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Hilo, Hawaii - most charming spot in the state imo
(i.imgur.com)
This is just next to what used to be known as “Japan Town”. Utterly beautiful park just behind where I was standing with a massive koi pond and walkway for strolling.
I think Hilo has a rep for being “run down” but to me, the whole town felt like a place that people could call home. None of the touristy bs.
Hilo is wonderful because it's lived in. It's one of the few spots left that's primarily locals without tons of tourists. It's Hawaii. There's always gonna be tourists, but Hilo still has a little bit of that Puna in it without ending up in Pahoa.