Hilo is not a place with sparkling resorts like Maui or Oahu, but instead, it is a city with 'the real daily life of Hawaii.'

There are more locals than tourists, and it has a neighborhood that smells of people rather than cars. So when you first arrive, you might wonder, "Is this really Hawaii?" because it is quiet and calm. However, the longer you stay, the more you soak in the leisure and peace of the place.

Hilo is the administrative center of the Big Island, with a population of about 45,000. The Hawaii County Office is located here, and the University of Hawaii Hilo campus brings young students to the city, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, it is not very large, so even though it is called a city, it feels more like a district in Seoul. Still, it has most of what you need: shopping centers, hospitals, libraries, restaurants, and even a small art museum and farmers' market.

The biggest feature of this area is 'rain.' It is considered the city with the most rainfall in all of Hawaii, with an average annual precipitation of over 3,000mm. It doesn't rain every day, but showers can pass several times a day, and then the sun comes out quickly. Therefore, residents prefer to wear sandals or raincoats rather than carry umbrellas. Thanks to this weather, Hilo is filled with lush green plants, and each garden tree seems to come alive.

Life in Hilo is very laid-back. There is not much traffic even during rush hours, and stores close early. By 9 PM, the city becomes quiet, and you can only hear the sound of the waves. Instead, the mornings are truly beautiful. In the early dawn, when the sun rises with the mist over Hilo Bay, it feels like the scene alone rewards you for the day. Because of such scenery, Hilo is also a place where many retirees and artists gather to live.

Housing prices are definitely cheaper compared to other areas in Hawaii. While houses over a million dollars are common in Maui and Oahu, you can find single-family homes in Hilo for around $500,000. Of course, there are many older homes, and due to the heavy rain, managing humidity and mold is essential. However, the big advantage is being able to enjoy both a spacious yard and views of the sea and mountains.