Moved to Hilo on the windward side of Hawaii this past Saturday (29th). Place I’m staying is the same but different than the last. The condo/apartment complex is smaller seems older when looking around the grounds and the buildings, will do some research see what comes up. The one room space has a screened lanai but on ground level so I need to close up at night, no AC in this one though not necessary on the windward side. Chickens are part of the grounds maintenance crew, though not doing a good job with the grass trimmers, can’t find the sidewalk??? As I mentioned old places, not a lot of money spent on upkeep, it’s safe within walking distance of town and a beautiful park. Near the airport, which is the second of two serving Hawaii though not as busy as the Kailua-Kona airport. Posting pics of what I’ve been doing around Hilo yesterday and today.
“One of the finest Art Deco buildings in Hawaii, this three-story, polychrome, terra-cotta-clad building is an imposing presence on Kamehameha Avenue. The reinforced-concrete structure retains its bronze marquee with chromium name plates, and the original first-floor soda fountain remains intact. This store was the 228th Kress store built in the nation and the second in Hawaii following the introduction of the chain to Honolulu in 1931 (that building is demolished). The ell wing was added in 1954 and provided access from Kalakaua Street. Sibbert was a staff architect for S. H. Kress and Company from 1929 through 1954 and designed a number of distinctive Art Deco Kress stores in the United States.“
Note this building still stands after 3 tsunamis hit Hilo in 1946, ’60 and ’75.
If you spot the “x” lower middle, that’s the location of my current stop map is for street locations for my walkabouts. The Queen Liliuokalani Gardens is just to the right inside Banyan Drive.
😎🐟🧜♂️🚣♂️
Kamehameha statue on the Avenue just near the park close to where I’m staying.
Wailoa River Park view is from a spot near the parking lot of my complex. I walk out of my room to start a walk around that can take me to Lilioukalani Gardens and Banyan Drive.
Mile zero marker at the beginning of Highway 11, Mamalahoa Belt Road, a 125 mile drive around the East, South and West sides of Hawaii Island from Hilo to Kailua-Kona. Starts at Bayfront Highway and the east end of Banyan Drive. (Not my bike.)
Shoreline along Government Beach Road, East of Pahoa and near the Easternmost corner of the island. (windward side, the shoreline faces NE).
Popular words for Hawaii Islands are beautiful, paradise, breathtaking and wondrous just to use a few. Those descriptions can be seductive in a way that give an impression of otherworldly and not like I might see when home. There is another side of Hawaii because 187,000 people live on this island, where they work, play and for some just try to get by as the cost of living is very high. The photos that follow are not posted to show anything other than for many living here, regardless it’s many beautiful qualities, life isn’t that easy.
It’s not uncommon to see a lot of “abandoned” vehicles, the one on the left looks to be in the “used for spare parts” stage. My unit in the Hilo Village Apartment complex is just inside (arrow) the entry, first floor corner apartment. The radiator was removed sometime last night. Units being privately owned are well kept on the inside but on the outside there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of grounds care.
Dirt lane, Maile Street shortcut I took on today’s walk brought back fond memories of my 1972, 6 month stay in the Philippines. Chickens and dogs and potholes. Behind me are apartment buildings where I imagine the small sized units being built were to provide housing for folks who worked in Hilo shops. Families continue to live in these expensive yet cramped apartments.
Along Banyan Drive, formerly Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel now closed and under State ownership apparently squatters are using some of the rooms. https://bigislandnow.com/2022/11/11/old-uncle-billys-hilo-bay-hotel-to-be-demolished-next-year/
Tourism as a principle economy is complicated especially when investors and the government agencies don’t agree. Unfortunately leaves a bit of a black eye on what should be a robust visitor area next to parks, near downtown and with ocean front, sunrise views.
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