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Hilo is a charming town on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, known for its lush tropical landscapes and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike the sun-drenched resorts of Kona on the island’s western side, Hilo embraces its role as the wettest city in the United States, with rainfall that nourishes its vibrant botanical gardens and thundering waterfalls. This historic town offers visitors an authentic Hawaiian experience, from its colorful farmers market to its rich cultural heritage rooted in the traditions of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Hilo has a deep and storied past that stretches back centuries to the time when it served as a thriving settlement for Native Hawaiians who cultivated taro and fished in the waters of Hilo Bay. The arrival of Protestant missionaries in the early 1800s transformed the area, bringing new forms of education and architecture that can still be seen in the historic wooden storefronts along downtown streets. The sugar industry propelled Hilo through much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with vast plantations attracting Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Chinese immigrants whose cultural influences remain evident in local cuisine and festivals today.
Two devastating tsunamis in 1946 and 1960 reshaped Hilo both physically and culturally, prompting the creation of green spaces and parks along the bayfront where businesses once stood. The Pacific Tsunami Museum, housed in a former bank building that survived the 1946 wave, preserves the stories of these events and educates visitors about tsunami science and preparedness. Today, Hilo celebrates its multicultural identity through events like the Merrie Monarch Festival, a world-renowned hula competition held each spring that honors the legacy of King David Kalakaua, who revived Hawaiian cultural traditions.
Start your day at the Hilo Farmers Market, one of the best open-air markets in Hawaii, where you can browse stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, handmade crafts, and fresh flowers. Wander through the charming downtown area, where historic buildings now house locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes serving Kona coffee. For a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center, which bridges the gap between modern astronomy on Mauna Kea and the traditional Polynesian voyaging and navigation practices that first brought people to these islands.
Take a short drive north to explore the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a stunning 40-acre valley preserve filled with palms, bromeliads, and orchids set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Just up the road, Akaka Falls State Park features an accessible loop trail leading to a viewpoint of the 442-foot Akaka Falls, which plunges dramatically into a lush gorge. For a memorable cultural experience, time your visit to coincide with the Merrie Monarch Festival in the spring, when the best hula halau from across the islands gather to compete in an electrifying celebration of Hawaiian dance and artistry.
One of Hilo’s most recognizable landmarks is Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot cascade that flows into a large pool often surrounded by mist that creates brilliant rainbows in the morning sunlight. A short walking path leads to an overlook above the falls where you can see the sprawling banyan trees and thick tropical foliage that frame this picturesque scene. Nearby, Boiling Pots is a series of cascading pools connected by underground lava tubes where water churns and bubbles dramatically, especially after heavy rains.
For a peaceful escape, wander through the Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside Japan. These 30 acres of Edo-style gardens feature arched bridges, koi ponds, stone lanterns, and pagodas with spectacular views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea in the distance. The gardens were dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s Japanese immigrant community. Across the bayfront, the Wailoa River State Recreation Area offers walking paths, picnic areas, and views of the Waiakea Peninsula where you can often see local fishermen casting their lines.
Hilo is a gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located about 45 minutes southwest, where you can witness the power of an active volcano at Kilauea, walk through a lava tube at Nahuku, and drive the Chain of Craters Road down to the coast. The park offers stunning hiking trails through rainforests, across crater floors, and along volcanic landscapes that reveal the geological forces shaping the Hawaiian Islands. Stay after sunset to see the glowing lava lake at Halemaumau Crater, an unforgettable sight visible from the overlook at Jaggar Museum.
Back in Hilo, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the United States and offers free admission. You can see a Bengal tiger named Namaste, along with spider monkeys, lemurs, and a variety of native Hawaiian birds in a lush jungle setting. Water activities abound in the Hilo area, from kayaking in Hilo Bay to snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park, a beloved local beach with a protected cove, black sand, and calm tide pools teeming with colorful fish and sea turtles.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the powerful natural forces that have shaped Hilo. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum features first-hand survivor accounts, interactive exhibits, and educational displays that chronicle the devastating tsunamis of 1946 and 1960, as well as the science behind tsunami detection and warning systems. It is a moving and informative experience that honors the resilience of the Hilo community.
For a taste of local flavor, stop by the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center just south of Hilo, where you can tour the orchards, watch the processing facility in operation, and sample macadamia nuts in every flavor imaginable. The Mokupapapa Discovery Center for Hawaii’s Remote Coral Reefs on Kamehameha Avenue offers a free, family-friendly introduction to the marine life of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a World Heritage Site encompassing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The center features a 3D bathymetric map, a large aquarium, and interactive exhibits that showcase the unique ecology of these remote waters.
Hilo enjoys warm tropical weather year-round with temperatures typically ranging from the high 60s to the low 80s. However, it is important to know that Hilo is known as the wettest city in the United States, receiving over 120 inches of rain annually. The rain is what gives the area its incredible lushness, spectacular waterfalls, and vibrant gardens, so visitors should embrace it as part of the authentic Hilo experience rather than trying to avoid it entirely.
The driest months in Hilo are May through September, making this the most popular time for visitors who want to enjoy outdoor activities with a lower chance of rain showers. April can also bring pleasant conditions. If you want to experience the Merrie Monarch Festival, plan your visit for the week after Easter, when hula halau from across Hawaii gather to compete. Reservations for this world-famous event sell out far in advance, so early planning is essential.
For those looking to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visiting during the summer months provides more reliable weather for hiking crater trails, though the park is accessible year-round and each season offers unique perspectives on the volcanic landscape. Winter months bring larger waves to the Hilo coastline, creating dramatic sights along the bayfront. Early morning is the best time to see Rainbow Falls at its most spectacular, when sunlight hits the mist just right to create the brilliant rainbows that give the falls its name.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Hilo. Pick your favorite!
Kaumana Caves is a compelling underground lava tube system located approximately four miles west of downtown Hilo on the eastern slope of Mauna Loa. This natural wonder was created during the 1881 Mauna Loa eruption , when molten lava carved a netwo…