Hilo History and Legends Tour Review

The Hilo History and Legends Tour promises an immersive journey through Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. While the audio-guided experience covers intriguing themes like food traditions and the Kapu system, mixed customer reviews suggest there’s room for improvement. With a starting point in downtown Hilo and insights into the island’s history, the tour offers an engaging exploration, though some technical issues have impacted the overall experience. Whether the tour lives up to its promises is a question worth considering for those seeking to uncover Hilo’s enthralling past.

Tour Overview

The Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic sites of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Priced from $6.50 per person, the tour is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM and lasts from February 17, 2023, to March 9, 2026.

Participants will learn about Hawaii’s rich history, including its food, Kapu, immigration, and religion, as well as understand why only 10% of Hawaii’s population is native.

The tour starts at Mamo Street & Punahoa Street and ends at Kalakaua Park, covering its history and significance.

Highlights of the Hilo History and Legends Tour

Exploring the historic sites of Hilo, the Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s rich past.

The tour highlights Hawaii’s fascinating story, covering topics like food, Kapu, immigration, and religion. Participants will understand why only 10% of Hawaii’s population is native.

The tour starts at Mamo Street and Punahoa Street, near the farmers market, and ends at Kalakaua Park, where visitors can learn about its history and significance.

With no food, drinks, or building admission, the tour is entirely outside and accessible to most travelers.

Getting to the Starting Point

Conveniently located across from the Hilo Farmers Market, the tour’s starting point at Mamo Street and Punahoa Street is easily accessible for visitors. The meeting point offers several transportation options, as outlined in the table below:

Transportation	Details
On Foot	5-10 minute walk from downtown Hilo
Public Bus	Routes available, stop nearby
Rideshare	Convenient pickup/drop-off location
Parking	Limited street parking in the area

Whether visitors choose to stroll, take the bus, or utilize a rideshare service, the starting point is well-connected and straightforward to reach, allowing a seamless start to the Hilo History and Legends tour experience.

Exploring the Historical Sites

As visitors commence on the Hilo History and Legends tour, they’ll discover an enchanting exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The self-guided audio tour leads them through historic sites, sharing tales of Hawaii’s past. From the iconic Farmers Market to the picturesque Kalakaua Park, each landmark offers insights into the island’s food traditions, religious practices, and immigrant influences.

Guests learn why only 10% of Hawaii’s population is native, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex history that has shaped this vibrant community.

The tour culminates at the park, where its significance in Hilo’s story is revealed.

Learning About Hawaii’s Culture and History

While commencing the Hilo History and Legends tour, visitors enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Hawaii.

The audio guide explores the islands’ enthralling history, uncovering the origins of Hawaii’s diverse population. Guests learn about the significance of traditional Hawaiian practices, such as the kapu system, and the profound impact of immigration on the region’s religious and culinary landscapes.

The tour illuminates why only 10% of Hawaii’s current inhabitants are native, offering insights into the complex social dynamics that have shaped the state’s identity over time.

This thorough examination into Hawaii’s story proves enlightening and thought-provoking.

Accessibility and Logistics

The Hilo History and Legends tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted.

The tour takes place entirely outdoors, so there’s no admission into any buildings.

While it’s near public transportation, the route may not be suitable for all travelers. Customers should consider their mobility before booking.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful for those unsure if they can participate.

Customer Feedback and Host Response

Customers have provided mixed feedback on the Hilo History and Legends tour. The tour has received a single review with a rating of 3.0 out of 5.

The feedback indicates issues with the tour code, which has caused inconvenience for the customer. The tour host has acknowledged the problem and offered assistance, including refund options, to affected customers.

Despite the single negative review, the tour appears to be a popular offering, available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The host’s responsiveness to customer concerns suggests a commitment to providing a satisfactory experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour is entirely outdoors, so you’re free to capture the historic sites and scenery as you explore Hilo’s rich history and legends.

How Much Is the Tour Price for Children?

The tour price for children is the same as for adults, which is from $6.50 per person. The tour is a private experience, so the price doesn’t change based on age.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour’s duration is fixed from February 17, 2023 to March 9, 2026, available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM. There’s no option to extend the tour duration beyond these set dates and times.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs Along the Tour Route?

No, the Hilo History and Legends walking tour doesn’t include opportunities to purchase souvenirs. The self-guided tour focuses on exploring historic sites and learning about Hawaii’s culture, without any stops for shopping along the route.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is currently only offered in English. There’s no information provided about alternate language options. Customers should contact the tour operator if they require the tour in a language other than English.

The Sum Up

The Hilo History and Legends Tour provides an immersive audio experience that explores Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. While customer feedback highlights some technical issues, the host’s responsiveness and refund options suggest a commitment to improving the tour. The tour offers an engaging way for visitors to investigate Hilo’s historic sites and gain insights into the complex history and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.