Hilo is home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration, including three nights of competition, of ancient and modern hula that takes place annually after Easter.
Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is a short drive from Hilo, making Hilo an excellent launchpad for exploring the park. To help you plan your perfect trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of Hilo’s best sights, attractions, and activities.
Discover the Hilo region of the Island of Hawaii and find charming towns, beautiful waterfalls and more.
The most populous region on Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo is home to spectacular waterfalls, numerous beach parks, and a laid back city right on the eastern shore. History, culture, and modern amenities combine to offer Big Island guests a unique look at Hawaiian life.
The Ultimate Guide to Hilo Hawaii - The Big Island's Largest City
The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest.
Hilo, HI: All You Must Know Before You Go (2026) - Tripadvisor
The biggest city on the island is Hilo, located on its east coast and is known for its proximity to lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and some of the most active volcanoes on the planet.
16 Awesome Things to do in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hilo is a springboard into the vast pool of East Hawaii’s delights. From the north beckons the Hamakua coast; a pearled string of stunning bays, adorable villages and cascading water.
Visiting the Big Island for the first time? These are the best things to do in Hilo, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park! It includes Hilo day trips and more.
Its deepwater harbor is protected by a breakwater. Wailoa River flows through the area and provides berths for a large fishing fleet. Hilo’s lush beauty is fed by more than 275 days of rain per year, a factor in its much slower growth as a tourist spot compared with other destinations in Hawaii.
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. The county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, Hilo is one of the best starting points to explore the eastern half of the island, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hilo (/ ˈhiː.loʊ /, HEE-low; Hawaiian pronunciation: [ˈhilo]) is the largest settlement in and the county seat of Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, United States, [1] which encompasses the Island of Hawaiʻi, and is a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 44,186 according to the 2020 census. [2] It is the fourth-largest settlement in the state of Hawaiʻi, the largest settlement in the ...
There is a plethora of things to do in Hilo: this area is breathtakingly gorgeous & one of the best places on the island to see nature in its purest form.
Discover Hilo Hawaii Positioned on the tropical eastern side of the Big Island, Hilo is home to stunning waterfalls, beautiful gardens and lush rainforests. A visit to this city is the perfect opportunity to travel back in time and witness a laid-back, serene version of Hawaii that isn’t often replicated today. The city is the largest on the Big Island, but remains a true Hawaiian community ...
Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 71,876 traveler reviews and photos of Hilo tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Hilo. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hilo (2026) - Must-See Attractions
Hilo Sights, Tours, & Information Things to Do & Visitor Tips for Hilo on Big Island Hawai'i The most notable location on the East side of the Big Island of Hawai'i is undoubtedly Hilo town. Hilo is the island's largest city (second largest in the state - population wise) and also takes the title for the wettest city in the United States (70+ inches yearly). Hilo is an especially lush city ...
Hilo lies on the lush and wet side of the Big Island which means that a light raincoat is a must-pack for any outdoor activity you are planning. There are plenty of things to do here, like going to see the lava, hiking to waterfalls, and even going to the beach. We split the activities and attractions in Hilo into two parts:
28 BEST Things to Do in Hilo (Beaches, Waterfalls, Farm Tours, +)
Hilo is so worthwhile. Best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii This guide covers what to do in Hilo, from the best day trips from Hilo to attractions and landmarks that you’ll love within the rainy Hawaiian city. Did we miss any Hilo attractions? Let us know in the comments!
Welcome Hilo Hawaii – Where your Hawaiian adventure begins! Welcome to the Island of Hawaii – yes, Hawaii’s Big Island – and the historic town of Hilo by the Bay. Quaint and colorful shops, museums, parks and tropical gardens, lush rain forests and tall volcanoes, black sand snorkeling beaches, outrigger canoes, hula competitions, and much more. We look forward to welcoming you as you ...
There are a ton of things to do in Hilo, Hawaii like ziplining, whale watching, swimmable waterfalls, a farmers market, chocolate farm tours, and so much more!
Welcome to the Island of Hawaii – yes, Hawaii’s Big Island – and the historic town of Hilo by the Bay. Quaint and colorful shops, museums, parks and tropical gardens, lush rain forests and tall volcanoes, black sand snorkeling beaches, outrigger canoes, hula competitions, and much more.
Hilo lies on the lush and wet side of the Big Island which means that a light raincoat is a must-pack for any outdoor activity you are planning. There are plenty of things to do here, like going to see the lava, hiking to waterfalls, and even going to the beach.
Hilo is an especially lush city with several gorgeous orchid gardens, interesting parks (the most prominent being Liliu'okalani Garden), museums, and other various attractions. Hilo borders a beautiful bay and is often cooled by sea breezes and tradewind showers.