HILO

city, seat of Hawaii county, northeastern Hawaii Island, Hawaii, U.S. It lies along Hilo Bay and is the island's business centre. The city is surrounded by sugarcane fields and supports a thriving orchid industry. Its deepwater harbour (once a whaling port) is protected by a breakwater and has bulk sugar-loading facilities. Exports also include orchids, anthuriums, macadamia nuts, and cattle. Wailoa River flows through the area and provides berths for a large fishing fleet. A port of entry, Hilo serves as a tourist's gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Kona and Waimea resort areas. The University of Hawaii at Hilo includes Hilo College (1947) and Hawaii Community College (1969). The Lyman Mission House and Museum (1839) displays artifacts of the early missionary and whaling periods. Nearby Rainbow Falls tumble over a lava ledge in the Wailuku River. Pop. (1990) 37,808.