Hilo
· US

Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Discover Hilo: Where Lush Rainforests Meet Volcanic Wonders Nestled on the eastern shores of the Big Island, Hilo, Hawaii, pulsates with the raw energy of nature. This vibrant town, draped in emerald rainforests and care…

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hilo.

Top Hotels in Hilo

Top Flights to Hilo

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hilo.

Tours

Hilo Botanical Gardens Tour

Explore the lush botanical gardens in Hilo with a variety of native Hawaiian plant species.

Shopping

Hilo Farmers Market Shopping Spree

Visit the bustling Hilo Farmers Market for fresh produce, unique crafts, and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure

A drive to the summit of Mauna Kea to witness the sunset followed by stargazing with telescopes.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hilo.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Hilo, Hawaii, United States, is around 45,000.
Languages
English, English, Hawaiian
Average weather
Hilo
Jan
rain
27°18°
Feb
rain
27°18°
Mar
rain
27°18°
Apr
rain
28°19°
May
rain
28°19°
Jun
rain
28°20°
Jul
rain
28°20°
Aug
rain
29°20°
Sep
rain
29°20°
Oct
rain
28°20°
Nov
rain
28°19°
Dec
rain
27°19°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hilo.

What people love

Hilo, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a unique and diverse range of attractions and experiences for travelers. Some pros of traveling to Hilo include:

  1. Natural Beauty: Hilo is surrounded by lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, witness the power of active volcanoes, and marvel at the colorful flora and fauna found in the region.

  2. Outdoor Activities: Hilo offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can go hiking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and even take helicopter tours to get a bird's eye view of the island's mesmerizing landscapes.

  3. Rich Culture and History: Hilo is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with a strong connection to Hawaiian traditions and heritage. Travelers can visit historic sites, attend traditional performances, and learn about the local customs and practices of the native Hawaiian people.

  4. Farmers Markets and Local Cuisine: Hilo boasts some of the best farmers markets in Hawaii, where visitors can sample fresh tropical fruits, locally grown produce, and delicious traditional dishes. The town also has a variety of restaurants and food trucks offering a diverse range of cuisine, blending local flavors with international influences.

  5. Relaxing Beaches: Hilo may not have the typical white sand beaches found on other Hawaiian islands, but its black sand beaches offer a unique and picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. One popular spot is Richardson Beach Park, known for its calm waters and lava rock formations.

Overall, traveling to Hilo can be a rewarding experience for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and relaxation in a unique Hawaiian setting.

What to know

Traveling to Hilo, located in Hawaii, United States, has several potential cons that visitors should be aware of:

  1. Rainy Weather: Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, with over 120 inches of rain annually. This can affect outdoor activities and sightseeing, making it important to pack appropriate rain gear.

  2. Limited Nightlife: Hilo is not known for a vibrant nightlife scene compared to other Hawaiian destinations like Waikiki or Maui. Those looking for a lively party atmosphere may find Hilo lacking in this regard.

  3. Remote Location: Hilo is located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, which is more remote compared to other popular tourist areas like Kona. This can make transportation to and from Hilo more challenging and time-consuming.

  4. Fewer Tourist Amenities: Hilo is a smaller city compared to other Hawaiian destinations, so visitors may find fewer tourist amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  5. Potential for Volcanic Activity: Hilo is located on the Big Island, which is home to active volcanoes like Kilauea. While these volcanoes are closely monitored, there is always a risk of volcanic activity affecting travel plans in the region.

It's important to note that these cons may not be deal-breakers for all travelers, and some visitors may appreciate the unique aspects of Hilo, such as its lush landscapes and cultural attractions.

Hilo, located on the northeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is the largest settlement on the island and serves as the county seat of Hawaii County. Its rich history is deeply intertwined with the cultural and natural history of the Hawaiian Islands.

Early History

  • Polynesian Settlement: Hilo's history dates back to ancient times when Polynesian settlers first arrived in the Hawaiian Islands. It became an important center for trade and agriculture, with its fertile lands being ideal for taro farming.
  • Mythological Significance: In Hawaiian mythology, the area around Hilo is associated with several legends, including those of the goddess Pele and her sister, Hi‘iaka, who are linked to the volcanic activity of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

19th Century

  • Missionary Influence: In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived, influencing the culture and social structure of Hilo. The Haili Church, established in 1824, is a significant landmark from this period.
  • Sugar Industry: The mid-1800s saw the rise of the sugar industry, which became a dominant economic force in Hilo. The establishment of sugar plantations attracted a diverse workforce from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines, contributing to Hilo's multicultural population.
  • King Kamehameha's Rule: Hilo played a role in the consolidation of the Hawaiian Islands under King Kamehameha I, who had strong ties to the area.

20th Century

  • Natural Disasters: Throughout the 20th century, Hilo experienced significant natural disasters, particularly tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, which caused extensive damage. These events led to the development of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
  • World War II: During World War II, Hilo was affected by martial law and the internment of Japanese-American residents, which had a lasting impact on the community.
  • Astronomy and Science: The late 20th century saw the rise of astronomy as a significant industry in Hilo, with the construction of observatories on Mauna Kea. The University of Hawaii at Hilo has become a center for astronomical research.

Significant Landmarks

  • Liliʻuokalani Gardens: This beautiful Japanese garden was established in 1917 and is one of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan.
  • Wailuku River State Park: Home to the famous Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots, this park is a popular natural attraction.
  • ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center: Part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, this center explores the connection between Hawaiian culture and astronomy.
  • Hilo Farmers Market: Established in 1988, it is a vibrant market that showcases local produce and crafts.
  • Pacific Tsunami Museum: Dedicated to preserving the history of tsunamis in Hilo and educating the public about tsunami safety.

Historical Figures

  • Queen Liliʻuokalani: The last reigning monarch of Hawaii, she had connections to Hilo and the surrounding areas.
  • King Kamehameha I: As a key figure in Hawaiian history, his legacy is deeply connected to the Big Island and Hilo.

Hilo's history is a tapestry of ancient traditions and modern developments, shaped by its natural environment and cultural heritage.