Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour

This Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour offers an engaging way to explore the heart of Hilo, Hawaii, on your own terms. Priced at $6.50 per person, this tour lasts approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes and is designed for those who appreciate flexibility and independence while learning about Hawaii’s rich past. The tour is delivered through a mobile ticket, accessible via the WalknTours app, which means you can start the tour whenever you arrive and repeat it as often as you like, thanks to its never-expiring virtual component.

Ideal for travelers seeking an affordable and convenient way to discover Hilo’s historic and cultural sites, this tour avoids traditional group formats, providing a personalized experience. Keep in mind, it is all outside, with no food, drinks, or inside admissions included. It suits visitors who prefer self-paced exploration and are comfortable using their phones for navigation and storytelling.

Key Points

• Self-guided experience on a mobile app, allowing total flexibility
• Cost-effective at $6.50, with no inside entry fees needed
• Duration roughly 55 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes
• Focuses on outdoor sites including historic landmarks, legends, and cultural centers
• Includes stories about immigration, food, legends, and local history
• Tour starts at the Hilo Farmers Market and ends at Kalakaua Park
• No food or inside building admissions, only outdoor sights

Hilo Farmers Market: The Starting Point of Local Flavor

The tour kicks off at the corner of Mamo and Punhoa Street, directly across from the Hilo Farmers Market entrance. Here, you get a quick introduction to local foods and their history, setting a flavorful tone for your exploration. This stop is brief—around five minutes—but introduces the vibrant atmosphere of one of Hilo’s most beloved markets.

Since the tour is audio-based, you’ll find the stories of Hawaiian food traditions and market history compelling, especially as you stand amidst the bustling stalls. No admission fee is required, making it a practical and lively start for your walk.

Discovering the S. Hata Building on Hawaii’s Immigration

Next, the tour leads outside the S. Hata Building, a site tied to Japanese immigration to Hawaii. In just five minutes, the story unfolds about the Japanese community’s arrival and its significance during World War II. This stop provides insight into Hawaii’s diverse cultural fabric, emphasizing the historical influence of Japanese settlers.

The S. Hata Building’s exterior and surroundings help contextualize this piece of immigrant history, without the need for an inside visit. It’s an accessible and educational step in understanding Hilo’s multicultural background.

Learning about Hilo’s Early Religious Foundations at Haili Church

The third stop features the Haili Church, which is the oldest church in Hilo. The story describes how it grew from a simple grass hut to a prominent place of worship and community gathering. In just five minutes outside the church, the tour explores its founding and historical significance, illustrating the growth of Christianity in Hilo.

This site offers a tangible connection to the spiritual life of the town and the perseverance of its early followers. Its exterior architecture and surroundings provide a peaceful backdrop for absorbing this part of Hilo’s religious history.

Portuguese Roots and the Catholic Church at St. Joseph Catholic Church

The tour’s fourth stop takes you outside St. Joseph Catholic Church, highlighting the Portuguese immigrants who arrived in Hawaii and now make up about 10% of the population. In five minutes, the storytelling covers their migration story and the hotel of Catholic faith in Hilo.

This site helps explain the influence of Portuguese culture and religion, adding another layer to Hilo’s diverse cultural landscape. Since it’s an outdoor visit, no inside admission is necessary, and the narrative enriches your understanding of local demographics.

The Naha Stone and Hawaii’s Unification Legend

One of the tour’s most iconic stops is at the Naha Stone. Over ten minutes, you’ll hear the legend of the stone, which is deeply tied to the unification of Hawaii. This story emphasizes the stone’s cultural importance and the historical act of Hawaiian unity.

The outdoor setting of the Naha Stone makes it easy to appreciate its significance while enjoying the fresh air. It’s a key site for understanding Hawaiian identity and legends.

Coastal and Tsunami History Near the Discovery Center & Tsunami Museum

Following the Naha Stone, the tour stops outside the Discovery Center, where stories about the ocean’s role in Hilo’s development are shared. A subsequent stop outside the Tsunami Museum introduces the history of tsunamis in Hilo, which have profoundly affected the community.

These locations highlight the natural forces shaping Hilo’s history, with stories that connect local geography to major events like tsunami disasters. The stops are outdoor and provide visual context to these powerful stories.

Kalakaua Park: The King’s Visit and War Memorial

Next, the tour visits Kalakaua Park, where you learn about Hawaii’s royalty and the park’s role as a site for war memorials. In five minutes, this stop covers the visits of King Kalakaua and the significance of the park as a symbol of Hawaiian monarchy and history.

The outdoor setting allows for reflection on Hawaii’s regal past, with statues and trees that support the storytelling. It offers a peaceful conclusion to this segment of the tour.

Exploring Art and Culture at East Hawaii Cultural Center

The final stop takes you to the East Hawaii Cultural Center, where stories detail its history as an arts hub. Visitors are invited to explore local art and understand how the center supports Hawaii’s cultural expression.

This short five-minute visit emphasizes Hilo’s contemporary artistic scene, rounding out the tour with a look at current cultural life. Since the center is a public space, there’s no entry fee, making it an accessible and enriching end point.

Practicalities and User Experience

The WalknTours app provides the entire experience, allowing you to go at your own pace. The tour begins at Mamo Street & Punahoa Street and concludes at Kalakaua Park, both easily accessible locations in downtown Hilo.

The tour is all outdoors, with no inside visits or food included. This keeps the experience light and manageable, though it relies on your phone for navigation and storytelling. The lack of inside admission fees makes it particularly attractive for budget-conscious visitors.

Limitations and Review Considerations

While the tour offers a wealth of stories about Hilo’s history, one review notes a technical issue where a code did not work, causing frustration. The provider responded with an offer to assist and a refund if needed, highlighting customer support efforts.

Since the tour is self-guided, it’s best suited for those comfortable using apps and seeking a flexible, independent exploration. It may not appeal as much to travelers looking for guided group experiences or inside access.

Local Insights and Suitability

This tour provides a well-rounded overview of Hilo’s key historic and cultural sites without the need to pay for admissions or join a group. It’s especially suitable for independent travelers, history buffs, or those who want a low-cost, flexible way to learn about the town’s past.

The focus on outdoor sites means it’s perfect for good weather days and those comfortable with walking. The audio narration ensures the story remains engaging without the need for a guide physically present.

Final Thoughts on the Hilo History and Legends Tour

The $6.50 price point makes this a practical choice for budget travelers wanting a personalized, self-paced experience. Its highlights include the Naha Stone legend, the story of Hawaiian kings, and insights into immigration and local culture.

However, the lack of inside visits and occasional technical issues may be drawbacks for some. This tour offers a solid overview of Hilo’s historic sites with enough flexibility to suit most independent visitors.

If you enjoy audio-guided outdoor explorations and are comfortable using your phone, this tour provides a convenient way to discover Hilo’s stories and landmarks at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as it is a self-guided outdoor experience, children who can walk and listen to stories will enjoy the tour.

Do I need to book in advance?
The tour is highly booked on average 92 days in advance, so booking early helps secure access.

Can I take the tour multiple times?
Yes, the tour never expires and can be revisited as many times as you like.

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, it is all outside, with no admission fees for buildings or inside attractions.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes, depending on pacing.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since the tour is outdoor and involves walking between stops, it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility.

Are food or drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks.

How do I start the tour?
You begin at Mamo Street & Punahoa Street and use the WalknTours app for narration.

What happens if the code does not work?
You can contact the provider’s support via email ([email protected]) for help or a refund if needed.

Can I participate with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.