Things to do in Hilo Hawaii and beyond in 2024

Once we decided on the third island we would visit island hopping Hawaii, in addition to Maui and Oahu, and we knew where to stay on the Big island, it was time to start planning the trip. This is the perfect Hawaiian island for families who love the outdoors and so our list of Big Island activities was pretty long.

Hilo town’s rainy climate may not be the sunniest but it does result in an incredible natural abundance, from waterfalls and swimming holes to tropical botanical gardens, lava rock beaches and verdant valley hikes. Then there’s the proximity of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which only adds to the natural diversity.

So, are you ready to discover the real Hawaii: untamed, lush and pure? Here’s our selection of best things to do in Hilo.

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20x Best things to do in Hilo Hawaii

For your convenience, we’ve created a map of the Hawaiian islands which includes the best Hilo activities, all of which are mentioned in this article. You’ll find it at the bottom of this post.

And just so you know, the order in which these things to do in Hilo are listed is random.

Admire Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls or Waiānuenue falls is where the Wailuku river plunges about 80 feet (or 24 m). It is surrounded by lush rainforest yet easily accessible. The main viewpoint for the Rainbow falls is located just a few steps from the Wailuku River State Park parking lot. There’s no entrance fee.

Rainbow falls got its name from the rainbows you can see in the morning, when the sun faces the waterfall and plays with the mist on the water. We were there around 8.30 am but, to our regret, didn’t get to see the rainbows because of the clouds. There were no other visitors at that time and so we had Rainbow falls all to ourselves.

The legend says that ancient Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Hina, lives in the lava cave over which the waterfall cascades. A set of stairs is located on the left side so you can get closer to the Wailuku river and the upper viewing platform of Rainbow falls.

Have you heard about the travel quote “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else”? Well, that’s exactly what happened to us when we started exploring Wailuku River State Park beyond Rainbow Falls.

About halfway up the staircase that connects the parking lot to the top of the waterfall, we noticed an unmarked path. It leads to the most impressive banyan trees we’ve come across during our Hawaiian adventure. Even more spectacular than the Lahaina banyan tree.

Continue to Pe’epe’e Falls

Also located in Wailuku River State Park, about a mile past Rainbow Falls on Rainbow Road, is another waterfall. Pe’epe’e Falls cascades down 80ft into a rocky pool. There’s a scenic overlook which also offers a view over the Boiling Pots, a series of lava pools that bubbles with river water as if it were boiling.

While you can hike down to the water, swimming in this waterfall is highly discouraged. The Hawaiian term Wailuku translates as water of destruction for a reason.

Enjoy a picnic at Liliuokalani Gardens

Located on Banyan Drive, along the bay in Hilo town, you’ll find the beautiful Liliuokalani Gardens. It’s the largest Japanese garden its size outside Japan and features pagodas, fish ponds and even a teahouse. The park was a gift from Queen Lili’uokalani to honour the Japanese immigrants on Big Island. This Japanese garden isn’t mentioned in the mainstream Hawaii travel guide, we just happened to discover them while exploring the direct area around our The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton along Hilo Bay.

Stroll to Coconut Island

Located in the heart of Hilo Bay is a tiny island called Mokuola, mostly referred to as Coconut Island. Due to the murky waters, this is not the best place to go snorkeling but it does make for an epic picnic spot. And where to pack that picnic? Check out the next item in this list of best things to do in Hilo and find out where to go shopping in Hilo town.

Visit Hilo’s Pacific Tsunami Museum

One of the main Hilo tourist attractions is located in downtown Hilo and that’s the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The small museum is housed in a former bank. It not only tells the story of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that hit the Big Island’s windward coast but also informs visitors about the Tsunami Warning System that is now in place. You can even try it out yourself by creating your own miniature tsunami. This hands-on approach at the Pacific Tsunami Museum is ideal for kids to learn about this natural phenomenon.

Shop at the Hilo Farmers Market

Taste some of Hawaii’s tropical produce at the Hilo Farmers Market in downtown Hilo. You’ll find all kinds of delicious fruits such as mango, pineapple, strawberry papaya and rambuttan but also veggies, jams, coconut treats, potted plants and local crafts.
The full-fledged Hilo Farmers Market, with as much as 200 local farmers, is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on other days there’s a more limited offer. 

Swim with turtles at Carlsmith beach park (a.k.a. Four Miles)

The best Big Island beaches as well as all main tourist resorts are located on the other side of the island. The windward side doesn’t really have sandy beaches but rather rocky lavapools. As a result, most tourists don’t consider going to the beach near Hilo town.

A local lady, working at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, tipped us that Carlsmith beach park is known to often welcome turtles (honu in Hawaiian language). The beach park is mostly frequently by locals and not very known among tourists. Parking is limited. During weekends and holidays, there’s a lifeguard on duty who, in our experience, is kind enough to point out where the turtles are swimming.

The water is only knee-high in the areas closest to shore but might be a bit deeper elsewhere. The bottom is rocky so water shoes are recommended. The shades of blue in Carlsmith bay are gorgeous. It’s a great place for snorkeling too.

So, if swimming with turtles is on your bucket list, you now know where to travel next. It sure counts as one of the most exciting activities in Hilo. But keep in mind that you can’t touch the honu. We feel so lucky to have been so close to these amazing animals.

Here’s a little fun fact that could help you select the perfect gift from Hawaii for your loved ones: Honu symbolize longevity and good luck in Hawaiian culture.

Don’t forget that only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed in Hawaii: Raw Elements, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen and Kokua Sun Care are all excellent reef-safe choices.

Explore the Kaumana Caves

If you’re up for an adventure, then this Hilo activity might be right up your alley. The Kaumana caves are actually a maze lava tubes, created after an eruption of Mauna Loa in 1881. You can explore a part of the lava tube for free, the other part is located on private property.

You can access Kaumana Caves via a steep metal staircase. Once inside the lava tube, you’ll find yourself in a pitch-black environment with slippery rocks on an uneven soil, water dripping from the walls and tree roots that enter from above. Don’t expect signs, walkways or safety lights, this is as authentic as it gets.

Take the necessary precautions by wearing sturdy shoes and bringing your own flashlight and headlamp to Kaumana caves. Also, make sure that at least someone knows about your visit to the lava tube of your choice, just in case.

Take the Pepe’eko scenic drive to the Hamakua Coast

This 4-mile scenic drive is nothing short of spectacular. The old Mamalahoa highway hugs the rugged coastline at Onomea Bay, resulting in a series of out-of-this-world views. There are several curves and one-lane bridges along this stretch of Big Island road, so drive carefully and don’t get spooked by the occasional mongoose crossing the road.

The What’s Shakin’ food shack makes for an awesome resting spot thanks to the gorgeous garden.

Visit the Hilo Botanical Gardens

One of the most spectacular Hilo attractions can be found in Onomea Bay as well. We’re fans of botanical gardens and therefore the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden was on top of our list of best things to do in Hilo Hawaii. We arrived onsite around opening time, well ahead of the mosquitos. A meandering trail led us to the nature preserve, down in the valley.

The more than 2000 species of tropical flowers and plants displayed at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden are not only native-Hawaiian but have been gathered from jungles all over the world. No matter their origin, the plants thrive here because of the fertile volcanic soil and the privileged location, protected from the trade winds.

Fun fact about Hawaii: The Big Island of Hawaii is also known as the Orchid Isle. Head to the old water well and you’ll see why.

Tickets (and repellant) to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden can be purchased in the shop for $20 per adult and $5 per child. We forgot to bring our mosquito repellant but luckily, even though our arms and legs weren’t covered, we didn’t see one mosquito. The Hilo Botanical Gardens are open daily from 9 am, the latest admission is at 4 pm. A visit takes about 2 hours.

Admire Akaka falls

We dreaded the pouring rain the region is known for but on the other hand, it’s what gives this side of the Big Island its appeal. After all, there wouldn’t be any Hilo waterfalls without the rain.

We first visited Rainbow falls near downtown Hilo and then continued our way to Akaka Falls State Park along the Hamakua coast. I would recommend you to plan your visit in the same order, because Akaka falls is more impressive than Rainbow falls. It’s also a quite a bit busier.

The Akaka falls trail may be the one of the shortest Big Island hike but it’s just amazing. By the time we arrived the – rather small – parking lot was full but there was plenty of space to park on the side of the road. The entrance fee to Akaka falls is either $1 per person or $5 per car.

The Akaka falls hike is a 0.4-mile loop trail through tropical rainforest. The trail is well paved and does include several sets of stairs. You will first pass a small Kahūnā falls lookout before hearing the roaring Akaka falls cascading 442 feet (135 m) into the pool. It’s a spectacular sight and one of the highlights of our trip.

Get some freshly sliced coconut from a local food stall

We missed fresh fruit stands in Maui. Fruit bowls weren’t even mentioned on the resort’s lunch menu, which was so disappointing (we’re just not into burgers and grilled cheese). Only some Road to Hana stops offered freshly sliced coconut. You can imagine our joy when we found this fruit stand on the Big Island. This is what the Hilo area is all about and why we love it there so much: the authenticity. Would you resist a stand like this? You can find it on your way to Akaka falls, just a few miles north of downtown Hilo.

Visit the Lyman Museum and Mission House

Next on our list of best things to do in Hilo, is another museum visit in the city of Hilo. The Lyman Museum and Mission House was the location of a school established in 1839 by the Lyman family, a missionary couple that traveled to Hilo town from New England. The Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum and Mission House tell the story of the Hawaiian islands and their people.

You can visit the historic Mission house on a guided tour and / or visit the Earth and Island Heritage Galleries to discover a wealth of minerals, shells and artefacts.

Watch the surfers at Honoli’i Beach Park

Surf’s up because surfing is what Honoli’i Beach Park is all about. This beach can be found just north of Hilo town and the waves are what makes it so popular. Don’t expect a sandy beach, though. Like all beaches at this side of Hilo, this is a lava rock beach. There’s also a grassy area and the beach park Is equipped with a picknick area and showers.

Go snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park

The east side or windward side of the Big Island Hilo area is not ideal for snorkeling but the sheltered bay at Richardson Ocean Park is an exception. The warm ocean water mixes with cooler freshwater, resulting in a reef that’s teeming with fish. There’s a small stretch of black sand but Richardson Ocean Park mostly consists of lava rock. It’s also a great place in Hilo for kids thanks to the calm waters, the interesting tide pools and the presence of a lifeguard.

Visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center

Learn more about the fascinating ancient Hawaiian culture and history of navigation by means of astronomy at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Throughout history, Hawaiians have relied on the stars to sail the ocean and find their way home. The Imiloa Astronomy Center educates visitors about this fascinating history by means of exhibits, programs and activities.

The Imiloa Astronomy Center is located on the Hilo campus of the University of Hawaii and also home to an impressive planetarium.

Go see the lava flows

One of the most thrilling Hilo experiences is seeing the lava flows. There are two equally exciting ways to watch this epic phenomenon: boat or helicopter. Do note that lava flows are highly unpredictable so we’d advise against booking a tour too far ahead. There’s only one boat tour we know of that’s allowed to get close to the lava flows and that’s this one. A helicopter tour that includes flying over the glowing lava flow can be found here.

Visit a macadamia nut farm

There’s a Hawaiian signature snack that you really need to try when staying in or near Hilo. And it happens to one that’s actually good for your health too: the macadamia nut. The introduction of these Australian tree nuts in Hawaii was a success story, thanks to the fertile soil and tropical climate conditions near Hilo.

Visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory on a self-guided tour and learn how Mauna Loa macadamia nuts are grown, harvested, cracked, roasted, flavored and canned before treating your tastebuds to a delicious tasting. Personally, we loooooove the chocolate-covered version. What’s your favorite Mauna Loa macadamia nut flavor?

Smell the tropical flowers at Nani Mau Gardens

In addition to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden that we’ve mentioned higher up in this list of things to do in Hilo, there’s a second botanical garden near Hilo town that you should visit. Nani Mau Gardens is the lifework of Japanese immigrant Makato Nitahara who transformed a papaya patch into a mesmerizing garden.

These botanical gardens encompass an area of 20 acres and features tropical flowers, plants, trees, palms, orchids and fruit orchards. You’ll be pleased to learn that you can even enjoy a buffet lunch in this gorgeous setting. Oh, and make sure to pass by the gift shop for a lovely souvenir.

See the sunrise at Laupahoehoe Point

Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park is not your classic beach. It’s wild and untamed with waves crashing against the jagged lava rocks. If you’re an early riser looking to see a magical sunrise, then this is where you want to be. The palm-fringed park is equipped with picnic tables for your convenience.

In 1946, a deadly tsunami destroyed the school located at Laupahoehoe resulting in the death of many students & teachers. There’s a monument commemorating their lives. 

Bonus: Best day trips from Hilo

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Hilo Hawaii, it’s time to have a look at some of the other Big Island attractions that are can be found near Hilo. Here are some suggestions for a perfect day trip from downtown Hilo.

Day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

One of the main reasons we considered Big Island as the third island on our list, was Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This magnificent Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site is home to two active volcanoes: the Mauna Loa, world’s largest volcano, and the infamous Kilauea. We were lucky enough to visit Volcanoes National Park just 2 weeks before the 2018 eruption. What an adventure! We hiked the Kilauea Iki Trail, visited the Thurston Lava Tube and admired the Halema’uma’u crater.

Feel the heat at Pohoiki black sand beach

One of the newest black sand beaches on Big Island, formed after the 2018 Kilauea eruption, is Pohoiki black sand beach in Isaac Hale State Park aka Pohoiki. When nature alters landscapes, the new risks can be an unknown factor. Since warning signs are not yet in place, keep your guard up for strong ocean currents and undertow.

Curious about the other colored beaches that intrigue visitors to the Big Island? Then check out our articles on the green sand beach in Hawaii and the best beaches on Big Island.

Day trip to Waipi’o Valley

On the east side or windward side of the northern Hamakua Coast, in the Kohala mountains, you’ll find seven verdant valleys. Waipi’o Valley, once the home of King Kamehameha I and therefore also known as the Valley of the Kings, is the southernmost one. The Waipi’o stream winds through the valley before it enters the ocean at another one of the island’s black sand beaches.

The view fom the Waipi’o Valley Lookout is out of this world and this alone is worth the drive. At this time, that’s the only way for visitors to get a glimpse of the valley. Hiking down is strictly forbidden and the trailhead for the once-so-popular Waipio Valley trail is no longer accessible.

Go stargazing at the Maunakea

The Maunakea volcano is a place where you’re encouraged to have your head in the clouds. There are two platforms that each offer a separate experience:

Stargazing at the Onizuka Center VIS (altitude of 9,200 ft or 2,800 m)

The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station is the ultimate stargazing spot. It hosts the world’s largest astronomical observatory and offers optimal visibility. The parking does fill up quickly and once full, arriving cars will be sent away.

Our tour picks would be the Mauna Kea summit and stars small group adventure tour by Hawaii Forest and Trail and the Maunakea Stellar Explorer from Hilo or from Kona by Kapohokine Adventures.

Watching the sunset at the summit (altitude of 13,796 ft or 4,205 m)

Even more telescopes can be found at the Mauna Kea summit, one of the ultimate places to see a Hawaiian sunset. The summit closes right after sunset. But getting there is a challenge because of the high altitude. Health issues can occur, especially when you don’t take the time to get acclimatized to the changing conditions. A 30 to 45 minute stop at the VIS can do wonders to eliminate most of these health risks (except for pregnant women, children and persons with respiratory or heart conditions).

Then there’s the matter of getting there. Driving up there yourself is only recommended if you’re an experienced 4WD driver with a car that is made and equipped for these steep gravel conditions (4WD is required).

Map of the things to do in Hilo

For your convenience, we’ve created this map which includes our favorite Hilo activities as listed above.

Where to stay in Hilo: Best Hilo hotels and jaw-dropping Hilo vacation rentals

When deciding on where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, make sure to spend at least a part of your Hawaiian vacation in the Hilo area.

We stayed at The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton where we got to enjoy the most gorgeous scenic views from our hotel bed. But this part of Hawaii Island is also home to some of the most mind-blowing Airbnbs in Hawaii.

Since we’re determined to return, we’ve put together a wish list of places to stay in the future and we’d love to share it with you:

The weather in Hilo

Now that you have a good idea about what to see in Hilo, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: the climate. Due to its windward location, the weather in Hilo town could prove to be a bit of a deal breaker. This side of the island is known to be very rainy, as in pouring rain from time to time.

Don’t let that stop you from staying in or near this lush and tropical coastal town. Just make sure to pack for this vacation accordingly. We were so unsure about our Hilo vacation because of the weather. The elements could have ruined our plans but luck was on our side. The few showers we had, occurred in the evening or early morning.

Plus, the rainy climate resulted in such incredible natural abundance that we would have gladly put up with it. If you want the waterfalls, you have to put up with a shower now and then.

The part of our trip we were most unsure about, actually turned to be the most epic and adventurous part of our Hawaii travel adventure.

Which of these Hilo attractions is your favorite?

With so many exciting and fun things to do in Hilo and beyond, it’s no wonder why this area has conquered our heart. The Big Island was the absolute highlight of our Hawaiian trip. To us, this is the Real Hawaii: untamed, lush and pure.

So, if you’re still doubting which Hawaiian island to visit on your Hawaii island hopping adventure, then take it from us: Put the Big Island, and especially the Hilo area, on top of your Hawaii travel list. You won’t regret it for a second.

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