the garden resound with birdsong -- principally mynah birds, which, along with mongooses and feral cats, are a dominant wildlife species on the Big Island and the bane of indigenous fauna. There are swimming beaches near town, but better ones are 45 minutes away on the Puna Coast, southeast of Hilo. Among them is Alalanui Park, where we soaked in a terrific, sandy-bottomed thermal pool, protected from crashing surf by a breakwater -- a good thing to remember when the tsunami alarm goes off. If you go-- GETTING THERE: Hawaiian and Aloha airlines fly regularly to Hilo from Honolulu.-- WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720; phone, (800) 367-5004; Web, www.castleresorts.com . We got the Internet rate of $119 a night for an ocean-view room. Official rates are $149 for an ocean view, $183-$277 for suites, $119 for a garden view. We also stayed at the Dolphin Bay Hotel, 333 Iliahi St., Hilo, HI, 96720; (808) 935-1466; www.dolphinbayhotel.com . $72 a night for a standard double, which includes a kitchen; $99, for two-bedroom doubles. Shipman House B&B, 131 Kaiulani St., Hilo, 96720; (800) 627-8447; e-mail, inn keeper@hilo-hawaii.com ; Web, www.hilo-hawaii.com . This elegant "old Hawaii" landmark, built in 1800, is set on 5 exquisitely landscaped acres on a ridge above the city. It's worth a visit even if you don't stay there. Doubles, $145-$175 a night. Wild Ginger Inn, 100 Puueo St., Hilo, HI 96720; (877) 212-8276, www.wildgingerinn.com . Twenty-seven rooms within walking distance of downtown. Private rooms $45-$69, but the inn offers "shared accommodation" for four to six people per room at $15 apiece.-- WHERE TO EAT: Seaside Restaurant, 1790 Kalaniaole Ave.; (808) 935-8825. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5-8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. A terrific restaurant -- not much on decor, but splendid seafood raised in the owner's ponds in the backyard lagoon. Dinner for two with wine, about $60.-- WHAT TO DO: Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Ave., (808) 935-0926; www.tsunami.org . Adults, $5; students, $2; children under 5, free. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lyman Mission House and Museum, 276 Haili St.; (808) 935-5021, www.lymanmuseum.org . Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.-- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Big Island Visitors Bureau, 250 Keawe St., Hilo, HI 96720; (808) 886-1655, www.bigisland.org . Eric Brazil recently retired as a reporter for The Chronicle. Page C - 14 Get up to 50% off home delivery of the Chronicle for 12 weeks! EARLY SPRING PATIO FURNITURE SALE Order now at fantastic savings for Spring delivery Allegro Classics Bay Area Donate a car to Habitat for Humanity Your car donation helps build homes for families in need. 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