About ten miles from Hilo on the east side of the Big Island is the picturesque town of Mountain View. Home to about 1,300 people and located about 1,400 feet above sea level, Mountain View provide great views of Mauna Kea volcano. Activities in the area include hiking and biking.
Mountain View is home to numerous tropical flower gardens as well as nurseries and greenhouses cultivating the many exotic plants that grow so well in this area. Natural areas around the town are forested with ohia lehua trees and lush with such colorful plants as wild ginger and anthurium.
Formerly a sugar growing area, Mountain View was connected to Hilo by the Hawaii Consolidated Railroad. Today there is significant coffee production in the area as well as coffee mills, including the popular Hilo Coffee Mill on Volcano Rd. between Mile Markers 12 and 13.
Every Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm the Hilo Coffee Mill holds a Farmer’s Market where farmers of the Puna district sell fresh fruits and vegetables as well as flowers and plants. Hot breakfasts are also prepared on an outdoor griddle.