Location: Hilo
Top Things to do in Hilo
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Hilo, Hawaii (HI)
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. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.
Restaurants in Hilo
1. Akaka Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,119 reviews
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
An easy walk (although there are quite a few stairs) to this beautiful waterfall, with the added bonus of a wide variety of tropical plants along the route. A limited view of another waterfall as well (partially hidden across a valley), but well worth the time. Park on the road just outside the lot and pay only $1 per person (it's $5 to park in the lot and you gain next to no saved walking distance).
2. Hilo Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,031 reviews
MARKET HOURS: Big Market Days * RECOMMENDED DAY TO VISIT AND SHOP WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY 6:00 am - 4:00 pm. Over 200 Vendors of Local Farmers, Retailers, Food Trucks, Restaurants, Artisans and Crafters. Small Market Days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday and Sunday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. 20 to 30 Vendors. Local Farmers, Retailers, Food Trucks, Restaurants, Artisans and Crafters. *The Hilo Farmers Market is a Must-See Experience on the Big Island. A Local Favorite Food Hub, Selling Tropical Flowers, Orchids and Plants. Specialty Hawaiian Items from Honey Producers, Coffee Growers, and other Food Product Developers. Local Favorite Dishes such as Poke Bowls, Ice Shave, Loco Mocos and More! The Islands Largest Weekly Collection of Artisans, Crafters and Retailers in a Festive Outdoor Atmosphere that Recalls Back to the "Plantation" Days of Early Hilo. Located at the Corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in Historic Downtown Hilo. Open All Year Round. From Dawn til It's Gone!
Reviewed By nutty_4_nature - Phoenix, United States
The Hilo Farmers Market is always a mandatory stop when we are on the Big Island, we usually will visit on Saturdays and enjoy seeing the normal and exotic fruits and vegetables as well as all of the arts and crafts from local artists. Food trucks serve some good food as well...
3. Liliuokalani Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,159 reviews
Reviewed By tutana - Tempe, United States
This is a beautiful park full of ponds, huge trees and lots of vegetation. Plus it's close to the bay so you get those views as well
4. Kaumana Caves Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By Annacruz15
The kids loved it! After reading previous reviews, I thought we would just go in a few feet into the cave and then leave. We were happy to find out that it was not how the reviews made this cave to be. As long as you have a flashlight or headlight, good rubber soled shoes, you’ll be fine. Just watch your head, be sure-footed, and don’t hesitate to use your hands to support yourself. We had so much in both caves. My 11 year old had so much adventuring inside the caves. A must-do.
5. Richardson Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 580 reviews
Reviewed By Benjamin-traveler - New York City, United States
Very popular with locals. Perfect to spend two hours alongside a beautiful lava coastline, explore tide pools, enjoy a black sand beach and see a lot of fish. Snorkeling was much better than I expected. Saw one turtle. Perfect spot to hit if you’re spending one day in Hilo.
6. Maunakea Visitor Information Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,658 reviews
Reviewed By blowhole808 - Texas, United States
First of all, Saddle road to Mauna Kea is fabulous...easy smooth and accessible...we didn’t go all the way to the top...4 wheel vehicle required...but was worth the trip...bathroom facilities available, take advantage of the outdoor picnic facilities...????????????????????????????????????
7. Pepeekeo Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By pfefmeister - San Francisco, United States
When headed north from Hilo, make sue you take this 4 mile detour through lush jungle, across ancient one lane bridges, and a trip back in time. Drive slow and soak up old Hawaii. The botanical Gardens were closed when we passed through - probably due to COVID. Still, lush, dripping vegetation was Uber scenic on a rainy day. Well worth it and clearly marked off of Highway 19.
8. Carlsmith Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By Luv2ADV3NTUR3 - Jamestown, United States
We happen to be staying at an Air B&B next to this park/ beach and what a treat that was. This ended up being one of our most favorite memories of Hawaii!! Snorkeling with the friendly sea turtles and tropical fish every time we went into the water. Plenty of space to accomodate a busy day, but many times was not crouded/busy at all. Very beautiful views from the park.
9. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,837 reviews
Waterfalls located on the big island of Hawaii.
Reviewed By BRIAND138
Easy stop just outside of Hilo you have to walk up the trail on the lady side of the falls to see the big tree It is amazing There is also a volcano tube just up the road from the falls If you go have sturdy shoes and a good flashlight
10. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By zodreb - New York City, United States
The zoo is halfway run down, halfway decent. It's not very large but could take up an hour of your time depending on how long you linger with the animals. There are quite a few to look at. I have paid money for comparably sized zoos, rescues, and conservatories. The fact that this is free is pretty impressive, and the quality is shockingly high for the admission as well. Again, it's NOT super impressive, but considering the price it is way better than expected. Some of the areas don't have as many animals as you'd like (the butterfly exhibit had one butterfly for example), and some animals are missing for whatever reason. If this was a paid attraction of even $5 it would be 3 or 4 stars. Because it's free it's a 5 star attraction. If it costed money I would expect a cleaner area and a few more animals. Absolutely worth stopping if you are in the area. I don't know that it is a good destination stop. I'd add it in with a few other places nearby, such as the volcano park. They have a small gift shop and a couple bathrooms and plenty of parking.
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