Talk Story with an Advertiser: Destination Hilo
Stroll along Kamehameha Avenue (Bayfront) in Downtown Hilo on the second Saturday of each month, peruse the shops, and enjoy the “HeArt of Hilo” for hula, storytelling, and music from 11am to 2pm.
“HeArt of Hilo” is sponsored by Destination Hilo (DH), which is best known for its Hilo Pier Greetings Program. DH has been greeting cruise ship passengers since the late 1980s with live music, hula, and much aloha. In addition, every cruise ship day, volunteers at their information center at the pier help hundreds of passengers, providing them with maps and information about things to do and places to visit in East Hawai‘i.
In 2014, DH expanded its program to bring free cultural events to Downtown Hilo. Inspired by the late Alice Moon, Hilo Hula Tuesdays at the Bandstand became a popular event every week for cruise ship and other visitors as well as residents. A variety of musicians and hula hālau performed, and a lei-making table was set up. At the same time, the Aloha Information Station next to the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal opened.
When COVID-19 shut down businesses in March 2020, DH volunteers looked for other opportunities to partner with the County of Hawai‘i and Hilo’s Downtown Improvement Association in an economic recovery initiative. From that desire, HeArt of Hilo—A Cultural Celebration began in July 2020.
Deane “Dinnie” Kysar, president of DH, says, “Our goal is to provide unique Hawaiian experiences that will increase visitor satisfaction and improve quality of life for residents. We accomplish this through collaboration with public and private industry. We will continue to participate in other special events when it is permitted such as May Day/Lei Day, Black and White Night, and the Hilo World Peace Festival.”
As a private nonprofit organization, DH seeks to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, perpetuate authentic Hawaiian culture, and improve quality of life for residents. Everyone loves seeing Hawaiian hula performances, especially those with kūpuna (elders) who offer authentic hula and aloha. DHʻs website offers visitors links to hotels, restaurants, museums, tours, events, and adventures tied to the beauty of Hawai‘i.
Destination Hilo is recruiting Aloha Ambassadors—volunteers with lots of aloha. If you have time and enjoy meeting new people, DH would love to hear from you.
Destination Hilo
Kiosk outside Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal
808.963.5091
destinationhilo.com
