Hilo Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a charming and picturesque town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls, Hilo is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions in Hilo is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kilauea volcano. Visitors can explore the park's vast lava fields, hike through ancient rainforests, and witness the incredible sight of molten lava flowing into the ocean. The park also offers scenic drives, lava tubes to explore, and breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.

For those interested in Hawaiian history and culture, a visit to the Lyman Museum and Mission House is a must. This museum showcases the rich heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, with exhibits on geology, natural history, and the cultural traditions of the native Hawaiian people. The nearby Imiloa Astronomy Center offers a fascinating look into the world of astronomy, blending traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern science.

Hilo is also known for its beautiful gardens, such as the Liliuokalani Gardens and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The Liliuokalani Gardens, named after the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, are a serene and peaceful oasis with Japanese-style bridges, pagodas, and ponds filled with koi fish. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, on the other hand, is a lush paradise with over 2,000 species of tropical plants, including orchids, heliconias, and bromeliads.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Hilo is also a gateway to some of the island's best outdoor activities. From hiking to waterfalls and exploring the stunning beaches of the nearby Puna district, to snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, there is something for everyone in Hilo.

Alternative names: Population: 43.3 thous.Area: 58.28 mi²Elevation: 26 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 19°43'22"N, 155°5'2"W

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HawaiiUnited States

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Hilo Top Attractions

Hilo Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hilo offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Hoʻolulu Park, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park • Waterfall • View point
Rainbow Falls
Nestled in the lush landscape of Hilo, Hawaii, the enchanting Rainbow Falls beckons travelers with its picturesque beauty and serene ambiance. This natural wonder, which is part of the Hawaii State Parks, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Big Island.
Garden • Park • Botanical garden
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve located on the 4 mile scenic route off of Route 19 at 27-717 Old Māmalahoa Highway, Pāpa'ikou, Hawaii, Hawaii. It is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. An admission fee is charged to the general public.
Park • Waiakea Ahupua`a
Hoʻolulu Park
Hoʻolulu Park is a 56-acre park and recreation center operated by the County of Hawaiʻi in Hilo, Hawaii, east of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area and downtown Hilo, and west of Hilo International Airport.

Park • Garden • View point
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens is a 24.14-acre park with Japanese gardens, located on Banyan Drive in Hilo on the island of Hawaiʻi. The park's site was donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and lies southeast of downtown Hilo, on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay.
Park • Waiakea Ahupua`a
Kealoha Beach Park
James Kealoha Beach Park is a swimming and snorkeling beach located in the Hilo district on the Island of Hawai'i. It is known locally as '4-mile' beach, as its location is exactly 4 miles from the Hilo town post-office.
Park • Ponahawai Ahupua`a
Kaumana Cave
Kaumana Cave is a lava tube created by a 1881 lava flow from Mauna Loa. The tube has been surveyed at 2.026 miles long making it the 57th longest lava tube in the world. The cave is located on the island of Hawaiʻi near the city of Hilo.
Museum • Ponahawai Ahupua`a
S. Hata Building
The S. Hata Building is a historic structure in Hilo, Hawaii built by Japanese businessman Hata Sadanosuke in 1912. It now contains specialty shops, professional offices, and a Cafe Pesto restaurant.
Museum • Natural history museum • Specialty museum
Lyman House Memorial Museum
The Lyman House Memorial Museum, also known as the Lyman Museum and Lyman House, is a Hilo, Hawaii-based natural history museum founded in 1931 in the Lyman family mission house, originally built in 1838.
19°43'23"N • 155°5'6"W
Hilo Farmer's Market
Shopping • Farmer's market • Market
Museum • Natural history museum • Specialty museum
Pacific Tsunami Museum
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a museum in Hilo, Hawaii dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946 Pacific tsunami and the May 23, 1960 Chilean tsunami which devastated much of the east coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo.
Botanical garden • Waiakea Ahupua`a
University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Botanical Gardens are botanical gardens on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus, located at 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi on the island of Hawaiʻi. They are open daily without charge.
Park • Beach • Outdoor activities
Richardson Beach
Richardson Beach is a Hawaii County park located just east of Hilo, Hawaii, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Adjacent is the Lele'iwi Beach Park.
Museum • Observatories and planetariums • Science museum
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is an astronomy and culture education center located in Hilo, Hawaii. Conceived by founding Director George Jacob in 2001, it features exhibits and shows dealing with Hawaiian culture and history, astronomy, and the overlap between the two.
Memorial • Piihonua Ahupua`a
Naha Stone
The Naha Stone is a large volcanic rock located in Hilo, Hawaii. The stone was used in the cultural traditions of Native Hawaiians, and many legends surround it.
Zoo • Waiakea Ahupua`a
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo is located in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, United States. This small 12-acre zoo is the only one in the United States located in a rainforest. It is operated by Hawaii County and receives its funding from the county and from private donations.
Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
Palace Theater
The Palace Theater is a movie theatre in downtown Hilo, Hawai'i in the United States of America. Built in 1925, the theater is one of the more prominent public buildings constructed in Hilo in the early 20th century.
Museum • Theater • Shopping
East Hawaii Cultural Center
The East Hawaii Cultural Center is an art gallery, community theater, and cultural center in downtown Hilo, Hawaii. EHCC features regular art exhibitions with free or suggested donation entry to the general public.
Church • Ponahawai Ahupua`a
Haili church
The Waiākea Mission Station was the first Christian mission on the eastern side of the Island of Hawaiʻi. Also known as the Hilo Station, the latest structure is now called Haili Church.
Church • Punahoa 2 Ahupua`a
Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo is a parish of the Roman Catholic Church of Hawaii in the United States. Located at 43 Kapiolani Street, 19°43′20″N 155°5′25″W, in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, the church falls under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Honolulu and its bishop.

Day trips

Hilo – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hilo, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Halemaumau Crater (Volcano Village), Puʻu ʻŌʻō (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), Kīlauea (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park).

25 milesSW
Natural attraction, Nature, Volcano
Halemaumau Crater, Volcano Village
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, a dramatic and dynamic volcanic feature nestled within the larger summit caldera of Kīlauea in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, is a must-see destination for any visitor to the island of Hawai'i. Known for its rich cultural significance...
23 milesS
Prominent volcano known for lava outpour
Puʻu ʻŌʻō, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Puʻu ʻŌʻō is an iconic volcanic cone situated within the diverse and dramatic landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. Known for its significant role in the recent eruptive history of the Kilauea volcano, Puʻu...
25 milesSW
Natural attraction, Nature, Volcano
Kīlauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea, the legendary shield volcano nestled within the expansive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stands as a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature's creation. As one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kīlauea provides a unique opportunity for visitors...
37 milesSW
Largest active volcano on the planet
Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Mauna Loa, the colossal volcano situated within the diverse landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the United States. Towering above the Pacific Ocean, this massive shield volcano is not only one of the largest on...
20 milesSE
Park, Trail, Tree
Lava Tree State Monument, Pahoa
Lava Tree State Monument is a public park located 2.7 miles southeast of Pāhoa in the Puna District on the island of Hawaii. It preserves lava molds of the tree trunks that were formed when a lava flow swept through a forested area in 1790.

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Best Time To Visit Hilo

Learn when is the best time to travel to Hilo weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April and May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June. Most of it rains in March and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the Place

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Hilo?

The top attractions to visit in Hilo are:

What is the best time to visit Hilo?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April and May. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Hilo Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Hilo Attractions - What to See and Explore

Rainbow Falls

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hoʻolulu Park

Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

Kealoha Beach Park

Kaumana Cave

S. Hata Building

Lyman House Memorial Museum

Hilo Farmer's Market

Pacific Tsunami Museum

University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens

Richardson Beach

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center

Naha Stone

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

Palace Theater

East Hawaii Cultural Center

Haili church

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Hilo plan & book

Hilo – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Halemaumau Crater, Volcano Village

Puʻu ʻŌʻō, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Lava Tree State Monument, Pahoa

Best Time To Visit Hilo

Best Ways to Experience the Place

Food & drink

Slider

Fajita

Saimin

Cheeseburger

Crab cake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Hilo?

What is the best time to visit Hilo?