Hilo Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city and census-designated place in Hawaii, United States
About Hilo
Although the largest city on the Big Island, Hilo has a small population (44,186 in the 2020 Census) and a relaxed pace of life. It is on the rainier, less touristy east side of the island, and the city itself is not a huge draw for tourists, although there is an excellent farmers' and craftsmen's market on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to the attractions within city limits, there is good snorkeling nearby, extremely lush botanic gardens in the area andVolcanoes National Parkis a splendid day trip. Hilo has a warm, somewhat muggy tropical climate with over 100 inches of rain a year, making it the rainiest town in the United States outside ofAlaska. January and February are the only months with fewer than 20 rainy days on average.
Top Attractions in Hilo
Explore the best things to see and do in Hilo:
- ★Big Island Aina Tours
- ★Four Mile
- ★Kaumana caves
- ★King Kamehameha Statue
- ★Lava Ocean Tours
- ★Lili'uokalani Gardens
- ★Mokuola
- ★Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Where to Eat in Hilo
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Blane's Drive-Inn
- 🍴Cafe 100
- 🍴Cafe Pesto
- 🍴Coconut Grill
- 🍴Hilo Coffee Mill
- 🍴Ken's House of Pancakes
Where to Stay in Hilo
- 🏨Arnott's Lodge
- 🏨At the Beach with Friends Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Big Island Hostel
- 🏨Dolphin Bay Hotel
- 🏨Hilo Bay Hale
- 🏨Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Hilo Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: