artsy shops in Hilo vs. Holualoa
 

We enjoy shops with unique arts or crafts. I read that Holualoa is a funky artsy town but I also read there's a curvy mountanous road to get there from Hilo. Hubby doesn't do well with heights or really curvey roads so I'm hoping someone can confirm whether that's true. I also read there are some interesting craft shops along Banyan Drive; if so, we'll be content with those. We're not looking for expensive things, just maybe $100 max. Thanks for your help.

The road to Holualoa is from Kona, not Hilo. (Its just above Kona; nice views, but the galleries, when open, are pricey. ) The Haluakoa cafe (slow food cuisine) there is worth a visit.
If you are in Hilo, there are a lot of fun shops downtown, a few blocks from, not along, Banyon Drive. The Hilo Bay Cafe is a scenic, fun place for a meal.

Thanks sylvia3. Next time I'll look at the map before asking a question! And thanks also for clarifying where to find the fun shops in Hilo.

Until the end of September, Prince kuhio plaza in Hilo has a farmers market on Friday, Saturday, and sunday, where you might also find fun artisan goods. Its not the downtown bay front area, but might be worth a visit. Hilo a lot to see and do:)

Sylvia3: we'll be there in late October and on a Tues! Too bad. But still looking forward to the other things to do. I'm going to post a new qst about whether the botanical gardens differ much between islands, since I'm looking at possibly visiting three of them.

I saw your other question, and I'd recommend the World Botanical Gardens outside of Hilo (over the university gardens nearer town). It's expensive, but has beautiful grounds and waterfalls.
p.s. there are still several farmers markets in Hilo with arts and crafts: https://www.lovebigisland.com/hilo/farmers-market/