19 Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii + A Map!

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the best things to do in Hilo? Then keep reading!

Hilo is the largest city located on Hawaii Island, commonly referred to as the Big Island. In Hilo, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and all kinds of beautiful nature to explore. 

In this guide, I’m sharing must-visit sites including lush gardens, beautiful waterfalls, and great spots for local treats. I’ve also included an interactive map so you can easily refer to all of the locations mentioned in this guide.  

Looking for more Hawaii travel guides?

• Island Guide: The Best Things to Do on The Big Island of Hawaii
• 15 Amazing Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii
• The Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary
• Kona to Hilo: How to Roadtrip The Big Island
• Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling with The Manta Rays in Kona

This post is all about the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii. 

Things to Do in Hilo – The Basics 

Currency = USD

The currency in Hawaii is the US Dollar. Most places you visit will accept card payments and you can find ATMs in town. 

Language = English

Hawaii is the only US state to have two official languages, English and Hawaiian. Although Hawaiian is still considered an official language in the state, you’ll find that pretty much everyone speaks English. The Hawaiian language is classified as a “critically endangered” language now that there are only a couple thousand native speakers. 

Phone & Internet 

Cell service and wifi were okay throughout the Big Island. At times the service was spotty but I was working remotely from my hotel for three days and didn’t have an issue. You’ll find that more places have reliable wifi on Maui and especially Oahu. 

Daily Budget

Hawaii is not cheap. It’s one of the more expensive travel destinations. Expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day (excluding accommodation) depending on activities and transportation. It is possible to travel on more of a budget (about $70 – $100 per day) if you are eating at local markets and doing minimal costly activities.

Tipping in Hawaii

Tipping in Hawaii, like the rest of the US, is expected when dining out at restaurants and during guided activities. A 15% tip is standard. 

Can You Drink The Tap Water? 

Yes, tap water is safe to drink on the Big Island. 

Best Time to Visit Hawaii 

According to the weather, the best time to visit Hawaii is any time from March through September. This is when the islands have the lowest rainfall and the highest temperatures.

During the summer months, the islands will be crowded. I suggest going during the shoulder season which is before or at the beginning of March and the end of September. 

I visited Hawaii in September and December. Both times I had a great experience. December is usually more crowded but this is the prime whale-watching season which is fun! So if whale watching is on your bucket list, visit during whale-watching season. 

If you are visiting Kona, I highly recommend doing a night snorkel with the manta rays! Read all about the experience here.

The Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii

1. Rainbow Falls 

Rainbow Falls is a beautiful 80 ft tall waterfall on the Wailuku River in Hilo. It’s known for the rainbows that often appear in the waterfall’s mist. Rainbow Falls is easily accessible and there is an area to stop for photos. 

2. Hilo Farmers Market 

Hilo’s Farmers Market is a classic! Find the best fresh produce and all sorts of other goodies at Hilo Market. Here, you’ll find flowers, crafts, fruits, veggies, and unique Hawaiian goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up a gift or souvenir. 

The big market days are on Wednesday and Saturday. 

3. Pacific Tsunami Museum 

At the Pacific Tsunami Museum, you can learn all about the history of Tsunamis in Hawaii. The museum is dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946, Pacific tsunami and the May 23, 1960, Chilean tsunami. 

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 

One of the best things to do on the Big Island is to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s located about a 40-minute drive away from Hilo and well worth a visit if you are on the Big Island. 

If you want the full experience, I suggest staying in the area so you can spend the day and evening exploring the park. Even if the lava isn’t flowing, you can at times see the lava glow at night. 

Pro-tip: You can book the historic Volcano House hotel for a view of Halema’uma’u Crater. 

The entrance fee for the park is $25 per vehicle and here you can visit the Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook, the Kilauea Visitor Center, Thurston Lava Tube, and Mauna Loa Road. There are all sorts of different hikes and night tours to see lava the lava flow and glow as well. 

5. Sea Turtle Snorkel 

Hilo is a great place to snorkel with sea turtles. You can visit popular locations around the island for snorkeling with sea turtles or book a guided tour. 

Guided tours are great because they provide insights into the marine life led by local experts. Make sure to respect the sea turtles and other marine life. Do not touch the sea turtles. 

I snorkeled with sea turtles in Oahu and it was the best time! I highly recommend it.  

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide

6. Trip to a Coffee Farm 

The Big Island of Hawaii’s lush landscape is ideal for growing coffee. Although Kona has a more popular coffee culture, you can tour coffee farms in Hilo as well. 

Book a guided coffee tour in Hilo or visit Hilo Coffee Mill or Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation. 

7. Helicopter Tour

For a unique perspective of this beautiful island, consider booking a heli tour. On this tour, you’ll have a scenic flight over lush waterfalls and lava flow. 

If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, I highly recommend the night snorkel with manta rays in Kona. This is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these animals. It was one of my top travel experiences, I can’t recommend it enough. Book a manta ray snorkel here.

8. Mac Nut Pancakes at Ken’s  House of Pancakes 

Hawaii is known for producing some of the highest-quality macadamia nuts you can find. You’ll see mac nuts just about everywhere. And that includes pancakes. 

Ken’s House of Pancakes is a local American diner with a Hawaiian twist. They offer classic breakfast dishes and their famous mac-nut pancakes and waffles. You’ve got to try them if you are in Hilo.

9. Water Falls Adventure Tour 

If you are looking for a convenient way to see Hilo’s waterfalls, consider booking a guided waterfall tour. This waterfalls adventure tour includes a swim at Kulanipia private waterfalls, Waipio Valley Lookout, Akaka Falls, and the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden.

10. Kayaking Tour

There are all sorts of fun water activities to try in Hilo. Kayaking is one of them! If you want to experience Hilo from the water, book a guided kayaking tour in Hilo. 

11. Hilo Brewing Company 

Hilo Brewing Company is a locally owned brewery in Hilo offering craft beers and cocktails. Visit their tasting room for an afternoon treat. 

12. Açací Bowl from Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack 

If you are looking for the best açaí bowl in Hilo, head to Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack. They serve the most delicious açaí bowls and ube soft serve. You can even get a bowl in a pineapple. 

13. Akaka Falls State Park 

For more amazing waterfalls in Hilo, visit Akaka Falls State Park. Here, you can see the stunning 422-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. There’s a short scenic loop trail that you can follow through the park. 

14. Black Sand Beaches 

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is located about 27 miles southwest of Hilo and is famous for its jet-black sand. The black sand is formed from the volcanic activity in the surrounding area. 

Here, you can spot wildlife (Punalu’u Beach is known for its sea turtles), enjoy a picnic, and of course – the beach. Be mindful of swimming because there can be strong currents here. 

RELATED POST: The Best 7 Day Oahu and Maui Itinerary

15. Onomea Bay Trail 

Onomea Bay Trail is about a .6 mile hike just about a 10-minute drive from the town center of Hilo. It’s considered an easy route that takes just about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. 

16 Chocolate Farm Tour 

If you are a chocolate lover, Hilo is a great place to do a chocolate farm tour! Consider visiting Lavaloha or Mahi’ai Made.

Are you driving from Kona to Hilo? Read all about roadtripping the Big Island of Hawaii here!

17. Carlsmith Beach Park

Carlsmith Beach Park is a local gem in Hilo known for its natural beauty, tide pools, swimming, and snorkeling! Here you can snorkel with sea turtles and have a nice relaxing picnic. 

18. Lili’uokalanu Gardens 

This is a serene Japanese-style garden with ponds and bridges. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. 

19. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens

If you are a nature lover or a photographer you can’t miss Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore the lush garden with scenic views, flowers, tropical plants, and more. 

Things to Do in Hilo – Map

Below is a map with all the locations mentioned in this guide.

Find a Place to Stay in Hilo 

Here are all of your Hilo accommodation options.

I hope this guide to the best things to do in Hilo helped you plan your trip! If you have any questions about visiting Hawaii, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Hilo

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