08-13-2009, 10:09 AM
That's a lot of great advice. There are some very fine looking missions and temples in the area. There's one on Kino'ole that's especially attractive architecture.
For restaurants
1) Restaurant Miwa in the Hilo Bay shopping center is very authentic and most patrons are Japanese.
2) The cultural center/restaurant that is right at Liliu'okalani Gardens, has many photos on display. As the gardens are a must do, it is convenient.
3) Nani Mau gardens (already mentioned by David) is a Japanese garden, Japanese run.
There is a Hongwanji serving Papaikou at the Hilo side entrance to the Onomea scenic route, and there is another in Honomu.
For restaurants
1) Restaurant Miwa in the Hilo Bay shopping center is very authentic and most patrons are Japanese.
2) The cultural center/restaurant that is right at Liliu'okalani Gardens, has many photos on display. As the gardens are a must do, it is convenient.
3) Nani Mau gardens (already mentioned by David) is a Japanese garden, Japanese run.
There is a Hongwanji serving Papaikou at the Hilo side entrance to the Onomea scenic route, and there is another in Honomu.