Welcome to the Adventure Capital
Searching for the best things to do in Hilo? Far from Kona's resorts, Hilo offers deep exploration: think thundering waterfalls like Rainbow Falls, lava tubes at Kaumana Caves, and the majestic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Here is your ultimate guide to the 25 best adventures, including essential rainy day ideas for the island's lush side.
Table of contents
Quick Picks: Hilo at a Glance
Short on time? Here are the top recommendations based on your travel style.
Category |
Top Recommendation |
Why go? |
🌋 Best for Adventure |
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park |
The #1 reason to visit the Big Island. |
☔ Best for Rainy Days |
Imiloa Astronomy Center |
World-class indoor planetarium & culture. |
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families |
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo |
It is the only rainforest zoo in the USA (and it's free!). |
💸 Best Free Activity |
Rainbow Falls |
Iconic 80ft waterfall right in town. |
🐢 Best for Nature |
Richardson Ocean Park |
Black sand beach with guaranteed turtle sightings. |
🍽️ Best Local Eat |
Hilo Farmers Market |
Cheap tropical fruit and local crafts. |
Let’s start with the absolute essentials - the three stops that define any trip to Hilo.
I. The "Big Three" Icons: Hilo’s Must-Dos
If you only have one day in Hilo, forget the rest of this list and focus on these three giants.
They are the primary reasons travelers brave the rain to visit the East Side.
25. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
While technically a 45-minute drive from town, Hilo is the undisputed gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is the best place to witness the raw power of creation.
📍 Location: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
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Highlights:
Kīlauea Overlook: The best spot to peer into the massive Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube): Walk through a massive 500-year-old lava cave surrounded by a fern jungle.
Chain of Craters Road: A scenic drive that descends 3,700 feet down to the ocean arch.
Cost: $30 per vehicle (Credit card only at the gate).
💡 Insider Tip: Check the official NPS website for current eruption status.
If lava is flowing, go after 6:00 PM to see the red glow against the dark sky.
It’s a spiritual experience you will never forget.
24. Akaka Falls State Park
Located about 20 minutes north on the Hamakua Coast, this is the most photogenic waterfall on the island.
A paved 0.4-mile loop trail takes you through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo groves and wild orchids before revealing the main event: the towering 442-foot Akaka Falls plunging into a deep gorge.
📍 Location: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
Best For: Nature lovers and photographers.
Cost: $5 entry per person + $10 parking (Credit card only).
💡 Insider Tip: The parking lot is small and fills up fast.
Arrive before 9:00 AM to beat the tour buses and enjoy the birdsong without the crowds.
23. Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
Unlike Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls is located right within Hilo town limits, making it incredibly easy to visit.
The waterfall cascades 80 feet over a natural lava cave (legend says it is the home of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui).
📍 Location: Rainbow Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
Best For: A quick, free stop (no hiking required).
Cost: Free.
💡 Insider Tip: True to its name, rainbows are visible in the mist at the base of the falls.
To catch this magic moment, plan your visit around 10:00 AM on a sunny morning when the sun angle is perfect.
Once you have checked off the icons, it is time to dig deeper. Hilo’s rainforests hide some adventures that most tourists miss.
II. Nature & Outdoor Adventures
Beyond the famous postcards, Hilo’s jungle landscape hides ancient lava tubes, botanical wonderlands, and churning river gorges.
22. Kaumana Caves State Park
Want to explore a massive lava tube without the crowds of the National Park?
Kaumana Caves is a collapsed lava tube formed by Mauna Loa in 1881.
It feels wild, prehistoric, and slightly eerie. You can hike about 2 miles into the darkness.
📍 Location: 1492 Kaumana Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
Best For: Adventure seekers and budget travelers.
Cost: Free.
💡 Pro Tip: Your phone’s flashlight is not enough. The cave is pitch black and slippery.
Bring a bright headlamp or flashlight and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
21. Peʻepeʻe Falls & Boiling Pots
Just a mile upstream from Rainbow Falls lies the Boiling Pots section of the Wailuku River.
The water flows over a series of basalt lava pools, which bubble and churn as if they were boiling.
📍 Location: 1445 Wailuku Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
Best For: A quick 15-minute photo stop.
Cost: Free.
⚠️ Safety Warning: Do not swim here. The currents are deceptively strong, and flash floods can happen instantly.
Enjoy the view safely from the paved overlook.
20. Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
This is the only zoo in the United States located within a natural tropical rainforest.
It is charming, compact, and home to exotic animals such as the giant anteater and a pair of white Bengal tigers.
📍 Location: 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720
Best For: Families with toddlers and budget travelers.
Cost: Free (Donations appreciated).
💡 Pro Tip: Visit around 1:30 PM on Saturdays for the weekly petting zoo event - a massive hit with the kids.
19. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
Often called the "Garden of Eden", this 40-acre valley on the Hamakua Coast is a living museum of over 2,000 plant species.
A wooden boardwalk winds through a jungle so lush it feels like Jurassic Park, leading down to the stunning Onomea Bay.
📍 Location: 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
Best For: Botany lovers and Instagram photos.
Cost: ~$30 for adults (Worth the splurge)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring mosquito repellent. The lush environment is a paradise for plants, but also for bugs!
18. Liliʻuokalani Gardens & Banyan Drive
Located right on Hilo Bay, this authentic Edo-style garden is dedicated to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants.
It is the perfect place to find "Zen" after a busy day.
Why go: It is the most extensive ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, featuring red wooden bridges, stone lanterns, koi ponds, and a tea house.
📍 Location: 189 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: Free.
💡 Insider Tip: Take a walk down the adjacent Banyan Drive.
The massive banyan trees lining the road were planted by famous historical figures like Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart (look for the wooden plaques with their names!).
All that hiking can get hot. Luckily, Hilo has some of the most unique swimming spots in Hawaii if you know where to look.
III. Beaches & Water Activities
Note: All county beach parks listed below have FREE admission and parking.
Hilo’s coast doesn't have the vast white sands of Kona.
Instead, you get something wilder: black sand, grassy lawns meeting the ocean, and refreshing freshwater springs.
17. Richardson Ocean Park (The Black Sand Gem)
This is the closest thing Hilo has to a traditional beach.
The sand here is coarse and black, made of lava rock ground down by the waves.
Why go: It is the best place on the East Side to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). They are almost always spotted grazing in the shallows.
📍 Location: 2349 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
🚿 Amenities: Lifeguards, Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Picnic Tables.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes. The black sand can get hot, and there are lava rocks mixed in the water that can scrape your toes.
16. Carlsmith Beach Park (The "Ice Pond")
Carlsmith is unique because it is a "beach without sand".
You lay your towel on a manicured grassy lawn and climb down a ladder directly into the lagoon.
Why go: Freshwater springs bubble up from the ground here, floating on top of the denser saltwater. This creates visible blurry layers and a refreshing (sometimes chilly!) swim.
📍 Location: 1815 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
🚿 Amenities: Lifeguards, Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Pavilions.
💡 Insider Tip: This is arguably the best spot for snorkeling in Hilo due to the calm, protected water.
15. Onekahakaha Beach Park
If you are traveling with toddlers, this is your sanctuary.
A large boulder breakwall encloses a shallow, sandy-bottomed pool that is completely protected from open-ocean waves.
Best For: Families with small children and wading.
📍 Location: 74 Onekahakaha Rd, Hilo, HI 96720
🚿 Amenities: Lifeguards, Restrooms, Showers, Pavilions with Electricity, Drinking Water, Parking.
14. Honoliʻi Beach Park (Surf City)
Located just north of town, this is the premier surf break on the East Side.
The Vibe: It isn’t ideal for casual swimming because of river currents, but it is the perfect spot to watch local surfers catch waves.
📍 Location: 180 Kahoa St, Hilo, HI 96720
🚿 Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Lifeguard.
⚠️ Parking Warning: Parking is minimal along the narrow residential street.
Be respectful of driveways and prepare to walk a bit.
Swimming is great, but Hilo is famous for its rain. So, what do you do when the skies open up?
IV. Rainy Day Survival Guide in Hilo
It rains in Hilo - sometimes for 20 minutes, sometimes for 2 days straight.
Do not let the weather cancel your plans. Instead, try these top indoor things to do in Hilo to stay dry and entertained.
13. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
If you are looking for the best family-friendly activity on a rainy day, this is it!
Part science center, part cultural museum, ‘Imiloa explores the connection between Hawaiian culture and the stars.
Why go: The immersive Planetarium shows are spectacular (and perfectly dry!).
📍 Location: 600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: ~$19 for adults, ~$12 for kids.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the show schedule online before you go. Shows typically run every hour.
12. Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo has a tragic but resilient history with tsunamis (massive waves hit in 1946 and 1960).
This museum tells the survivors' stories in a way that is profoundly moving, not just educational.
Why go: It is located inside an old bank vault that actually survived the tsunamis.
📍 Location: 130 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: ~$10 for adults - Free for kids.
💡 Pro Tip: The docents (guides) are often survivors of tsunamis themselves.
Take a moment to talk to them; their personal stories are incredible.
11. Lyman Museum & Mission House
Think of this as the "Smithsonian of Hilo".
It is the best place to learn about natural history, from volcanic rocks and glowing minerals to the diverse ethnic groups that built Hawaii’s plantation era.
📍 Location: 276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: ~$10 for the museum only.
💡 Insider Tip: If you love geology, the Earth Heritage Gallery has one of the best mineral collections in the Pacific.
10. Big Island Candies (Factory Tour)
Who doesn't love chocolate? This is Hilo’s most famous gift shop.
You can walk through the factory, watch workers hand-dip shortbread cookies into chocolate through large glass windows, and best of all - eat unlimited free samples.
Why go: It's free, smells amazing, and makes for great rainy-day shopping.
📍 Location: 585 Hinano St, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: Free entry (but you will likely buy cookies!).
💡 Pro Tip: Try the Lemon Shortbread dipped in white chocolate. Also, grab a cup of their free Kona coffee near the entrance.
09. Sig Zane Designs
Located downtown, this isn't just a clothing store; it's a cultural institution. Sig Zane is a legendary designer whose aloha shirts tell stories of Hawaiian plants and history.
📍 Location: 122 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 Cost: High-end (Shirts run $100+), but browsing is free.
💡 Insider Tip: Even if you don't buy anything, the store's aesthetic and the staff's knowledge of Hawaiian culture make it worth a visit.
After waiting out the rain (or running through it), you are going to work up an appetite. Hilo’s food scene is legendary for its cheap, authentic, and delicious offerings.
V. Food & Drink: Eat Like a Local in Hilo
Hilo is arguably the best place in Hawaii for "grinds" (local slang for delicious food).
Forget overpriced resort buffets; here, it is all about fresh fish, comfort food, and sweet treats.
08. Hilo Farmers Market
This is the heartbeat of downtown. It is colorful, chaotic, and cheap.
You will find exotic fruits like Rambutan, Longan, and Mangosteen that you rarely see on the mainland.
📍 Location: Corner of Kamehameha Ave & Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720
⏰ Schedule: Open daily 7 AM–3 PM, but Wednesday & Saturday are the "Big Market Days" with over 200 vendors.
Must-Try Foods & Drinks:
Fruits & Veggies: Papayas, lychee, rambutan, avocado, baby ginger, taro, local greens.
Baked Goods: Butter Mochi, Kūlolo (taro/coconut), malasadas, banana bread.
Prepared Meals:
Poke: Fresh ahi poke bowls from spots like Poke N Sides.
Plate Lunches: Garlic shrimp, loco moco, chicken katsu.
International Flavors: Thai, Japanese, and Peruvian options.
Local Specialties: Honey, macadamia nut butter, jams, jellies, and fresh Kona coffee.
07. Suisan Fish Market
Located right on the water at the mouth of the Wailoa River, Suisan is an institution.
It is a working fish market where you can point to the fresh ahi (tuna) in the glass case, and they will scoop it over hot rice for you.
Why go: Authentic Poke (raw fish salad) that hasn't been frozen.
📍 Location: 93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720
💡 Insider Tip: There is no seating inside. Grab your bowl and eat it at the picnic tables in Liliʻuokalani Gardens, just a short walk away.
06. Cafe 100
You cannot visit Hilo without eating a Loco Moco (white rice, hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg).
Cafe 100 claims to be the birthplace of this heavy, comforting dish.
Why go: It’s fast, cheap, and legendary.
📍 Location: 969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
🍽️ What to order: The "Super Loco" (comes with everything).
05. Two Ladies Kitchen
This tiny shop is famous for one thing: Strawberry Mochi.
It is a massive fresh strawberry wrapped in sweet red-bean paste and soft, pillowy mochi.
It is widely considered the best mochi in Hawaii.
📍 Location: 274 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
⚠️ Warning: The line can be long (30+ minutes).
💡 Pro Tip: Call ahead (808-961-4766) in the morning to pre-order. You can skip the line and pick up your box at the window!
04. Ola Brew
For a more modern vibe, head to this local brewery.
It is hip and lively, and it serves incredible ciders made from local fruits. What A great spot to relax after a day of hiking.
📍 Location: 1177 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
🍽️ What to order: The Dragonfruit Lemonade Cider or the Lilikoi Lime hard seltzer.
If you have exhausted the list in town, it is time to rent a car and head north. The drive just outside of Hilo is arguably the most beautiful in the state.
VI. Nearby Day Trips: The Hamakua Coast
If you have a rental car, driving north along Highway 19 is non-negotiable.
This route, known as the Hamakua Coast, features dramatic sea cliffs, old plantation towns, and lush valleys.
03. Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive (4-Mile Drive)
Don't just stay on the highway. Look for the "Scenic Drive" sign around Mile Marker 7.
This detour takes you onto the Old Mamalahoa Highway, a narrow, winding road covered by a canopy of jungle vines, African tulip trees, and rushing streams.
📍 Location: Old Mamalahoa Hwy (Turn off at Mile Marker 7).
💰 Cost: Free.
💡 Pro Tip: Drive slowly and roll down your windows to smell the ginger flowers and hear the birds.
02. Krishna Cow Sanctuary (Cow Cuddling)
Want a truly unique, heartwarming experience?
Located in Ninole, this sanctuary rescues farm animals and offers "Cow Cuddle Therapy".
Yes, you can literally lie in the grass and hug a gentle, 1,000-pound rescue cow.
📍 Location: Ninole, HI (Book for exact address).
💰 Cost: ~$20–$50 depending on the tour.
💡 Insider Tip: You must book an appointment online in advance. They do not accept walk-ins.
01. Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
This is the end of the road - literally. Waipiʻo Valley (Valley of the Kings) is a spiritual and historically significant site where Hawaiian royalty once lived.
The lookout offers a breathtaking view of the black sand beach and 2,000-foot cliffs.
📍 Location: End of Hwy 240, Honokaʻa, HI 96727
💰 Cost: Free.
⚠️ Important Update: The steep road down into the valley is currently CLOSED to non-residents (including hikers) due to safety risks.
You can enjoy the stunning view from the overlook, but do not try to hike or drive down.
💡 Food Stop: On the way back, stop at Tex Drive In in Honokaʻa for a hot Malasada (Portuguese donut).
VII. Suggested 1-Day Itineraries in Hilo
Don't get overwhelmed by the list. Here is how to organize these 25 spots into logical days.
Option 1: The "Best of Hilo" (1 Day)
08:00 AM: Coffee & Breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes.
09:30 AM: Drive to Rainbow Falls (catch the morning rainbow).
10:30 AM: Head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Spend most of the day here).
05:00 PM: Dinner in Volcano Village or drive back to Hilo.
- 07:00 PM: Night swimming with Manta Rays (if booking a tour) or relax.
Option 2: The "Rainy Day" Plan
Morning: Big Island Candies (Coffee & Cookies) + Sig Zane Designs.
Lunch: Poke bowl from Suisan Fish Market (Eat under a pavilion).
Afternoon: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center or Pacific Tsunami Museum.
- Dinner: Comfort food (Loco Moco) at Cafe 100.
Option 3: Nature & Water (Sunny Day)
Morning: Drive the Hamakua Coast -> Akaka Falls -> 4-Mile Scenic Drive.
Lunch: Hilo Farmers Market.
Afternoon: Snorkeling at Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson Ocean Park.
- Evening: Drinks at Ola Brew.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the "Wet Side"
Hilo is not a place you visit just to get a tan; it is a place you visit to feel the mana (spirit) of Hawaii.
While the rain might scare away the average tourist, it is exactly what makes this region so magical.
It fuels the thundering waterfalls, feeds the emerald rainforests, and keeps the crowds at bay.
Whether you are crawling through a lava tube, sipping fresh kombucha, or simply watching the mist rise over Hilo Bay, you are experiencing the authentic Big Island.
Aloha and safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How many days do I need in Hilo?
3 Days is ideal. Spend Day 1 at Volcanoes National Park, Day 2 exploring waterfalls and beaches, and Day 3 driving the Hamakua Coast. One day is simply not enough to see the "Big Three" without rushing.
02. Should I stay in Hilo or Kona?
We recommend a "Split Stay". Spend half your trip in Kona for sunny beaches, and half in Hilo for adventure. Driving back and forth takes 2 hours each way - don't waste your vacation in the car.
03. Do I really need a rental car in Hilo?
Yes, absolutely. Attractions are spread out (Volcano is 45 mins away; Akaka Falls is 20 mins). Uber and Lyft are very limited outside the downtown area.
04. Can I swim in Akaka or Rainbow Falls?
No. Swimming is prohibited at these major waterfalls due to safety risks and bacteria (Leptospirosis). For safe swimming, head to Carlsmith Beach Park or book a private tour at Kulaniapia Falls.
05. Are things closed on Sundays?
Yes, often. Hilo is a traditional town. Many local restaurants and shops are closed or close early on Sundays. However, the big Farmers Market and major nature attractions remain open.
Makana Navigato
Sustainable Travel Strategist at Hawaii Tourism Research CenterAloha, I’m Makana Navigato. My foundation in travel management from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ignited a lifelong passion for navigating the hidden soul of our islands. I don't just show you destinations; I invite you to connect deeply with the land and its people. My vision is to champion a style of travel that honors our environment and preserves the sanctity of our home for the world to admire