Things To Do
in Hilo
Hilo is a vibrant town located on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Hilo is home to a diverse population, with a mix of Hawaiian, Asian, and mainland influences.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine in this tropical paradise.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $120 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the Kīlauea volcano. Take a guided hike to see the unique landscapes and volcanic formations.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring the Crater Rim Drive. Stop by the Jaggar Museum for stunning views and educational exhibits.
Head back to Hilo and dine at a local restaurant. Conclude your day by watching the sunset at the Hilo Bay.
Spend your morning relaxing at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and perhaps spot some sea turtles basking on the shore.
Grab lunch at a nearby food truck, serving local favorites like poke bowls. After lunch, visit the nearby Punalu'u Bake Shop for their famous sweet breads.
Return to Hilo for dinner at a seaside restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls.
- Pleasant tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with strong Hawaiian traditions.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing.
- Vibrant local community with friendly residents and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Higher cost of living compared to the mainland U.S.
- Limited job opportunities and economic diversification.
- Occasional heavy rainfall and humidity, which can lead to flooding.
- Isolation from the mainland, making travel and shipping more expensive and time-consuming.
- Limited access to certain amenities and services available in larger cities.
Best Activities in Hilo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore beautiful gardens and enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront
Hike to this stunning waterfall and witness its natural beauty
Embark on a scenic hike to witness the majestic Akaka Falls and tropical landscapes
Tours
Uncover the best of Hilo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hilo
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of Hilo Bay and Coconut Island with traditional Japanese gardens and pagodas, making it a popular spot for photos.
A scenic waterfall that can be easily accessed and provides great photo opportunities, especially after a rainfall when the rainbow effect is visible.
These caves offer an intriguing and unique photo opportunity for visitors interested in capturing the natural beauty of lava tubes and caves.
Food in Hilo
Hilo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Hawaiian dish, poke consists of marinated chunks of fresh, raw fish, often seasoned with soy sauce, green onions, and sesame oil. Visit Suisan Fish Market for some of the freshest poke on the island.
Must-Try!
Laulau features pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro or luau leaves and steamed until tender. For an authentic taste, head to Hilo's farmers' markets or look for local food trucks.
This coconut milk-based dessert is a Hawaiian favorite. It's a creamy, gelatin-like treat often served at luaus and local restaurants like Cafe 100 or Hilo Homemade Ice Cream.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hilo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open daily, the market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, tropical fruits, and prepared foods. You can find a variety of local delicacies such as poi, lomi salmon, and fresh coconut water.
Located along the bayfront, this food truck court offers a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Hawaiian to international flavors. It's a great spot to sample different dishes in an outdoor setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hilo, it's important to show respect for the indigenous Hawaiian culture. This includes being mindful of sacred sites, such as heiau (temples), and being open to learning about the traditions and customs of the Native Hawaiian people.
The concept of aloha spirit is integral to the cultural norms in Hilo. This means showing kindness, hospitality, and warmth towards others. Respectful behavior involves embodying the spirit of aloha in interactions with locals and visitors alike.
Hilo values environmental stewardship, and respectful behavior includes being mindful of natural surroundings. This involves practices such as leaving no trace, supporting sustainable tourism, and being aware of the fragile ecosystems in the area.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hilo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hilo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Hilo, United States is customary in the service industry, including at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hotel staff and tour guides. A standard practice is to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment methods commonly accepted in Hilo, United States include credit and debit cards, cash, and mobile payment options. Most businesses and services in Hilo are equipped to accept major credit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hilo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Hilo with lower rainfall and comfortable temperatures. Expect blooming flowers and lush green landscapes.
Warm and humid with occasional rain showers. Ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches.
Warm temperatures with occasional rain. A good time to visit for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Cooler temperatures with more frequent rain. Perfect for whale watching and exploring the waterfalls.
Hilo at Night
Hiking in Hilo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Features a stunning 442-foot waterfall, lush rainforest, and a loop trail that offers views of the falls and the surrounding tropical foliage.
A challenging hike that takes you to the summit of Mauna Kea, offering breathtaking views at the highest point in Hawaii, along with unique landscapes.
A beautiful area for hiking that showcases native Hawaii ecosystems featuring diverse flora and fauna, along with scenic forest trails.
An easy-to-moderate hike that leads to a picturesque waterfall, with swimming opportunities and scenic views along the way.
Offers a coastal walking and hiking trail with views of the ocean, perfect for a casual stroll or for connecting to the nearby coastal paths.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hilo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hilo by plane.
Located in Honolulu, approximately 210 miles from Hilo, HNL is the primary international airport in Hawaii.
Situated in Maui, about 140 miles from Hilo, OGG serves both domestic and international flights.
Located on the island of Kauai, approximately 250 miles from Hilo, LIH provides limited international flights.
Also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, KOA is about 100 miles from Hilo and offers several international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to the cultural diversity of Hilo.
This group includes various nationalities, with a notable presence of Filipinos, Japanese, and Chinese communities.
Caucasians represent a substantial demographic in Hilo, with various ancestries reflected in the community.
As Hilo is located in Hawaii, this group is a critical part of the population, reflecting the indigenous culture.
A smaller but important demographic within Hilo, contributing to the community's diversity.
This group consists of residents who identify with more than one racial or ethnic category.
This group represents a minor portion of Hilo's population but adds to the multicultural landscape of the area.
The Soul of Hilo
Discover the essence of Hilo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hilo's proximity to the ocean makes surfing a popular sport, with local breaks attracting both residents and visitors.
With the lush landscapes and trails of Hawaii, hiking is a favored activity for locals, providing routes through scenic parks and volcanic terrains.
Baseball has a strong community following in Hilo, with local leagues and youth programs encouraging participation.
Soccer is increasingly popular among youth and adults, with various leagues and events held throughout the year.
Given the access to rich fishing waters, both deep-sea and shore fishing are common pastimes in Hilo.
Basketball is widely played, with community courts available and local leagues often organizing tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hilo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Hilo cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering plant-based dishes that highlight the abundance of fresh produce available on the island. Look for options like tofu poke bowls, veggie laulau, and taro burgers.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy a range of gluten-free options at local restaurants and cafes. From fresh seafood and tropical fruit plates to gluten-free baked goods, there are delicious choices for every meal.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hilo with these cultural adventures.
