Downtown Hilo Restoration

The sawdust was certainly flying as local Hilo Architect Neil Erickson tackled the restoration/recreation of historic Pakalana Inn, in downtown Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii.
The entirely new, relocated and reimagined stairwell encourages one to linger. A pleasant ghost of the Victorian Age seems to pervade the space. The mind is persuaded to rest in the memory of a slower time, before institutional "beehive" hotels became the norm. This is the kind of place Jack London or Mark Twain might have stayed. Genuine explorers, whether literary or rapacious, true originals, will appreciate the Pakalana Inn. And yet anyone who ventures into this space will feel the sensations of a slower time. A time when the tropic days unfolded in their own heated splendor, untouched by human visitors.

Not to say that the Pakalana is so chaste that it does not have flat screen television or internet access. It has both. Long term visitors, including writers, professors, astronomers and doctors will appreciate both the ambience and the convenience of staying in old downtown where everything is within walking distance, including the Ocean front, as well as fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables from the Hilo Farmer's Market. If you don't want to feel like a tourist, if you prefer not to rush to the same old franchises with their vast parking lots that appear in every city with little alteration, If you truly want to be in Hilo, you may find the Pakalana Inn is your place.
www.pakalanainn.com