Seven reasons to fly into Hilo, Hawaii

With the news that California will once again have nonstop air service to Hilo, starting in June, some might not know why they'd want to fly there. After all, there are no four-star resorts (although the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort recently added flat-screen TVs and limestone-tiled bathrooms among other renovations.) And it does have the reputation of being a rain bucket, with more than 100 inches a year of rain not uncommon.

But that just means a frequent chance of rainbows, with January and February the sunniest months and June the driest, according Weather.com's statistics. And the compact city has many free or low-cost attractions just a hop, skip and occasional puddle-jump from the airport (ITO), to which Continental will fly from SFO and LAX beginning June 9. Here are just some of Hilo's highlights, listed nearest to farthest from where you land:

1. Japanese gardens, ocean waters and mountain views

Locale: Banyan Drive, Waiakea Peninsula, 3 miles from the airport

Lowdown: The 30-acre Queen Liliu'okalani Gardens, named after the royal donor of the land, features pagodas, a moon-gate bridge, koi ponds and other Japanese-inspired features. The county-maintained gardens are close to all the major hotels (such as they are) and can be driven through if you're not up for the easy paved walkways. You can also take a footbridge to Coconut Island, which offers some swimming possibilities and sweeping views of Hilo and the bay.

Local knowledge: The best views of Mauna Kea — the world's highest mountain when measured from the ocean floor — are from the shoreline, and this time of year its peak is often snow-capped. Bring money to buy shave ice from a vendor in the park, or grab some ahi poke from neighboring Suisan Fish Market for an instant picnic.

2. The Big Island's biggest farmers market and craft fair

Locale: Hilo Farmers Market, corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo, 4 miles from the airport

Lowdown: Open all year, the Hilo Farmers Market has "big days" on Wednesday and Saturday, with some 200 Big Island vendors selling reasonably priced (and in some cases, downright cheap) fresh produce, flowers, seafood, Portuguese bread, Japanese pastries and other products from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also stated as "from dawn till it's gone.") The market is also open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7 to 4.

Local knowledge: Some of the market's newer popular items include Filthy Farmgirl handmade soaps, whose Hawai'i workshop makes special island versions such as Tuberose Sweetgrass, Sublime Noni Lime and Mocha Mix. The Ratana's Green Papaya Salad stand also has a large following for its signature item ($5, made with locally grown fruit) and other Thai treats.

Go early on Wednesday to shop, then catch the weekly, 45-minute cultural show at the restored Palace Theatre, built in 1925. and just a 5-minute walk away on Haili Street. "Hawaiiana Live," hosted by Leilehua Yuen, includes stories, music (including the 1925 theater's pipe organ), hula and film.

3. Natural history in an historic downtown

Locale: The Pacific Tsunami Museum and Mokupapapa Discovery Center, both on downtown Kamehameha Avenue, 4 miles from the airport

Lowdown: In a city devastated by tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, the museum has tragic and inspiring tales to tell, as well as the latest science to share; admission is $8, $4 for ages 6 to 17 (younger free). It's closed Sundays. Nearby, the 4,000-square-foot Discovery Center, which includes displays and interactive exhibits, is the closest most people will ever get to the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands, now part of the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument; admission is free and it's open daily Tuesday through Sunday.