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Hilo’s Hum: Rain, Rust, and Really Weird Vibes

@Topiclo Admin3/22/2026blog
Hilo’s Hum: Rain, Rust, and Really Weird Vibes

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 1863385 and 1392003211 - don’t ask, it’s a thing i saw on a wall. it just… stuck. hilo, big island, hawaii. it’s… damp. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything like a desperate ex. 89% - seriously, my hair is a science experiment.

a large yellow truck parked in a parking lot
a large field of grass with mountains in the background


seriously, the air smells like wet ferns and something vaguely metallic. like old *cars rusting out in the rain. i’m not entirely sure what’s going on here, but it’s… compelling. i stumbled across this place called ‘the rusty sprocket’ - a vintage motorcycle repair shop. the owner, a guy named keanu (seriously?), was covered in grease and muttering about carburetors. he gave me a shot of something that tasted like gasoline and regret.

Someone told me that the black sand beaches near puna are worth the drive, but they’re also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of ancient fishermen. i’m not saying it’s true, but i did hear a weird whistling sound coming from the cliffs last night.

I’m staying in this little Airbnb - it’s basically a converted garage with a corrugated iron roof. it’s charming in a ‘slightly terrifying’ kind of way. the neighbors are… interesting. if you get bored, Pahoa is just a short drive away, and apparently, they have a thriving lava rock sculpture scene. i’m not entirely convinced, but hey, i’m open to weird.

I spent the afternoon wandering around downtown hilo, dodging puddles and trying to capture some decent photos. the farmers market was a chaotic explosion of tropical fruit and local crafts. i grabbed a mango smoothie - it was basically sunshine in a cup.

Here’s the gear i’m rocking:
 My battered Nikon D7500 (it’s seen better days)
A ridiculously oversized rain jacket (essential)
 A notebook full of scribbled observations
A half-empty bottle of ibuprofen
 And a healthy dose of skepticism

I overheard some locals at a dive bar - ‘the blue moon’ - talking about a local legend involving a lost pearl necklace and a vengeful sea goddess. they said the goddess only appears during heavy rainstorms. i’m not usually one for ghost stories, but… well, this place is already pretty unsettling.

a large field of grass with mountains in the background


I’m trying to find a good place to eat - Yelp says ‘Hilo Bay Cafe’ has decent poke, but i heard that… let’s just say the service is… enthusiastic. i’m leaning towards something with a strong wifi signal.

I’m also trying to figure out what the heck 1863385 and 1392003211 mean. i’ve checked every database i could find, and nothing. it’s like a random string of numbers just floating around. maybe it’s a code? a message? or just someone’s weird obsession.

I’m heading up to Mauna Kea tomorrow to try and catch some stargazing. hopefully, the clouds will cooperate.


Seriously, the rain is relentless. it’s like the whole island is perpetually weeping. but there’s something strangely beautiful about it. it’s… atmospheric.

I heard that the local art collective, ‘the volcanic whispers,’ is having an exhibition next week. i might check that out.

And, you know, just generally existing in this weird, wet, rusty corner of the world. it’s… an experience.

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About the author: Topiclo Admin

Writing code, prose, and occasionally poetry.

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