Hilo Travel Guide

Hilo, Hawaii is a town on the Big Island, or Hawaii Island, that’s best known for its proximity to incredible parks, volcanoes and waterfalls.

Things to Do in Hilo

The nearby Wailuku River State Park features a stunning waterfall called Rainbow Falls, which has a colorful mist effect. Meanwhile, other nearby places to visit include the bubbling lava rock pools, known as the Boiling Pots, or the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the two active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna, alongside acres of tropical rainforest.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, why not take a walk around the stunning Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, which showcases native plant species? Or, take a more sobering visit to the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which details a history of the 1946 Pacific tsunami and the 1960 Chilean Tsunami, both of which caused damage to much of the east coast of Big Island.

Best Time to Visit Hilo

Hilo has year-round warm temperatures. The best times to visit are the months of December and January and June and July, when the weather's hot and there isn’t much rain.

A Local's Guide to Hilo

Picture dramatic waterfalls, dense rainforest and fragrant blooms, and you have the vibrant town of Hilo, located on the northeast side of the big island of Hawaii. Years ago, the area put itself on the map for being a busy farming and fishing area, developing in the 1800s into a commercial center for the sugar industry. Built around the crescent-shaped Hilo Bay, downtown Hilo is a charming central town location, filled with bustling art galleries, shops, restaurants and museums.

Downtown Hilo thrives as a vibrant shopping district with some unique stores and tasty eateries, plus the famous Hilo Farmers Market where you can get some of the freshest food on the island.

Throughout the years, the town has changed and developed, and much of its history can discovered at the Lyman Museum. To learn more about the turbulent past, head to the Pacific Tsunami Museum where you can find out about the terrifying waves that once threatened the area. Equally, check out the Imiloa Astronomy Center, where the striking mountain-shaped structure is definitely worth seeing.

A coastal city in Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without some nearby beaches, and while Hilo is not typically known for its beaches, there are still some good options for when the sun comes out. These include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, Carlsmith Beach Park and Richardson Beach Park.

To witness some of the dramatic volcanic landscapes that Hawaii is known for, no trip to Hilo would be complete without a trip to the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the Kilauea Volcano. The volcano is the most active of all those in the park, and is one of the most visited volcanoes in the world. Mauna Loa, on the other hand, is the world’s largest volcano, and it's pretty impressive to witness its snow-capped summit. Elsewhere, Mauna Kea is also located on Big Island and is the tallest sea mountain in the world. Its summit is home to the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimetre astronomy.

A trip to Rainforest Zoo is a great day trip from Hilo. The 12-acre zoo is the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the US, home to more than 80 different types of animal. Alternatively, head out to Akaka Falls for some spectacular natural waterfalls and tropical plants.

The variety of Milo vacation rentals is ideal for all types of travelers. Choose from a luxury resort, rent a hotel room, or get your own Hilo vacation home -- all have something very different to offer. The hotels on this part of the island are not as luxurious as some of those on the west, however all still have their own charm. Some people may prefer the more personal experience of a bed and breakfast, where you can relax knowing the first meal of the day is included in your stay. For a more private place, vacation rentals offer your own space, and are great for families thanks to their shared living room and full kitchens. Rentals in Hilo will bring you closer to island life, and there are options to suit a range of budgets.