Hilo Hawaii

Hilo Hawaii is a charming town on the Big Island of Hawaii that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, Hilo is the largest city in Hawaii and offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors.

One of the most striking features of Hilo is its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful black sand beaches. Visitors can explore the nearby Akaka Falls State Park, which is home to the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. The park offers scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

In addition to its natural beauty, Hilo is also known for its rich history and culture. The town is home to the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the history of tsunamis in Hawaii and the impact they have had on the island. Visitors can also explore the Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens, a tranquil oasis that features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a tranquil duck pond.

Hilo is also a great destination for foodies, with a range of local delicacies and fresh seafood available at the Hilo Farmers Market. Visitors can sample traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau and kalua pig, as well as fresh seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice.

In addition to its many attractions, Hilo is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Visitors can take a helicopter tour of the island, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or visit the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Overall, Hilo, Hawaii, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that Hilo is becoming a popular destination for travelers worldwide.

Flights To Hilo Hawaii

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Hilo Hawaii

  • Book in advance: Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. However, it’s important to note that some airlines may increase prices as the flight approaches if they see that demand is high.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices for flights to Hilo can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, you can often find cheaper flights by flying on off-peak days or during the off-season.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway and Google Flights allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines at once, helping you find the best deal.
  • Sign up for flight alerts and look for package deals: Bundle your flight and hotel for discounts, and sign up for flight alerts to catch the best deals!
  • Consider alternative airports: If you’re willing to fly into an alternative airport, such as Kona International Airport (KOA) or Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG), you may be able to find cheaper flights. Keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation from the airport to Hilo. 
  • Use budget airlines: If you’re willing to fly with a budget airline, you may be able to find cheaper flights to Hilo. Keep in mind that budget airlines often charge extra for amenities like checked bags, food, and drinks.
  • Use your frequent flyer miles: If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight to Hilo. 
  • Consider a layover: Sometimes, flights with layovers can be cheaper than non-stop flights. Just be sure to check the layover time and make sure it’s not too long, as this can affect the overall cost of your trip.

Places To Visit In Hilo

  1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden – A beautiful garden featuring over 2,000 species of plants, flowers, and trees.
  2. Akaka Falls State Park – A park featuring stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush tropical rainforests.
  3. Hilo Farmers Market – A bustling market offering local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods.
  4. Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens – A tranquil oasis in the heart of Hilo featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a tranquil duck pond.
  5. Hilo Town – Hilo’s historic town center filled with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries.
  6. Waianuenue (Rainbow) Falls – A stunning waterfall easily accessible from the road.
  7. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory – A factory offering tours and tastings of delicious macadamia nuts.
  8. Coconut Island (Moku Ola) – A small island in Hilo Bay offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  9. Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo – A small zoo home to a variety of animals, including native Hawaiian species.
  10. Hilo Beach – A scenic beach offering calm waters and a picturesque shoreline.
  11. Hilo Bay – A beautiful bay offering scenic views and opportunities for water activities.
  12. Hilo Harbor – A bustling harbor offering opportunities for boat tours and water activities.
  13. Wailoa River State Recreation Area – A scenic area featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching.
  14. Hilo Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
  15. Pohaku Beach – A scenic beach featuring a large rock formation and calm waters.
  16. Keaukaha Beach – A scenic beach offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
  17. Leleiwi Beach Park – A scenic beach park featuring a playground, picnic areas, and opportunities for water activities.
  18. Hilo Skate Park – A skate park offering opportunities for skateboarding and BMX biking.
  19. Hilo Municipal Golf Course – A scenic golf course offering opportunities for golfing and scenic views.
  20. University of Hawaii at Hilo – A university offering opportunities for education and research in a beautiful tropical setting.

Best Vacation Spots

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
  • See the active Kilauea volcano
  • Hike through lava tubes
  • Explore the Thurston Lava Tube
Parks and Nature:
  • Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens
  • Hilo Town
  • Wailuku River State Park
  • Honolii Beach Park
  • Kaumana Caves
  • Hamakua Heritage Corridor
  • Waipio Valley
Museums and Cultural Experiences:
  • Imiloa Astronomy Center
  • Pacific Tsunami Museum
  • Hilo Coffee Mill
  • Hilo Farmers Market
Outdoor Activities:
  • Mauna Kea Summit
  • Surfing and bodyboarding at Honolii Beach Park
Small Towns:
  • Kurtistown: This small town located about 20 minutes from Hilo is home to several farms and roadside stands selling fresh produce and local products. It’s a great place to experience the rural side of Hawaii. 
  • Honokaa: The town has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants

Hotels To Stay In Hilo Hawaii

Top Hotels

  • Maureen’s Bed & Breakfast: Highly-rated bed and breakfast located in a residential area of Hilo. The inn offers charming rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, as well as a communal kitchen, lounge area, and a outdoor patio.
  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This oceanfront hotel offers spacious rooms with private balconies and stunning views of Hilo Bay. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
  • Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – A DoubleTree by Hilton: This upscale hotel offers modern rooms with private balconies and ocean views. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
  • Sundown Guest House: This bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. The inn features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a outdoor hot tub.
  • Hilo Bay Bed & Breakfast: This bed and breakfast offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. The inn features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a outdoor patio.
  • The Dolphin Bay Hotel: This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with private bathrooms and ocean views. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
  • The Orchid Tree Bed & Breakfast: This bed and breakfast offers charming rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. The inn features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a outdoor garden

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Hilo Bay Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, lounge area, and outdoor patio.
  • Wild Ginger Hotel: Located in the heart of Hilo. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also feature private balconies with views of Hilo Bay.
  • Hilo Seaside Hotel: This hotel offers affordable rooms with ocean views and private balconies. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
  • Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: This hotel offers affordable rooms with ocean views and private balconies. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
  • Naniloa Volcanoes Resort: While slightly more expensive than the other options, this resort offers affordable rooms with ocean views and private balconies. The resort features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a golf course.
  • Arnotts Lodge Hilo Hotel: This hotel offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The hotel features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a outdoor lanai.
  • The Inn at Kulaniakoa: This bed and breakfast offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. The inn features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a outdoor hot tub.

Best Time To visit

The best time to visit Hilo, Hawaii, is from mid-April to mid-June and from September to mid-December. These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

  • Mid-April to mid-June: The weather is pleasant during this time, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F). It’s a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
  • September to mid-December: The weather is warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s. This period offers fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer season.

Avoid visiting Hilo during the peak summer season (mid-June to mid-September) if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and don’t mind the heat, summer might work for you.

Keep in mind that Hilo experiences a tropical climate, and weather conditions can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

Have a great trip to Hilo!

Cheap Flights To Waipahu Hawaii
Cheap Flights To Kaneohe Hawaii
Scroll to Top