Top 10 Things To Do In Hilo | Hawaii’s Big Island

Hilo functions as a northeastern Big Island entry point, which enables visitors to witness awe-inspiring natural treasures and traditional cultural attractions across Hawaii. The Kona coastal resort district receives more tourist attention than Hilo, which allows visitors to experience true Hawaiian life through its abundant rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and cultural traditions. The eastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island becomes accessible from Hilo due to its dual status as the island’s largest city, while offering a perfect mix of urban offerings and natural scenery.
The combined conditions create a flourishing environment filled with loud waterfalls alongside flower-filled botanical gardens. Hilo’s downtown attracts tourists through its historical buildings, local shopping opportunities, and fresh farm-food restaurants.

Hilo’s ten best experiences are presented in this guide, which demonstrates why you should visit and place this rain-side destination at the top of your Hawaii trip. Hilo presents itself as a destination that satisfies nature lovers and culture fans, while culinary explorers can discover authentic Hawaiian discoveries across the Big Island. Below are the Top 10 Things To Do In Hilo according to your taste of outdoor activities.

Hawaii’s Hilo Map

 Natural Wonders: Waterfalls and Volcanic Landscapes

The east section of Hawaii’s Big Island gets more precipitation than the western Kona coastline, which produces a lush rainforest biodiversity along with magnificent waterfall sights. The most remarkable natural sites exist both within and near Hilo.

1. Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)

People can reach the spectacular Rainbow Falls from downtown Hilo by driving a brief distance. Waiānuenue (rainbow water) is the Hawaiian name of this waterfall since its mist reveals colorful rainbows throughout its morning.

Best time to visit: The most favorable moment to witness rainbows at this location occurs during early morning when the sun achieves its ideal position. A smooth path built with pavement guides visitors from the parking area to the observation point that welcomes people of varied ages and abilities.

Local tip: Tourists should hike the steps located beside the primary observation deck to reach higher viewpoints that allow total waterfall views and provide access to the enormous banyan tree grove surrounding the area.

2. Akaka Falls State Park

You can reach Akaka Falls State Park from Hilo by driving its 25-minute scenic route, which features one of Hawaii’s magnificent waterfall displays. Akaka Falls descends 442 feet through the Kolekole Stream valley, presenting a sight that exemplifies the tropical beauty of Hawaii.

Visitors can experience the rainforest ecosystem while walking the loop trail, which travels four-tenths of a mile past a collection of bamboo groves and wild orchids, and draping ferns. After completing this short trail, you will enjoy twice the reward by seeing both Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls.

Best time to visit: A visit to Akaka Falls proves most peaceful in the morning hours before tourist bus activity begins, while the $5 parking charge for outsiders creates a worthwhile entertainment option on Hawaii Island.

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii’s Big Island, Tourists in Hawaii must visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, situated at a 30-mile distance southwest of Hilo, to complete their Hawaii Big Island itinerary. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park houses both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa as it maintains its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can find different methods of discovering the elemental forces of Hawaii’s volcanic region:

• Explore the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive to discover incredible scenic points.
• The solidified lava lake of Kīlauea Iki can be crossed by hikers.
• You can experience the Thurston Lava Tube because it remained hidden for 500 years inside the volcanic rock.
• Travel through the extraordinary terrain of Devastation Trail to experience its unearthly scene

Safety note: Always check the park’s official website or visitor center for current conditions and closures, as volcanic activity can affect accessibility

Cultural Immersion: Museums and Markets

Hilo allows its visitors to explore Hawaiian cultural roots while experiencing museums and markets and participating in cultural events. Visitors gain knowledge about ancient Hawaiian customs and the various cultural elements that have influenced the development of the Big Island.

4. Lyman Museum and Mission House

A profound study of Hawaii’s history requires visitors to explore the Lyman Museum and Mission House. The museum was founded in 1931 for exhibits and collections about Hawaii’s natural history, along with Hawaiian artifacts, in addition to presenting the rich heritage of Hawaii’s diverse ethnic groups.

Associated with the museum stands the Mission House, which served as the residence of American Christian missionaries David and Sarah Lyman when they built it in 1839. Located on the Big Island, visitors can explore the oldest surviving wooden frame house, that invites them to experience 19th-century missionary existence.

Cultural insight: One area of unique interest is the Hawaiian Gallery, where visitors can observe a rare collection that includes the feather capes (ʻahu ʻula) and carved wooden figures (kiʻi), as well as sophisticated tools crafted by ancient Hawaiian artisans.

5. Hilo Farmers Market

The Hilo Farmers Market in Hawaii’s Big Island provides visitors with a unique opportunity to taste local produce and admire the vivid market’s diverse selection. It stands among the finest open-air markets throughout Hawaii. The market occupies downtown space at Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue, where visitors discover more than 200 vendors who sell local produce with tropical flowers and handcrafted items, and ready-to-eat foods.

The market opens every day, but its two main operating days feature all vendors doing business on Wednesday and Saturday. The fertile volcanic soil of Hilo provides ideal conditions for rare tropical fruits, so visitors should taste rambutan, lychee, and juicy apple bananas.

Food recommendations: When dining out experience raw seafood known as poke with local seasonings along with spam musubi and macadamia nut butter that comes from local producers.

6. Pacific Tsunami Museum

The Pacific Tsunami Museum functions as an educational service while preserving the memory of previous tsunami fatality victims in its downtown Hilo location. The coastal city served as a catastrophic/tsunami target twice in history when disaster hit twice during 1946 and 1960, leading to significant growth and strengthening of community response programs.

The museum presents an engaging arrangement of exhibits that exhibit survivor stories and scientific information about tsunamis alongside interactive systems that present detection and warning processes. The bank building, which survived the 1946 tsunami, now serves as home to the museum, which represents Hilo’s enduring strength.

Educational value: The museum delivers vital information about disaster-readiness education that proves beneficial to any person visiting the exhibit.

Botanical Gardens and Outdoor Experiences

 The regular rainfall in Hilo creates Hawaii’s most fascinating outdoor spaces as well as gardens that are considered top attractions. These natural settings within these venues display the remarkable plant species that succeed in the tropical conditions.

7. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Travel only 8 miles from Hilo north toward the Hamakua Coast to discover the world-class botanical allure of the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. A 40-acre tropical valley garden supports more than 2,000 species of plants, which merge into a natural collection of remarkable biodiversity.

Hikers can traverse paths that take them beside tumbling waterfalls while crossing streams and coming across palm, heliconia, and orchid plant collections among scores of tropical flowers. The garden sits in the Onomea Valley, where visitors can admire ocean views together with its tropical habitat.

Photography tip: This garden presents photographers a perfect setting due to its sunny morning light because it combines ocean vistas with green foliage and colorful flowers.

8. Richardson Ocean Park

The beachfront area of Richardson Ocean Park provides an authentic Hawaiian beach destination close to Hilo. Visitors can access a protected swimming and snorkeling area at this beach because of its black sand beach profile, which makes it perfect for families with novice snorkelers and kids.

Black beach sands at this location have developed through ocean wave action that reduced lava rock to powder as the greenery along its shoreline meets the ocean blues to produce an enchanting color combination. The beach park of Richardson stands as a prime location for people to encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) while they spend time in its waters.

Snorkeling advice: When you want to observe multi-colored sea life and turtles while snorkeling, you should pack your own equipment. A visitor must keep sufficient space between themselves and the protected honu.

SEE ALSO

• 11 Top rated places to visit in US
• Top 20 best places to visit in China for first timers
• Underrated Coastal towers for relaxing getaway

Culinary Delights and Local Favorites

Any exploration of Hilo requires tasting the multiple food choices that showcase the distinct heritage of Hawaii’s Big Island. Live food diversity abounds throughout Hilo’s dining establishments, which present traditional native Hawaiian tastes and Japanese-influenced local specialty dishes to showcase the island’s rich multicultural heritage.

9. Suisan Fish Market

For the freshest poke and seafood in Hilo, locals and tourists alike head to Suisan Fish Market. Since 1907 this historical establishment offers both wholesale fish auctions and retail market services and prepares ready-to-eat poke bowls with fresh ahi tuna and local fish that customers can buy.

Shoppers who visit Hilo Bay for their seafood meal will enjoy spectacular views during their dining experience. At Suisan customers can order sashimi platters and boiled peanuts and local snacks that make perfect food for enjoying at nearby parks.
Poke derives its ancient Hawaiian origins through multiple cultural developments.

Cultural context: Traditionally prepared with fresh fish and salt and seaweed alongside crushed kukui nuts the latest version contains seafood alongside Japanese seasoning ingredients of soy sauce and sesame oil.

10. Two Ladies Kitchen

Any Hilo food journey needs to include a visit to Two Ladies Kitchen where people declare their mochi (Japanese rice cake desserts) stand as the island’s top selection. The modest store produces dozens of sweet rice paste creations including their flagship item made by enfolding a whole strawberry into the mochi.

The large number of visitors to Two Ladies Kitchen results in a quick sellout each day so you should arrive as early as possible. The shop operates only with cash payments and its doors open to customers who queue before opening time every day.

Insider tip: The store recommends customers to make advance bookings for large orders alongside specialty treats which become scarce during popular holiday seasons.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Hilo

You need accommodation that provides comfort after experiencing the Top 10 Things To Do In Hilo jagutatlvi. Hilocontrastingly presents a different hotel experience than the Kona side because it offers smaller local places instead of big resorts.

Luxury and Comfort Options

The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton stands as Hilo’s premier hotel option, occupying a prime location on Hilo Bay. Modern amenities and ocean views from private lanais are available after recent room renovations. The hotel property includes a 9-hole golf course with swimming facilities and a restaurant which offers local food.

People seeking exclusive luxury accommodations should stay at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls which stands in a secluded position beyond Hilo. This boutique establishment occupies 22 acres that embrace Hawaii’s largest privately reachable waterfall enabling private waterfall swimming and kayaking opportunities.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Travelers prioritizing value will find satisfaction in staying at the Hilo Seaside Hotel which provides affordable clean and comfortable accommodations in its comfortable rooms. The hotel stands as a prime place to start sightseeing because its garden garden location is combined with its easy access to downtown Hilo.

Vacationers in Hilo can choose between studio apartments in downtown historic buildings and large homes found in residential neighborhoods. Vacationers who stay at these accommodations can cook their meals with fresh Hilo Farmers Market ingredients because these facilities typically include kitchens.

Conclusion: Experience the Authentic Hawaii in Hilo

The town of Hilo stands as Hawaii’s truest form because it balances its original state with natural attractions which surpass the typical tourist spots found across the islands. The guide only presents a few highlights about Top 10 Things To Do In Hilo among the many attractions of Hawaii’s Big Island Hilo area.

Each attraction in the Big Island offers tourists different ways to experience Hawaii starting with the forest-encased grandeur of Akaka Falls followed by the local spirit of the Hilo Farmers Market. Your Hilo base of operations provides you with opportunities to visit numerous attraction across the Hamakua Coast and Puna district and the entire eastern island corridor.

Tourists should welcome the possibility of rainfall during their Hilo journey since wet weather produces dramatic tropical vegetation across the area. Carry a lightweight waterproof jacket along with an open-mindedness because the remote Hawaii experiences await people who explore beyond tourist routes.
Now get ready for an adventure through the rainforest which represents paradise. The hidden charm of Hilo awaits curious explorers who book their vacation and learn why travelers become devoted to its authentic Hawaiian essence.

People Frequently Ask Questions During Their Visit To Hilo

Is four to five days enough time to visit all major attractions in Hilo?

To appreciate all the main attractions in Hilo together with the eastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island you should spend 4-5 days. You can visit the main destinations without haste during this period because it enables both comfortable exploration and the ability to withstand intermittent rain showers. The amount of time allows both leisure exploration of Hilo top attractions and enables extended visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hamakua Coast without feeling pressured.