Historic Buildings in Downtown Hilo

Hilo is a city where the best of old Hawaii remains in an era otherwise forgotten. Here, turn of the century buildings - survivors of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, devastating tsunamis and economic depressions - have stood against time. These buildings are now what is part of what has become the renaissance of downtown Hilo. The historic S. Hata Building was built in 1912 and was know as the Grande Dame of Hilo. On July 10, 1992 it was newly restored and is now the home of restaurants (such as Cafe Pesto), shops and the National Marine Sanctuaries' Mokupapapa Discovery Center for Hawaii's Northwester Hawaiian Islands coral reef reserve. This renovated building is an interesting place to shop and browse around in. It's bright aqua and red trimming make this building a delightful sight. There is a nice shopping area and restroom inside of the building. If you enjoy fine cigars, there is a cigar shop as well as a Hawaiian craft shop. As you walk out of the building there is a jewelry shop (Black Pearl) and a specialty shop called the Grove Gallery. To the left of the building is an area that is home to the Hilo Farmers Market. Over 100 local farmers and crafters display their tropical fruit, vegetables, flowers, gift items and clothing in an open air atmosphere. Biggest market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays but you'll find something any day of the week from 6am to 5pm. I would definitely recommend walking through this lovely historical building in downtown Hilo.