Hilo
[key], city (2020 pop. 44,186), seat of Hawaii co., on Hilo Bay of Hawaii
island; settled by missionaries c.1822, inc. as a city 1911. The second
largest city in the state, a port of entry, and the only metropolitan area
on Hawaii island, Hilo is the trade and shipping center for an orchid,
papaya, and macadamia-nut region. Fish and prawns are also important, but
tourism is the leading source of income. Among Hilo's points of interest are
the peaks of Mauna Kea and
Mauna Loa, which
rise behind the city; the Lyman Mission House (c.1839); a state park in the
bayfront area; and an island park in Hilo Bay. The Univ. of Hawaii at Hilo
is also in the city. Hilo was badly damaged by tsunamis in 1946 and 1960;
after the latter the lowland area was drained and a hill 26 ft/8 m above sea
level was constructed.
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