The Founding: c. 1100 AD & 1824
Hilo’s history is a dual narrative of ancient indigenous settlement and later missionary influence.
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- Ancient Origins: Archaeological evidence and oral history indicate that early Polynesians settled along the Wailuku and Wailoa rivers around 1100 AD. The area was a prime location due to its abundant freshwater and the fertile Crescent Bay.
- The Missionaries: The “modern” town began to take shape with the arrival of Christian missionaries. In 1824, the Haili Church was established, becoming the anchor for a permanent Western-style town. Hilo grew into a commercial center for the sugar industry and later a hub for the…