What to do and see in Hilo, Hawaii (HI): The Best Things to do Good for Kids

Mauka Makai Adventures specializes in personalized tours of the Big Island of Hawaii. Visit the active Kilauea volcano, witness molten lava flows, explore tropical valleys with waterfalls, and beautiful black sand beaches. See all that Hawaii has to offer from the mountain (mauka) to the sea (makai). Aloha, e komo mai!

Please view our rates and visit our site at kamaainacustomtours.com. Private Full-Service Custom SUV tours of Hawaii Island. Competitively priced All-Inclusive Charter rates. Combination Volcano and Waterfall/Rainforest Tours available. Hike a lava tube and swim with Green Sea Turtles! Snorkel the shallow coral reefs at a Black Sand Beach. Two Chevy Suburbans for larger groups. Special couple's packages available. An array of fresh local fruit, local snacks and full beverage service are provided. WINNER OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2014-2019.

The experience of planting a Koa legacy tree is a must for any visitor to the Island of Hawaii. Experience the birth of a Hawaiian forest and plant your very own Koa Legacy Tree. Located on the slopes of Mauna Kea, this historic site was once the personal koa forest of King Kamehameha the Great- 1st King of Hawaii. Sadly, this land was cleared nearly a century ago to make room for farming and ranching. Fortunately, some of the old growth koa trees still reside on the property. These rare trees grow nowhere else on Earth and are being utilized as a seed source for all Legacy Trees to bring the forest back to its former glory. Be a part of Hawaii’s history and create the memory of a lifetime.Tree plantings can take place as dedications, memorials, or just as a way to have a deeply authentic and meaningful experience with the native plants and animals of Hawaii. Once planted you will receive a certificate detailing your tree's unique RFID number and GPS coordinates, allowing you to revisit your tree at any time via Google Earth.

Established in 1977. Big Island Candies was established in 1977 to manufacture and market fine quality macadamia nut candies and cookies using 100 percent Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, island eggs, real butter and high-grade chocolate. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans.

The Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum tells the story of Hawaii’s islands and people through its exhibits on Hawaii’s volcanic origins, flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, Hawaiian culture, and other ethnic groups that have shaped the unique society of Hawaii today. Admire worldwide collections of sea shells and minerals. Learn about 19th century missionary life on a tour of the historic Lyman Mission House, the Island’s oldest wood frame building constructed in 1839.

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!

The Mokupapapa Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the surrounding marine environment. Since most people might not have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawai'i serves to "bring the place to the people" and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. Housed in Hilo's historic, century-old Koehnen Building, Mokupapapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, life size models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English. The beauty of the historic Koehnen building has been preserved and refreshed to show off its majesty, including a koa wood staircase, Hawaiian hardwood floors, and high ceilings.