Your guide to Hilo

Don’t come to the Big Island’s largest town looking for poolside umbrella drinks and sunburnt tourists doing the limbo. Hilo promises a more authentic Hawaiian experience, where history and raw natural beauty stand in contrast to the typical resort scene. From tropical gardens and black-sand beaches to funky museums and farm-fresh produce stands, our guide to Hilo covers it all.

Hilo: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-10 (HST)
High season	June - August and December.
Low season	September - October

The best neighbourhoods in Hilo

Downtown Hilo

Wander back in time in Downtown Hilo, where historic wooden buildings sit alongside a beautiful, sweeping bay. Discover the island’s rich cultural and creative traditions at Downtown’s museums, craft markets and art galleries. Then learn about the darker side of island life at the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

Good for: History, galleries, markets

Puna

Nature lovers and free spirits are drawn to Puna, a creative enclave south of Hilo. Known as the heartland of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, this is the best place to stay in Hilo for hiking, lava viewing and trips into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Good for: Lava viewing, hiking, national park

Wainaku

Wondering where to stay in Hilo for a taste of local life? Check out Wainaku, a residential area just north of town. Its leafy streets are home to working farms and old plantation homes, a hint at the region’s sugar-producing past. Down to surf? Wainaku is an easy hop to Honolii and Bayfront beach parks.

Good for: Local life, history, surfing

Things to do in Hilo

Shopping

If you’re looking for chain stores and big-box malls, you’re in the wrong place. Shopping in Hilo is small-scale, locally focused and full of creativity. Check out the town’s bookshops, boutiques and art galleries, then hit the Hilo Farmers Market to browse ceramics, jewellery and woodwork by Hawaiian artists. It’s also home to some of the freshest produce on the island.

Places to eat

Hilo’s dining scene is a microcosm of the region’s multiculturalism. Find everything from authentic Japanese and Mexican food to local spins on the poke bowl where fresh fish is front and centre. Fancy a night of fine dining? You’ll have to head to one of the luxury resorts in Kailua-Kona — restaurants in Hilo keep things casual.

Beaches

Beaches in Hilo aren’t the sweeping white sands of tropical island cliches. They’re wild, rocky and volcanic — but equally beautiful. You’ll find the best on the Keaukaha Strip, running south of Downtown. Try Richardson Ocean Park for natural whirlpool tubs and Kealoha Beach Park for swimming, snorkelling and surfing in winter.

FAQs about visiting Hilo

How expensive is a trip to Hilo?

There’s no getting around it: Hawaii is expensive. But you can enjoy an inexpensive stay in Hilo. The hotels aren’t as expensive here as in Kona, and you’ll find great value cafes and markets. Book flights and hotels to Hilo during the off-season to reap the benefits of lower prices all round.

What is the rainiest month in Hilo?

The rainiest month is December, which gets an average rainfall of 18 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Hilo trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, visiting an art gallery, or relaxing in cosy cafes.

What is the coldest month in Hilo?

February brings the coldest days of the year. Set off for Hilo then and you can expect lows of 17°C (63°F).

What is the hottest month in Hilo?

The hottest month in Hilo is October, which sees highs of 26ºC (79ºF).

How many days do you need when visiting Hilo?

For maximum relaxation and the chance to explore the island, you’ll need at least a week. But a short trip to Hilo is definitely doable. In three or four days, you can explore downtown, check out a couple of beaches and head further afield to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What language is spoken in Hilo?

English is the language you'll encounter most while on a city break in Hilo.

What currency is used in Hilo?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while in Hilo. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.

When is the best time to visit Hilo?

For the warmest and driest temperatures, March to September is the Hilo sweet spot, while the best surf waves are between January and March. If you want a budget trip to Hilo, then the low seasons of mid-September to November and April to June are your best bet.

Is it safe to visit Hilo?

Hilo is generally a safe city for travellers, but like anywhere, it's wise to exercise common sense. Avoid carrying too much cash, keep emergency numbers handy and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Also, stick to well-lit streets if you're out late at night during your time in Hilo.

Is Hilo a good place to visit?

Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens are just a glimpse of what this city has to offer. Explore the list of things to do in Hilo and discover why it should be your next travel stop.