Hilo ( ) is a coastal census-designated place (CDP) in the State of Hawai i, and is the largest community on the Island of Hawai i and the second largest city in the state. The population was 40,759 at the 2000 census.
Hilo is the county seat of Hawai i County, Hawai i, and is situated in the South Hilo District. The city overlooks Hilo Bay, and is near two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa, considered active, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano upon which some of the best ground-based astronomical observatories are placed.
The city is home to the University of Hawai i at Hilo, as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula, which takes place anually after Easter Easter. It is also home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, one of the world's leading producers of macadamia nuts. It is served by Hilo International Airport.
