Planning a trip to the Big Island and want to learn more about the Hilo side of the island? Scroll to find out the fun things ...

I was born and raised in Hawaii and have seen tourists spend money on things that aren't worth it ... providing much value in return. Don't buy beach toys that will end up being thrown away.

Shannon Wianecki grew up in Hawaii and writes about the Islands regularly. Hilo sits between the sea, the often-snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea and the smoldering Kilauea volcano. Twice swept ...