The New Orleans of the Pacific, Hilo is a colorful, historic mural-filled town, home to music, ghosts, and magic. The scene of devastating tsunamis and the wandering spirits they leave in their wake, Hilo's crescent-shaped bay also saw the launch of King Kamehameha's 800 war canoes in his quest to unite the major Hawaiian Islands. The annual Merrie Monarch Festival stirs the ancestors and is ground zero for curses dealt by rival hula dancers. Discover the local history of unique paranormal activity including contemporary stories of encounters with Hawaiian deities such as the fiery goddess of the volcanoes, Pele, and Mo'oinanea, the queen of the mo'o, fierce local guardians, who are half-human and half-dragon. This tropical destination is prone to rain, so each guest receives a complimentary rain poncho on request.