Top 20 Things To Do in Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is known for their two coastal towns: Kona and Hilo. While Kona is the sunny, white-sand beach side, Hilo is the rainforest, waterfall, and volcano side! This means there are many things to do in Hilo and so much to explore!
In this blog post, I’ll provide some background info on Hilo, how to get there, where to stay, and best things to do in Hilo!
About the town of Hilo, Hawaii:
The town of Hilo is on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The downtown area is crescent shape overlooking a beautiful Hilo bay. Many locals live in Hilo, including college students attending the University of Hawaii!
Hilo is the Number 1 rainiest city in the USA. The town sees around 275 rainy days each year. This is why the area surrounding Hilo is a lush rainforest with many beautiful waterfalls. Thankfully, the rainstorms typically don’t last the entire day so you’ll have pockets of sunshine!
Read More: Learn about Kona – the sunshine town of the Big Island
Getting to Hilo, Hawaii:
There’s a good chance that you’re staying on the western side of the island, near Kona or the Kohula Coast. That said, Hilo will be a trek to get to, so definitely plan on a full day trip!
The journey itself is about 1.5 hour drive, but there are two different drives you can take. Didn’t get a rental car? Eek – sounds like you didn’t read my blog post on the Mistakes to Avoid when Visiting Hawaii!
Route 1: (scenic route)
Back in the day, this was the only way to get to Hilo. The route will take you through many small towns in northern Hawaii, and provides scenic stops along the way. This route typically takes longer as there are speed limit restrictions as low as 25, stop signs, and general traffic.
Route 2: Saddle Road (quick route)
The Saddle Road is a newly built road designed to make travel between the coasts of the Big Island easier. You won’t find many stop signs, stop lights, or traffic on this road which makes it an easy and “quick” route to Hilo (still takes 1.5 hours).
The other option is to stay the night in Hilo, which I’ve provided a few hotel recommendations – click here!
Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii
Akaka Falls State Park
Price: $10 per car AND $5 per person
Hours: 9am – 5pm, daily
Website: Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls is a breathtaking 442 ft waterfall located just north of Hilo. This waterfall is my number one favorite thing to see on the entire Big Island, making it the top of my list for things to do in Hilo.
To see the waterfall, you’ll need to pay a parking & entrance fee, then walk/hike 0.4 miles. The walk is fully paved, but includes numerous stairs. Along the walk, you’ll see another waterfall and beautiful lush greenery!
Read More: The Best Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii Tropical Botantical Garden
Price: $25 per person
Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
Website: Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve Garden is a 20-acre paradise waiting to be explored by you! This garden is filled with various plants and species that are unique to the islands as well as a waterfall, orchid garden, and so much more.
You can easily spend two hours here walking along the boardwalk and trails. They’re open 7 days a week, from 9am to 5pm (but the last entry is at 4pm, so plan ahead).
Hilo Farmers Market
Cost: Free!
Hours: 7am – 3pm, daily
Website: Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market has been around since 1988, and is a staple of the town! Now, over 200 vendors are part of the market, and open daily for visitors and locals alike! You’ll find everything from local knickknacks, artwork, handmade crafts, and produce here at the market.
Wednesday & Saturdays are considered “Big Market Days” so you’ll find additional vendors and shops to explore!
Rainbow Falls
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open 24/7
Website:
Akaka Falls certainly isn’t the only waterfall worth seeing near Hilo! Rainbow Falls is an impressive waterfall with breathtaking views. Unlike Akaka, there is no fee or hike required to see the falls – they’re directly next to the parking lot making them easily accessible.
The falls earned their name of “Rainbow Falls” because you will often see a rainbow here as the light reflects off the pool of water below.
Liliuokalani Gardens + Coconut Island
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Coconut Island
The gardens and the islands are separate items, but they’re right next to each other and can be done together! Both iconic landmarks are great to stroll around or enjoy a picnic!
The Liliuokalani Gardens is a 24 acre Japanese paradise. It was donated by Queen Liliʻuokalani and is considered the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan. The garden has a Japanese teahouse, ponds, bridges, pagodas, statues, and more! It’s a beautiful area to walk around or enjoy a picnic.
Within walking distance, you’ll see Coconut Island. This small island is accessible only via footbridge. It’s a beautiful little park area that features a swimming area for kids, picnic tables & grills, palm trees, and more!
AKATSUKA ORCHID GARDENS
Cost: Free!
Hours: 10am-3pm, Tuesday & Thursday
Website: Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
The Akatsuka Orchid Gardens started as an orchid wholesaler, but has evolved into a public garden & orchid maze for all to enjoy! It’s about 10 minutes from Volcano National Park and a great activity for a rainy day in Hilo.
They also offer a guided 45-minute tour of the facility which will include a tasting & potted orchid to bring home! Book your tickets here: Akatsuka Tour.
IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER
Cost: $19 per adult
Hours: 9am-4pm on Friday-Sunday
Website: Imiloa Astronomy Center
Did you know that the worlds largest collection of atronomy observatories are located at Mauna Kea in the Big Island? If you look up at Mauna Kea on a clear day, chances are you’ll see some of the observatories! Astronomy and ancient Hawaiian culture are intertwined here on the Big Island!
‘Imiloa means “to seek far” – which is very fitting for this astronomy center located in Hilo, Hawaii. In fact, “Imiloa is Hawaiian for “explore” which is exactly what you’ll be doing at the center. The Astronomy Center is operated by the University of Hawaii
KAUMANA CAVES
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open 24/7, best to visit in daylight
Website: n/a
Kaumana Caves allow you to walk through a lava tube from a 1881 lava flow from Mauna Loa! The lava tube is over 20 miles long, but currently only 2 miles are accessible to the public. You can take a metal staircase down into the lava tube via the skylight.
This is a quick activity, but one of my favorite things to do in Hilo because its so unique – where else can you climb around in a lava tube?!
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm & Factory
Cost: Free!
Hours: TBD – temporarily closed due to Covid-19
Website: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut
The world’s largest processor of macadamia seeds is here in Hilo at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm! It’s just south of Hilo, and is named after the Mauna Loa volcano! The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm is owned by the Hershey Company, so you know the products are of the best quality!
This farm and factory are open for visitors to explore, sample, and buy products! You can sample the variety of macadamia nut products available for purchase, watch how their factory makes them, and see how they’re grown!
Purchasing some mac nuts here is always a great idea for gifts to friends and family.
PANAʻEWA RAINFOREST ZOO
Cost: TBD
Hours: 10am-3pm, daily
Website: Hilo Zoo
Have you ever been to a zoo located within a rainforest? Chances are, the answer is “no” because the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only zoo located in a natural rainforest in the USA! It’s over 12 acres large and is home to over 80 difference species.
This zoo is currently closed due to extensive renovations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
Cost: Free to $39 per person
Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday
Website: Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
The Lavaloha Chocolate Farm offers a unique experience to see how chocolate is made, starting from a plant to a tasty treat. The 1,000 acre farm is located on the hillside of Mauna Kea meaning the volcanic soil adds a unique flavor to their cocoa beans!
You can visit just the gift shop (free) or sign up for one of their hour-long guided tours of the property.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Cost: $8 per person
Hours: 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Website: Tsunami Museum
This incredibly informative museum is great for a rainy day activity (which is likely in Hilo). It’s located in downtown Hilo and gives you history and lessons of tsunamis from around the Pacific Basin.
I personally found the museum to be a bit outdated, but filled with great info and still worth an hour or two of your time! Some of the exhibits are interactive and allow you to watch how tsunamis affect land.
Lyman Museum
Cost: $7 per person
Hours: 10am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Website: Lyman Museum
If you’re looking to learn more about the story of the history of Hawaiian culture, check out the Lyman Museum! It’s a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, and offers exhibits of Hawaii’s volcanic origins, local plants, culture, and more!
There are two parts of the museum open to visitors – the Lyman Museum (self-guided tour) and the Mission House Tour (guided tour).
Umauma Experience
Cost: $12 to $150+ per person
Hours: 8am-5pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)
Website: Umauma Experience
The Umauma Experience is a private property with numerous different activities to try! This includes, ziplining over a waterfall, ATV rides, horseback riding, kayaking, and so much more!
The cheapest option, and one of my favorites, is the $12 self-guided tour of the waterfall and gardens. You’ll be able to explore the grounds and see a stunning waterfall.
Otherwise, they’re most known for their adventurous ziplining experience over the falls!
Honomu Goat Dairy
Cost: Free!
Hours: Check Website
Website: Honomu Goat Dairy
Playing with baby goats is just one of the many reasons to visit Honomu Goat Dairy in Hilo! This farm sits along the Hamakua Coast and overlooks the ocean. You can visit for free, and play with the goats on property (also for free).
You’ll also be able to purchase goat dairy products in their gift shop – which are life changing!
Honoli’i Beach Park
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Honolii Beach Park
Just because Hilo is known as the rainiest city in the USA, doesn’t mean it isn’t a great destination for beach days. In fact, Honoli’i Beach Park is a perfect spot just south of Hilo for surfing, with impressive waves! Locals come here to ride waves and/or fish!
While I personally can’t surf, I enjoy this beach park because there are almost always surfers to watch! It’s mesmerizing watching as people ride large waves.
Richardson Ocean Park
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open 24/7
Website:
While the above location (Honolii Beach Park) is great for surfers, this beach park is great for swimming and snorkeling! It is a black sand beach with a small area for sunbathing. The park is monitored by lifeguards and offers crystal clear waters to snorkel in.
Many people are lucky to find sea turtles nearby, as they often swim around this ocean park. Each time I visit, I am rewarded with 4+ sea turtles! This is one of my favorite things to do in Hilo for that exact reason!
Volcano National Park
Cost: $30 per car
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Big Island of Hawaii has an active volcano that you can visit inside the Volcano National Park. It is just 45 minutes south of Hilo, and a great place to spend a few hours or the entire day (Full Day Volcano Guide here)!
Start your visit at the Kīlauea Visitor Center – since this is an active volcano it is important to check out what areas of the park are closed due to lava flows or toxic gasses.
The most popular things to do here at the Volcanoes National Park include Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Drive, and hiking inside the Thurston lava tube! There are numerous trails onsite that offer unique views of the volcano and surrounding areas.
You may also opt to do a tour of the volcano, two of my favorites are below:
Best places to Stay in Hilo, Hawaii
If you’re reading this blog post and realizing how many amazing things there are to do in Hilo, you may want to book a few nights on this side of the island during your trip! Otherwise, you’ll find yourself on a few roadtrips here to accomplish all of the items!
I’ve provided a few of my favorite hotel recommendations below:
Orchid Tree B&B – adorable B&B with a pool, hot tub, and breakfast buffet
Grand Naniloa Hotel (Doubletree by Hilton) – newly renovated waterfront resort with outdoor pool, 9-hole golf course, and more
You can search for other Hilo Hotel options provided below via Booking.com
There you have it, friends – a full list of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii! Don’t let the rainy weather forecast deter you from visiting… as you can see there are so many amazing and breathtaking things to experience on this side of the Big Island!
Be sure to save this guide to Pinterest on the Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii by clicking the link below:
Looking for more articles on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Best Resorts on the Big Island
Kona, Hawaii City Guide
FREE Things To Do On The Big Island
Top 10 Beaches on Big Island
Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island
20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
Hilo looks amazing & there’s so much to do. I love visiting waterfalls & the Volcano National Park looks amazing! I’ll save this post for later!
We had really hoped to visit Hawaii in 2021. Hope to visit soon. thanks for showcasing some of the wonderful sites.
You make me want to jump on a plane and fly 9 hours to visit Hawaii. The volcanos and jungle seem orherworlldly. Great article!
Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls look beautiful! We missed those sites last time we visited. I hope to catch them next time. Very inspiring post!
I’m trying to get to all the national parks in America and Volcano NP is on my list. Thanks for all these great tips for visiting the Big Island. I can’t wait to get there.