Hilo, HI

Travel Guide
Akaka Falls which includes rainforest, a cascade and a river or creek
Marvel at the wonders of the natural world and discover traditional Hawaiian cultures, America’s colonial past and modern science all in one place.

Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, the historical town of Hilo has rain forests, black-sand beaches and volcanoes oozing lava that runs into the sea. Once a thriving farming and fishing village, Hilo was transformed into a sugar plantation in the 1800s. Today it’s a charming town with tropical gardens, museums and an internationally recognized biosphere reserve just a short distance away.  

Discover Hilo's history with a stroll down Keawe Street. Admire the wooden storefronts, art galleries, independent stores and restaurants reminiscent of the plantation years. Visit the Lyman Mission House and Museum and see historical houses built by American Christian missionaries. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Hilo Farmers Market. See cultural performances and traditional Hawaiian arts at the East Hawaii Cultural Center. Stroll through the Liliuokalani Gardens or relax at the World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls. Drive beneath a canopy of banyan trees and sample coffee at the Hilo Coffee Mill.

One of Hilo’s most popular attractions is the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Tour the planetarium to learn how the astronomical research of the summit of Maunakea connects with local traditional culture.

Head to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, internationally recognized as both a World Heritage Site and a world biosphere. This park is extraordinary for its biodiversity and significance to native Hawaiians. Hike through rain forests, volcanic craters and deserts. Get close to two of the most active volcanoes on earth: Kilauea and Maunaloa. Watch lava eruptions flow into the sea and discover the centuries-old rock carvings known as petroglyphs.

Take a trip to other Hawaiian islands, without leaving town. Hilo's Mokupāpapa Discovery Center offers insight into the fascinating marine life, culture and geology of Hawaii’s remote northwest islands.

To get around Hilo, rent a car or taxi, take a guided tour or use the low-cost Hele-On (Let’s go) bus. Unwind and take your time in Hilo to discover some of the most fascinating wonders of the world.

Where to stay in Hilo

Richardson\'s Ocean Park which includes a park and landscape views

Keaukaha

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Keaukaha, Keaukaha Beach Park and Port of Hilo are top sights worth seeing.

Keaukaha
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
The price is ₩186,491 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
₩186,491
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (646 reviews)
"Modern rooms, nice amenities, great location."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

SCP Hilo Hotel
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is ₩230,677 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
₩230,677
per night
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,029 reviews)
"This property is great! Delicious continental breakfast, coffee in room, Hawaiian toiletries. Japanese Garden walking distance! Poke walking distance. Omg forgot to mention the ocean and pier walking distance!!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
4 out of 5
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is ₩219,279 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
₩219,279
per night
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,138 reviews)
"Walking around the property and checking out Hilo was awesome"

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,160 reviews)
"5 stars"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Kaanapali Shores
3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,013 reviews)
"For the price, the property is definitely worth staying at. It’s a good value. Location is really nice near plenty of walkable restaurants and food park. Pool areas were nice and not overly crowded. Staff was great. Food at restaurant on property is just mediocre."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Aston Kaanapali Shores
OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
130 Kai Malina Parkway, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,529 reviews)
"We went to the Honua Kai with our 3-year-old daughter as a recommendation from a friend who had gone earlier in the year with their one-year-old. We went for the ability to have washer-dryer, kitchenette, pools that were family-friendly, and an on-site store and restaurant. It lived up to our requirements ..."

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hilo

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
245
" "5 - Excellent 45.96622889305816%
4 - Good
232
" "4 - Good 43.52720450281426%
3 - Okay
41
" "3 - Okay 7.6923076923076925%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0637898686679175%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.7504690431519699%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 22, 2020

Nice city, it seemed older.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 21, 2020

Hilo is a great little town - lots of variety. Handful of locations were closed or closing due to COVID19 but we lucked out with food options - kens pancakes, pineapples, and Ocean sushi (so good). Will be coming back ;)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 21, 2020

Overall a friendly area to explore and have fun.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

It

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 8, 2020

Love the Bayfront look and feel. Hope they keep it the way it is.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Mar 7, 2020

It rained too much.