Graced by breath-taking natural beauty, Hilo is a wonderful town on the lush and wet side of enchanting Big Island of the state of Hawaii. It is home to Wailuku River State Park which features eye-catching 80-feet (24.38-meter) tall Rainbow Falls with multi-hued mist effects. You simply can’t miss visiting the Boiling Pots, which are bubbling pools of basalt-lava rock, in the vicinity. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, in the south of this town, is famous for its verdant rainforests and active Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes. Besides being blessed with dramatic waterfalls, lovely blooming gardens, and fertile lush green forests, Hilo has all the amenities of a modern, vibrant town. So, if you are planning a sabbatical in this fascinating town in Hawaii, having a list of exciting activities to try in hand will ensure you enjoy your time here to the fullest. Keep reading to learn some of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii.
1. Be stunned by the Rainbow Falls (from USD 153.0)
One of the most spectacular attractions in Hilo is Rainbow Falls, so plan to visit it when touring through this Hawaiian town. This breath-taking waterfall is 100 feet (30.48 meters) in diameter and 80-feet (24.38-meters) tall and a prominent part of Hawai’i State Parks. Here, you get to see a rainbow formed by the sunlight when you are standing with your back at the sun. Watch Wailuku River rushing into a huge pool below. Also, explore incredible Volcanoes National Park, orchids, beautiful botanical garden, and black sandy coast. Enjoy eating macadamia nuts at a local farm.
Hilo Tour: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls
Duration: 6 hours
2. Explore the Edo-style gardens at Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
If you are a nature lover, do not miss the wonderful opportunity to visit beautiful Edo-style gardens when exploring Hilo. Visit Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, which is home to the biggest authentic ornamental Edo-style Japanese gardens outside Japan. In this sprawling 24.14-acre (9.76-hectare) green area, you can find lovely Waihonu Pond within these beautiful gardens. Besides this, red bridges over koi ponds, stone lanterns, statues, rock gardens, a Japanese teahouse, and pagoda enhance the grace of this mesmerizing green space. Go for a peaceful stroll here and feel refreshed. Capture the views of Coconut Island and Hilo Bay from here.
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Address: Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, 189 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Opening hours: 5:45am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Take a long drive along State Route 200
State Route 200 runs from downtown Hilo to junction Hawaii Route 190 in the vicinity of Waimea. This route is 52.7 miles (84.81 kilometers) long and is also popular as Saddle Road or Daniel K. Inouye Highway. If you are longing to go for a pleasant long drive when vacationing in Hilo, driving along this sprawling highway can gift you a wonderful experience. This road also offers you access to volcano observatories which branch off the route.
State Route 200
Address: State Route 200, Hilo, HI, USA
Website: State Route 200
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Encounter over 80 different species at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Situated in Hilo on enchanting Big Island of Hawaii, Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is a fascinating attraction which you should not miss to visit. This 12-acre (4.85-hectare) zoo is home to over 80 animal species and the only naturally found tropical rainforest zoo in USA. Make sure you watch two amazing Bengal Tigers, Giant Anteaters, blue-tongued skink, Hyacinth Macaw, American Alligator, and many other animals in this fabulous zoo. It is also home to endemic animals, such as Hawaiian Hawk, the state bird i.e. Nene, and Hawaiian Owl.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Address: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Pay a visit to the Coconut Island
Include Coconut Island, also popular as Mokuola, in your itinerary during your excursion in Hilo, Hawaii. Adorned by some lovely beaches and extensive grassy stretches with any picnic tables, this island is a wonderful tourist hotspot in Hilo. Unwind in the fresh air and enchanting natural setting, and gaze at exquisite views of nature and water. Enjoy the thrill of swimming in the calm waters of the protected bay. If you are expert in swimming, you may jump in the pleasant waters from a 20-feet (6.09-meter) high tower and glide through the water.
Coconut Island
Address: Coconut Island, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Coconut Island
6. Learn about Hawaiian culture and history at Imiloa Astronomy Center
Aren’t you curious to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history when touring through Hilo? Make sure you visit Imiloa Astronomy Center, which features not only the history and culture of Hawaii but also the stars and astronomy. Watch various informative shows and interactive and immersive exhibits here and learn how they are interconnected. This center is also home to 120-seat planetarium, which includes a full-dome video projection system. Learn about Hawaiian theories and beliefs, more about Maunakea, a sacred mountain, and how Hawaiian people find it important, and understanding of Hawaiian people about the evolution of life.
Imiloa Astronomy Center
Address: Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Imiloa Astronomy Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 - 19 USD (free for 4-year-old kids and under)
7. Spot the sea turtles at Carlsmith Beach Park
Plan to visit Carlsmith Beach Park, an outstanding local park in Hilo, to enjoy fun-filled activities and spend leisure time during your sabbatical in Hawaii. This marvelous beach park features great lagoons to enable you to enjoy the fun of snorkeling, swimming and watching lovely sea-turtles. As turtles often visit this beach, you simply can’t avoid spotting them while picnicking in this pleasant area. Also, as the water here is cool and fresh, having a dip in it will rejuvenate your mind and body.
Carlsmith Beach Park
Address: Carlsmith Beach Park, 1815 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Carlsmith Beach Park
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Buy local food and items at Hilo Farmers Market
Visit the busy, outdoor Hilo Farmers Market while touring through the town. This open-air market features more than 200 vendors selling their wares, such as arts and crafts, fresh produce, souvenirs, tropical flowers, gifts, homemade food, certified organic produce, and many more items. You can find local crafters and farmers gathering here to showcase their products. Besides these, you can find many cafes, restaurants, and live music and entertainment in this market. So, tour through this fabulous market and shop your choice of items.
Hilo Farmers Market
Address: Hilo Farmers Market, Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Hilo Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 7am - 4pm; Wed: 6am - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 7am - 4pm; Sat: 6am - 4pm
9. Take a leisurely stroll along Hilo Bay
Hilo overlooks mesmerizing Hilo Bay, which is a large bay situated on the eastern side of the Hawaii island. Breathe the fresh air as you stroll at your pace along this pleasant bay and get rid of your daylong stress. A spectacular coral reef is present on the eastern side of this beautiful bay, and it is well-known as Blonde Reef for the ship. Gaze at the stunning water views and the surroundings as you walk along this enchanting water body.
Hilo Bay
Address: Hilo Bay, Hawaii, USA
Price: Free
10. Learn about tsunami precautions at the Pacific Tsunami Museum
If you want to learn about tsunamis, its causes, and effects, plan to visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum when holidaying in Hilo. This incredible museum is dedicated to the history of Pacific tsunami of 1st April 1946 and Chilean tsunami of 23rd May 1960 that devastated a significant east shore of Big Island, particularly Hilo. Watch various interactive multimedia displays, which feature stories, short videos, and photographs. Tsunami survivors working here as guides will share their experiences and stories with you, as you tour through these displays.
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Address: Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Pacific Tsunami Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 8 USD for adults; 4 USD for children from 6-17 years; & free for 5-year-old and under
11. Spend some family time at Boiling Pots
Take some time out of your busy travel schedule to visit Boiling Pots at Wailuku River State Park when exploring Hilo. This attraction is a set of popular falls on Pe'epe'e Falls Drive. Spend a quality family time watching at these big pools which are connected by cascades or underground water flow which resembles the appearance of boiling water as the water flows over the rocks. You can find here lava created space, almost vertical columns which developed since the lava cooled in the river bed. When the water level rises, water in the lava pots turn turbulent and appear as if it’s boiling.
Boiling Pots
Address: Boiling Pots, Off Waianuenue Avenue, Wailuku River State Park, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI
Website: Boiling Pots
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
12. Check out natural exhibits at the Lyman Museum & Mission House
Posted by Lyman Museum and Mission House on Friday, 30 March 2018
Discover the natural and cultural history of Hawaii islands by visiting Lyman Museum & Mission House in Hilo. Lyman family mission house was originally constructed in 1838, and the museum was established in 1931. Explore an extensive collection of items and artifacts which will acquaint with the natural history of this outstanding destination. Collections here include ancient Hawaiian weapons and tools, leis and feather which graced Hawaiian royalty, games, and cookware. Also, you can find interesting seashell and mineral collections here. Experience the thrill of touring through a simulated lava tube.
Lyman Museum & Mission House
Address: Lyman Museum & Mission House, 276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Lyman Museum & Mission House
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 - 21 USD
13. Indulge in chocolate-dipped cookies at Big Island Candies
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you love chocolate and cookies? Then, do not miss relishing scrumptious chocolate-dipped cookies during your sabbatical in Hilo. Visit Big Island Candies, a fabulous sweet shop in the town, to sample your choice of cookies, chocolates, brownies, candies, and other lip-smacking sweets. Besides these, you can find an array of delicious macadamia nut varieties and uniquely-flavored shortbreads. Also, shop these savory delicacies and gifts for your friends and relatives back home from this great sweet shop.
Big Island Candies
Address: Big Island Candies, 585 Hinano St #4428, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Big Island Candies
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 16 USD
14. Take a look inside the Kaumana Caves
Spend a day at Kaumana Caves State Park during your vacations in Hilo. This beautiful tropical park in this Hawaiian town enables you to descend into a breath-taking lava tube cave. You can find here a metal ladder which you can use to descend into a skylight in a massive lava tube which was formed in an 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. Do not miss this unique experience of exploring a naturally developed lava tube cave. Relax in the restrooms and use picnic tables present to spend a wonderful time at this park.
Kaumana Caves
Address: Kaumana Caves, 1492 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Kaumana Caves
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Gaze at the stars from the Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility
Subaru research intern, Ms. Nour Skaf took this stunning photo of the lunar eclipse last night at the Maunakea Visitor...
Posted by Subaru Telescope Hawaii Outreach on Wednesday, 31 January 2018
Are you interested in stargazing through a telescope during your excursion in Hilo? If yes, make sure you visit Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility to spot glitzy wonders in the sky. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan’s Subaru Telescope, an 8.2-meter (26.9-feet) flagship telescope, is situated on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Observatory and derives its name from an open star cluster called the Pleiades. It is one of the few state-of-the-art telescopes which has been used with a naked eye. So, visit this facility and enjoy spotting the stars above you.
Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility
Address: Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility, 650 N Aohoku Pl, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 14 USD
16. Go fishing with family at Wailoa River State Park
An excursion with your family to Wailoa River State Park can help you spend quality time with your kids and other family members. This lovely park is Hilo is ideal for a relaxing stroll, picnicking, informal games and events, and boat fishing. You can find the boat ramps at this park. Learn about the fishing restrictions and then head out to enjoy the fun of fishing here. Besides, you can find the Wailoa Center which is home to two galleries that host cultural and art exhibits.
Wailoa River State Park
Address: Wailoa River State Park, 799 Piilani St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Wailoa River State Park
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 8am - 4:30pm; Wed: 12pm - 4:30pm; Thu - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 9pm
Price: Free
17. Meet the aquatic animals at Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Take your kids to Makupapapa Discovery Center (MDC), which is an outstanding educational facility focusing on the reefs of Hawaii. It is also home to an incredible aquarium and offers you cultural and historical information. MDC was founded in 2003 to interpret history, natural science, and culture of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the marine world which surrounds it. You can find 3,500-gallon (13,248-liter) saltwater aquarium, which can acquaint your kids with aquatic animals. Also, watch interactive educational displays, artwork inspired by Hawaiian culture and islands, life-size models of wildlife, and interpretive panels in English and Hawaiian.
Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Address: Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
18. Shop for unique goods at East Hawaii Cultural Center
If you are an art lover, plan to visit the East Hawaii Cultural Center when traveling to Hilo. It is an excellent art gallery, cultural center, and community theater in downtown Hilo. Watch praiseworthy art exhibits and performances here. Besides outstanding art exhibits, you can also find exquisite items to buy. Shop ceramic jar, eye-catching canvas paintings, and great photographs here. Adorn your house with these noteworthy articles from Hawaii.
East Hawaii Cultural Center
Address: East Hawaii Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: East Hawaii Cultural Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
19. Check out the Naha Stone
Make it a point to visit Naha Stone, which is famous as a big volcanic rock in Hilo. Situated in front of the well-known Hilo Public Library, you will find two stones and the larger of these two is popular as Naha Stone. It was used by native Hawaiians for their cultural traditions and so there are many legends related to it. It is believed that, in the ancient times in Hawaii, Naha stone was used to figure out who belongs to the ruling clan of Naha. A newborn used to be placed on the top of the Naha stone. If the baby would remain calm, the infant was Naha. And, if the baby cried, it was believed that the baby wasn’t Naha.
Naha Stone
Address: Naha Stone, 300 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Naha Stone
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Try Hawaiian delicacies at Ponds Hilo
Please your taste buds by eating scrumptious Hawaiian delicacies at Ponds Hilo, a fantastic American restaurant overlooking a spectacular Ice Pond. It offers you upscale American cuisines and Hawaiian preparations, such as Mauna Loa, Naalehu, Klaukaha, Kilauea, and many more. Chefs here prepare every cuisine by using fresh, natural ingredients from the local farms to ensure you get the best food quality and taste. Enjoy a fine dining experience in relaxing ambiance by seating alongside the tranquil koi pond, where you can feed the fish. Listen to the pleasant live music played by talented local musicians.
Ponds Hilo
Address: Ponds Hilo, 135 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Ponds Hilo
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
21. Try some island cocktails at Cronies Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of famous Downtown Hilo, Cronies Bar & Grill is a good place to hang out with your friends and snack on some of the best burgers and island cocktails. It serves you savory burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, tasty appetizers, and cocktails and sports TV to catch the game. You can also find a Happy Hour and its special menu. Have a great time visiting this food establishment.
Cronies Bar & Grill
Address: Cronies Bar & Grill, 11 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Cronies Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm
22. Pamper your body at Mermade Spa
Rejuvenate yourself by visiting Mermade Spa, a relaxing spa in Hilo. This locally owned establishment offers relaxing and beauty treatments, ranging from holistic facials to eyelash extensions, at reasonable rates. It provides quality spa treatments to both men and women. Feel like a new person altogether, glowing, and refreshed by visiting this outstanding spa when holidaying in Hilo.
Mermade Spa
Address: Mermade Spa, 165 Keawe St Suite #106, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Mermade Spa
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 50 - 90 USD
23. Tee off at Hilo Municipal Golf Course
Are you fond of playing golf? Then do not miss the great opportunity to play golf at Hilo Municipal Golf Course during your excursion in this beautiful town in Hawaii. It is an 18-hole golf course, which is well-managed and maintained beautifully by the County of Hawaii Parks and Recreation Division. Gaze at spectacular views of Hilo coast. Have a great time golfing here.
Hilo Municipal Golf Course
Address: Hilo Municipal Golf Course, 340 Haihai St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Hilo Municipal Golf Course
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 44 USD
24. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Richardson Ocean Park
Do not miss the fun of water adventures, such as snorkeling, swimming, and surfing, when in Hilo; visit Richardson Ocean Park. It’s situated just east of Hilo and adjacent to Lele’iwi Beach Park. This family-friendly ocean park is known for its black volcanic sandy shore and some of the best surfing and swimming spots. You can find several rock pools filled with underwater marine life for kids to explore at Richardson Ocean Park. You can rend snorkels, masks, and kayaks and enjoy the fun of snorkeling and kayaking in ocean waters here.
Richardson Ocean Park
Address: Richardson Ocean Park, 2349 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: Richardson Ocean Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
Enjoy a rejuvenating sabbatical in Hilo
Hilo is an enchanting town in Hawaii that offers you plethora of fun-filled activities to enjoy a memorable excursion. Now that you know most of the things to do in Hilo, Hawaii, make sure you miss none of them when vacationing here. Hilo awaits you.
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