Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island and want a flexible way to learn about Hilo’s intriguing history and local stories, the Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour might be worth considering. It’s designed for those who prefer exploring on their own terms, without the pressure of a group or a strict schedule.

What we really like about this tour is how it gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, and the fact that it’s accessible anytime—no expiration means you can take your time or revisit whenever you like. Plus, the stories are delivered through your phone, making it straightforward and convenient. On the flip side, one possible drawback is that the experience is entirely outdoors—so if the weather isn’t cooperating, it could impact your visit.

This kind of tour is well-suited for curious travelers who love a blend of culture, history, and storytelling, especially those who enjoy exploring independently without missing out on meaningful details. If you’re comfortable with using your phone as your guide and prefer a more relaxed, self-directed experience, this could work well for you.

Key Points

• Flexible Schedule: You can start and stop the tour whenever you want, with no expiration date.
• Cost-effective: At just $6.50 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to learn about Hilo.
• Comprehensive Content: The tour covers local landmarks, cultural stories, legends, and more.
• Self-paced Exploration: Perfect for those who relish wandering around and discovering sites on their own.
• Limited Indoor Access: It’s entirely outside, so it’s weather-dependent.
• Real Stories: Narratives are delivered through a mobile app, enhancing storytelling with easy access.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a straightforward package—access to the app and its stories, with no extra fees for the sites you visit. Since there’s no entry into buildings or food included, it’s really about soaking in the outdoor sights and stories.

Included:
– Audio guide via the WalknTours app
– Insight into Hawaii’s history, legends, food, and immigration
– Self-guided experience on your schedule

Not Included:
– Entrance tickets to any buildings or attractions
– Food or drinks during the tour

This setup is ideal if you enjoy wandering freely and prefer to avoid the hassle of ticket lines or scheduled tours. Just remember, since it’s all outside, it’s best suited for good weather days.

Starting Point and Ending Location

The tour kicks off at the corner of Mamo and Punahoa streets, right outside the Hilo Farmers Market. It concludes at Kalakaua Park, a site filled with ties to Hawaiian royalty and local history. This makes it easy to incorporate into your day, especially if you’re already planning to visit the market or explore downtown Hilo.

It’s available from noon until late evening daily, giving you flexibility regardless of your schedule.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Hilo Farmers Market

Starting outside the bustling Farmers Market, you get your first taste of local life. The tour provides background on the market’s history and the foods you’d see there. It’s a lively spot, perfect for observing everyday Hilo. Since this stop is free and quick, it’s a good warm-up for the stories ahead.

Stop 2: S. Hata Building

Next, you’ll look outside this historic structure to learn about Japanese immigrants’ arrival and their role during WWII. It’s a niche piece of history that adds depth to your understanding of the island’s multicultural fabric.

Stops 3 and 4: Historic Churches

You’ll visit Haili Church, the oldest in Hilo, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, with stories about the Portuguese community’s roots. These sites tell of religious and cultural growth, emphasizing how diverse groups shaped Hilo’s community.

Stops 5 & 6: Native Legends and Natural Disasters

The Naha Stone is a highlight—its legend and significance offer insight into how Hawaiians united islands historically. Nearby, the Tsunami Museum provides a sobering look at natural disasters that have affected Hilo.

Stops 7 & 8: Cultural and Royal Heritage

Kalakaua Park features statues and memorials connected to Hawaiian royalty, adding a regal touch to your walk. The East Hawaii Cultural Center wraps up your journey with a peek into local arts and culture, giving you a well-rounded view of Hilo’s identity today.

The Experience of Walking and Listening

Using the WalknTours app, you’ll follow a route that amounts to about 55 minutes to an hour, though you can take longer if you like. The app’s narration aims to serve as a knowledgeable guide, sharing stories about each site—ranging from legends to historical facts.

One user review mentioned, “My code didn’t work… I tried it a few times and got irritated so I gave up.” That highlights the importance of ensuring your app or code works before heading out. The same reviewer also appreciated that the tour never expires, so if tech issues happen, you can try again later without losing your ticket.

The stories are concise but informative, making it suitable for those who want to learn without feeling overwhelmed. Since the tour is all outdoors, you’ll want to plan for good weather, especially if the Hawaii sun is intense or if rain is forecasted.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $6.50 per person, this tour is quite affordable. The value largely depends on how much you enjoy self-guided explorations and storytelling. Since it’s not charging extra for entrance fees or guided group sizes, you’re essentially paying for the narrative experience and the convenience of an app.

If you’re someone who appreciates learning at your own pace and doesn’t mind doing a bit of walking outside, it offers a decent, budget-friendly way to get a sense of Hilo’s history and culture. Keep in mind that this tour doesn’t include inside visits, so if you’re eager to go inside museums or sites, you’ll need to budget extra or look for other options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers who enjoy independent exploration and storytelling. If you’re comfortable with using your phone as a guide and like the idea of wandering through a city while absorbing local stories, this is a practical choice. It’s particularly suited for those who want to avoid large tour groups or rigid schedules.

It’s also ideal for curious visitors interested in a broad overview of Hilo’s history, legends, and multicultural roots. Since it’s outdoor-focused, it’s not suitable for bad weather days or if you prefer indoor cultural experiences.

Our Honest Take

We appreciate that this tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore Hilo and learn about its diverse past. The stories are delivered by knowledgeable narrators, which can make all the difference when wandering through unfamiliar streets. The fact that you can do it at your own pace, revisit stories, and access the virtual tour later makes it a handy tool for those who like to take their time.

However, the reliance on outdoor sites and the need for a good tech setup means it might not be the best fit if you’re looking for full indoor experiences or have tech issues. The one review mentioning a non-working code highlights the importance of checking your app beforehand.

Overall, if you’re comfortable with self-guided tours and want a budget-friendly way to connect to Hilo’s history and legends, this tour could be a worthwhile addition to your day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Since the tour is outdoors and focuses on historical and cultural stories, it can be engaging for older children who enjoy walking and storytelling. It doesn’t specifically cater to kids but isn’t unsuitable either.

Do I need to book in advance?
While the tour is available any time, most travelers book about 92 days in advance, likely because of the easy online access and planning convenience.

What’s included in the tour?
You get access to the WalknTours app with the self-guided narration covering sites like Hilo Farmers Market, historic churches, legends, and more.

Are there any inside visits or admission fees?
No, the tour is entirely outside, and no entry fees are included or required.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Absolutely. The tour never expires, so you can revisit the stories as many times as you like.

How long does the tour take?
The typical duration is around 55 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes, but you can take longer depending on your pace and how much you explore.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a phone with enough charge, and if needed, rain protection, since it’s an outdoor tour.

What if my app code doesn’t work?
Reach out to the provided contact info—like the email or phone number—to get assistance. Many users find that keeping their app updated and checking their code beforehand helps avoid issues.

Bottom line: This self-guided tour offers a practical and budget-friendly way to get to know Hilo’s history, legends, and culture on your own terms. It’s best suited for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, are comfortable with outdoor walking, and want stories narrated through their phone. If you’re after indoor experiences or a guided group, you might want to explore other options, but for a relaxed, informative stroll, this tour has its merits.