Hilo offers an authentic Hawaiian experience on the Big Island. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters, appreciate the ethereal beauty of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens or learn how Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut makes their delicious treats. There’s an attraction for everyone in Hilo.
Drive 40 minutes Hilo to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, an adventure unlike any other. Home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park features dramatic landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Plan a day trip or stay overnight to hike and camp in the backcountry. Don't miss the Kilauea Summit Trails, the Chain of Craters Road and scenic Crater Rim Drive. The park is open 24 hours a day, and Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
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According to legend, swimming three times around Moku Ola, also known as Coconut Island, promised to heal those who were sick. Once revered as a pu‘uhonua, a place of refuge for warriors, this small park in Hilo Bay is now a popular destination for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing.
Opened in 1978, the 12-acre Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is the nation’s only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo. It features over 80 animal species, including Giant Anteaters, American Alligators and two splendid Bengal Tigers, Tzatziki and Sriracha. Nestled within the lush Pana‘ewa Forest Reserve, the zoo receives over 125 inches of rainfall each year. Keep an eye out for the endangered ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk), the Pueo (Hawaiian Owl) and Hawai’i's state bird, Nene.
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The Lyman Museum's mission is “To tell the story of Hawai‘i, its islands and its people.” The museum hosts an array of year-round educational programs, ranging from engaging lectures and talks to interactive workshops on traditional Hawaiian crafts.
Learn MoreSample local flavors and buy locally grown fruits and vegetables at the famed Hilo Farmers Market. From delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunches and desserts to handcrafted arts, jewelry and clothes, this bustling market is a must-visit for both Hilo locals and visitors. The market is open seven days a week and is only two miles from our hotel. Drop by on Wednesdays and Saturdays when over 200 vendors showcase their wares.
Learn MoreOne of the world’s foremost observatories, Mauna Kea Science Reserves features 13 observation facilities and nine telescopes located on the summit. These telescopes collectively possess a light-gathering power 15 times greater than the Palomar Telescope and 60 times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope. Guests can see Mauna Kea from our hotel, and the summit is accessible by car for hiking or stargazing. The observatory is open seven days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.
Learn MoreThe ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is a short 10-minute drive from the hotel and spans 40,000 square feet, with over 100 displays in both English and Hawaiian. Learn about Hawaiian voyaging canoes and the origins of the cosmos as you connect with both the earth and sky. The center is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm.
Learn MoreThe Pacific Tsunami Museum shares the stories of past tsunami survivors, as well as Hawai‘i’s ongoing efforts to educate the public and save lives during tsunami events. Tour exhibits include a model of Hilo before 1946, the Story of Hilo and community rebuilding, the Science of Tsunamis and remarkable rescue accounts from survivors. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
Learn MoreLiliuokalani Park is named after Hawai‘i’s last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani; this beautiful and well-maintained park is just a block from our hotel, on Hilo’s famous Banyan Drive. The 30-acre park includes a Japanese-style garden with red bridges over fishponds, peaceful pagodas, rock gardens and stunning views of Hilo Bay and Coconut Island (Moku Ola).
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation has offered delicious roasted macadamia nuts for more than thirty years. Visit the factory to enjoy free samples, watch demonstrations and shop for a variety of island treats and gifts, including exclusive Mauna Loa products not available anywhere else.
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This coffee farm is not actually in Hilo but in Mountain View, about a half-hour drive south of Hilo. It's on the way to the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, so if you’re planning a visit there, consider stopping by this 24-acre farm. There's a viewing area to watch employees roast and package the coffees, as well as tours, coffee samples, souvenirs and food.
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The Wailoa River State Recreation Area is a public park in Hilo, situated on the banks of the Wailoa River. It’s a lovely spot for picnics, strolling and relaxation. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with a variety of saltwater species. It also contains two memorials, honoring tsunami victims and Vietnam War veterans. Visit the park’s Wailoa Center to view cultural displays narrating the region's history.
Learn MoreKnown as the "Valley of the Kings," this valley held great historical and cultural significance for Hawai‘i’s rulers. It was once home to thousands of people and considered the most fertile valley on the Big Island. Waipi'o Valley was also the site of the first naval battle in Hawaiian history, in the late 18th century. Over time, Chinese immigrants settled in the valley, but a devastating tsunami in 1946 caused many to leave, leaving it sparsely populated. Today, around 50 people, mostly taro farmers and fishers, continue their simple lifestyle in Waipi'o Valley.
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Downtown Hilo offers a charming mix of historic storefronts, local artist galleries and cultural sites facing Hilo Bay. Discover the many restaurants or shop for candies and explore the ukulele stores.
Learn MoreNew snorkelers will enjoy Leleiwi Beach and Richardson Beach Park in Hilo, known for their clear waters and marine life. Additional opportunities for exploration can be found on Kohala Coast's Hapuna Beach, Anaehoomalu Beach and Samuel Spencer Park. On the Kona Coast, Honaunau Bay offers calm and clear waters, perfect for entry near the shoreline.
