It’s hard to think of Hawaii and not imagine stunning green covered mountains, shimmering turquoise waters, and untouched white sandy beaches. It’s safe to say that Hawaii does not disappoint. Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town.
Hilo really does have it all, from hiking up craggy volcanic peaks and across the rocky moonscapes of ancient lava flows to surfing and snorkeling, or even diving with the myriad of marine life on the multi-coloured reefs. There’s even plenty of sacred Hawaiian sites to explore, and lush fauna and flora-filled national parks to discover. But with all of the endless beauty to explore, it’s difficult to pick which to do first, and which may not fit in the schedule. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. In this video we’ve put together the fifteen best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii.
So sit back, relax, and start planning your trip of a lifetime.
Hawaii Route 200
Hawaii Route 200 is number one on our list. Known locally as Saddle Road, this highway traverses the width of the Big Island of Hawaii for 52.7 miles. Known for being notoriously dangerous, Saddle Road earned its name from the saddle between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. Most of the trail has now been repaved, and significant parts have new re-alignments in order to reach modern standards.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Located on scenic Route 19 off the Old Mamalahoa Highway, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is at number two on our list of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii. This nature preserve and botanical garden is home to more than 2,000 plant species. The garden features a collection of over 200 palms, more than 80 species of heliconias, over 80 species of bromeliads and a selection of century-old mango and coconut palms. Set in a scenic valley, it boasts spectacular views over Onomea Bay, and is also home to a three-tiered waterfall known as Onomea Falls.
Akaka Falls
At number three, Akaka Falls. One of the island’s most famous waterfalls, and located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, Akaka Falls is one of the two waterfalls within Akaka Falls State Park. The waterfall plummets 442 feet into a gorge, and can be viewed on a pleasant half-mile uphill hike. The hike takes you through the surrounding tropical rainforest, full of bamboo groves, draping ferns, and wild orchids.
Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is number four on our list. This year-round open-air market features over 200 vendors selling a wide range of items. These include, fresh produce, arts and crafts, tropical flowers, homemade food, organic produce, souvenirs, and all kinds of gifts. Local farmers and crafters come together to showcase their products in this famous market. It’s also home to several restaurants and cafés, and doesn’t stop there. The market hosts live music and other entertainment throughout the week.
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
A special location for those who love to travel is at number five, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. This beautifully landscaped park sits along the shores of Hilo Bay. It is the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. The 24-acre park features Edo-style Japanese gardens, and contains the Waihonu Pond, beautiful bridges, pagodas, tranquil ponds, statues, torii, and an authentic Japanese teahouse. It’s even home to a small island called Moku Ola, which means island of life. This island was once the site of an ancient temple dedicated to healing. Now it is a perfect spot for picnicking and swimming.
If you’re enjoying this video remember to hit that like button and subscribe for more great content.
Lyman House Memorial Museum
The Lyman House Memorial Museum, also known as the Lyman Museum is at number six on our list. This natural history museum documents the interesting history of the region through an extensive collection of artifacts and items such as, ancient Hawaiian tools and weapons, feather capes and leis that used to adorn Hawaiian royalty, cookware, and games. All of which document the natural and cultural history of the islands. The museum was established in 1931 and initially was based in the 1838 Lyman family mission house. In the 1960s it was moved to a modern building that’s located next to the house. The original Lyman family mission house is now part of the museum as an exhibit of the oldest surviving wood-framed building on the island.
Bike Volcano
At number seven on our list is one for the adventure seekers out there. Bike Volcano, a tour company providing daily volcano bicycle tours of Kilauea Volcano and guided tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. That’s right. Who wouldn’t want to bicycle around volcanoes? A truly unique and exciting experience. Bike Volcano offers a full-service experience with professional tour leaders. Tours include a full day guided bicycle tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, bike and hike trips to active lava surface flows, and volcano summit tours as well as fly, bike and hike volcano tours. What more could you ask for!
Pacific Tsunami Museum
For those interested in history, the Pacific Tsunami Museum is number eight on our list. Dedicated to the Pacific tsunami of 1946 and the Chilean tsunami of 1960, which devastated much of Hilo and the eastern coastline of Hawaii. The Pacific Tsunami Museum was established to educate visitors about tsunamis, their causes, and effects. Tsunami survivors work at the museum as guides and even share their stories and experiences with visitors while leading them through the displays.
Honoli’i Beach Park
Located on the Big Island’s east coast just north of Hilo, Honoli’i Beach Park is number nine on our list. This seaside park features a rocky beach with fantastic waves, which makes it popular among the local surf crowd. Excellent surfing is available all year round, with summer being ideal for beginners and winter offering more challenging surf. Honoli’i Beach Park also offers a dense grove of native trees, a small stream and rolling lawns for picnicking.
Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
Interested in astronomy? Hilo has got you covered. At number ten, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. This astronomy and culture education center highlights the culture and history of Hawaii through astronomy and the stars. The center features a range of exhibitions including Hawaiian Theories and Beliefs, which focuses on the sacred mountain of Maunakea and its significance to the Hawaiian people, and Astronomy Theories and Beliefs, which shares the Hawaiian understanding of the evolution of life. A truly breathtaking and beautiful experience that you don’t want to miss.
Pe’epe’e Falls
Pe’epe’e Falls is at number eleven on our list of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii. This beautiful waterfall is about one and a half miles upstream of the popular Rainbow Falls. With a short hike from Waianuenue Avenue, you can view Pe’epe’e Falls from a lookout point. The flow of the Pe’epe’e Falls is determined by rainfall, and when the rainfall has been generous, the multi-spouted falls fills up a small pool at the base of the waterfall to create a beautifully tranquil spot.
Lavaland Hawaii
At number twelve is Lavaland Hawai’i. They specialize in providing nature-centric outdoor experiences that explore Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes and native ecosystems. The eco-friendly tour company supports sustainability and maintains a carbon-neutral footprint by keeping groups small, recycling materials, offering healthy, locally grown and organic food choices for guests, and using solar power in the offices.
Paradise Helicopters
Paradise Helicopters offers a variety of exciting tours above the Big Island, and they’re number thirteen on our list. Paradise Helicopters give you the opportunity to see the most beautiful landscapes and exciting attractions from the air. Locally owned and operated, Paradise Helicopters was founded in 1997 and their tours range from Maui Nui tours, the Lanai Circle Island Experience, the Kohala Valleys and Waterfalls Experience, and Southern Route tours to air and ziplining tours and sunset flights.
Richardson Ocean Park
Number fourteen on our list, Richardson Ocean Park. This beautiful ocean park features a black volcanic sand beach and some of the best swimming and surfing spots that the island has to offer. This uniquely stunning beach park features a natural seawall made from the lava of Mauna Kea which has formed rock pools. These rock pools fill at high tide and make for excellent swimming, and beyond the seawall is a popular surf break that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Rainbow Falls
At number fifteen on our list of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii, is the epic Rainbow Falls. Based on the Wailuku River near downtown Hilo, the Rainbow Falls is an undeniably beautiful, broad, 80-foot-high waterfall that sits downstream from the Pe’epe’e Falls. Rainbow Falls offers spectacular misty vistas which are scattered with stunning rainbows, after which the falls were named. The falls is surrounded by a gorge that’s blanketed by lush, dense non-native tropical rainforest. The 100-foot-wide waterfall cascades over a dark lava cave, which is the mythological home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Hina. The waterfall drops into a deep and tranquil pool. While you can reach the falls via Wailuku River State Park at Waianuenue Avenue, there are also several viewing platforms to truly take in the beauty of Rainbow Falls.
Which is your favorite thing to do in Hilo, Hawaii? Is there anything that we missed? Let us know in the comments section below and don’t forget to subscribe to Viewcation for more. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.