Hilo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hilo
Hilo
Rainbow Falls which includes a river or creek and rapids
Hilo
Hilo

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 garden and landscape views

Keaukaha

3/5(1 area review)

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

Keaukaha
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 NZ$413 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$413
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a golf course. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,220 reviews)
"directly on the water, was gorgeous."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a Doubletree by Hilton
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3.5 out of 5
71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI
The price is NZ$348 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$348
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,280 reviews)
"Beautiful property and wonderful staff"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
SCP Hilo Hotel
SCP Hilo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI
The price is NZ$320 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$320
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
Comfort quick stay
"Nice spot for a night. Enjoyed the pool and paddle board. You need to carry it across the street and down to the entry area (and it may have wake so sitting or kneeling might be better than standing). This is more motel and basic accommodations, but the service is very friendly and each booking removes ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

SCP Hilo Hotel
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.
Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Hilo
Stay at this apartment in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (343 reviews)
Our Hilo stay
"We loved this stay. The lookout perch was our favorite part. Especially in the morning for sunrise.If were ever back in Hilo, we would not hesitate to stay again."

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2025

Honolii Black Sand Beach Vacation Rental
Hale Honu Steps from the Ocean at Maunaloa Shores Condo in Hilo!
Hale Honu Steps from the Ocean at Maunaloa Shores Condo in Hilo!
Hilo
Stay at this condo in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Carlsmith Beach Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Wonderful week in Hilo
"My husband and I stayed in this condo for 9 days and enjoyed every minute. First of all, Salt Water Vacations staff were wonderful. We had a local liaison introduce herself and was present for any concerns we might have had. They bent over backwards to make our stay comfortable. The condo was very ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

Hale Honu Steps from the Ocean at Maunaloa Shores Condo in Hilo!
KeALOHA - INCREDIBLE views, Spectacular Beach Park, the Best snorkeling, Turtles
KeALOHA - INCREDIBLE views, Spectacular Beach Park, the Best snorkeling, Turtles
Hilo
Book a stay at this beach condo in Hilo. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"We recently stayed in Mauna Loa Shores for 4 nights. The condo was clean and nicely furnished with basic kitchen amenities. Our unit also provided beach chairs, beach towels, boogie boards, and a selection of snorkel equipment. The location is excellent as it is situated right next to Carlsmith Beach ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

KeALOHA - INCREDIBLE views, Spectacular Beach Park, the Best snorkeling, Turtles
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

Activities

Reviews of Hilo

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 7%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

quiet quaint old town, proximity to natural attractions nearby; contrast to Waikiki on Oahu, so don't expect shopping and nightlife; need a car to explore the Big Island

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Comfortable place to visit, plenty of things to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go back 50 years to old USA. Fab buildings and shops. Excellent farmers market. Quaint and not touristy

4/5 - Good

Amali

Hilo itself looks like a run down place

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

The room had no fitted jet tub as was advertised, there was no curtain in the bathroom, no drinking water anywhere in the premises. There was no one at the reception ever, cleniliness was poor.

Cities near Hilo