What is Hilo like? (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kilauea: crime, how much, homes)

[lippo57]

We may have an opportunity to work in Hilo. What are the living conditions like? How is the weather? How bad is the crime?

Thanks mfor your help.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by lippo57

We may have an opportunity to work in Hilo. What are the living conditions like? How is the weather? How bad is the crime?

Thanks mfor your help.

The living conditions in Hilo range from opulent to slum-like, depending upon how much one wants to spend on housing. In terms of weather, Hilo is usually wet and rainy with an occasional sunny day or two to break the monotony. Compared to most cities of it's size, crime is relatively low in Hilo.

Hope this helps,

Jonah K

[lippo57]

Thanks for the info.

[cynmkolohe]

Hilo is an interesting town to try to characterize. There is a sense of history that lingers in the downtown area--some old buildings that retain their charm, some that need to be torn down and replaced. Always an interesting mix of people on the streets.

The University campus is located very close to the town center. Some new, modern buildings and more on the way, but, again, some old facilities that have seen better days. Some of the strongest programs are astronomy, marine science, psychology...If I remember correctly, a large sum of money was just approved for a new science/technology building that will draw new resources into Hilo.

Wal-Mart, Office Max, Home Depot, Borders Books and several other smaller retailers/restaurants are located on the same side of town as the airport and this area is the place to be for serious shopping. The downtown/bayfront area has good restaurants and specialty shops. Several grocery stores to choose from...

Most subdivisions in town have fairly small lots. But there are plenty of new construction homes and you can find pretty much anything you might be looking for if the price tag doesn't deter...More affordable housing options are going to be in the Puna district (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland and many other subdivisions to explore), and many, many folks are making the commute into Hilo each day from these areas.

We just went through a fairly long dry period, not typical of Hilo weather, but it has been raining on an off now for about a week, so the grass is green again...certain parts of the area get more rain than others.

This is just a start...if you are coming to Hilo with employment already lined up you are in a much better place to be able to enjoy what the Big Island has to offer...

I live in town and am happy to answer any questions you may have...

Aloha,

Cynthia

[lippo57]

Cynthia
Thank you for the info. Do you know anything about the quarantine of animals. We have two dogs and a cat. They say it is 3 months!
Thanks,
Mary and Kevin

[cynmkolohe]

The following link is to a website that will answer some of your questions:

Animal Quarantine Information — Hawaii Department of Agriculture

There are ways to shorten the time period, but a specific checklist must be met.

Friends of mine who moved here last year initially stayed near the quarantine location in order to be able to visit their cats regularly!

[Eh It's Me]

Some small local feeling place, Don't expect to much of a night life ask people, that you be working about where to shop Check out the Local paper Hawaiii Trubine Herald

[Hiloan2007]

Off the top of my head:

Some things have changed in the three years since the last post here. Borders has closed (and a Walgreens is slated to replace it this coming spring), but a new bookstore, Books, Nooks, and Crannies, will open this week in downtown Hilo. Akmal's, the island's only Indian restaurant, is across the street from the Lyman Museum on Haili Street. Rainfall this year has been lower than usual, and only now is beginning to catch up. Imiloa, an astronomy museum, is still going strong.

Prince Kuhio Plaza, unfortunately, has gone to seed, with many small, cheap stores. The food court is noisy, dark, and crowded, not at all conducive to leisurely dining. Footlocker has closed. IHOP opened in 2007. However, the cinemas are still doing well. And a Yogurtland has opened recently. They're building a Target and a new Safeway in back of Wal-Mart.

Island Naturals moved to the Hilo Shopping Center. Nearby is the Kilauea Market, which specializes in Asian food. Island Chevrolet closed in May 2009.

UH-Hilo is expanding.

[Hiloan2007]

Off the top of my head:

Some things have changed in the three years since the last post here. Borders has closed (and a Walgreens is slated to replace it this coming spring), but a new bookstore, Books, Nooks, and Crannies, will open this week in downtown Hilo. Akmal's, the island's only Indian restaurant, is across the street from the Lyman Museum on Haili Street. Rainfall this year has been lower than usual, and only now is beginning to catch up. Imiloa, an astronomy museum, is still going strong.

[cynmkolohe]

Two more: the new Hilo Judicial Complex, “Hale Kaulike,” opened in 2009 and there is now new parking lot/entrance to the downtown KTA!