Ultimate Guide: 25 Unforgettable Things To Do In Hilo, Big Island

What if your dream vacation combined thunderous waterfalls, live volcanoes, a vibrant local culture, and some of the most beautiful botanical gardens on Earth—all within a charming, rainy town that feels like Hawaii's best-kept secret? Welcome to Hilo. Nestled on the windward coast of the Big Island, this historic town is the gateway to an unparalleled array of experiences. While many visitors head straight to the sunny beaches of Kona, those in the know understand that the things to do in Big Island Hilo offer a profoundly different, deeply enriching, and adventure-packed perspective of Hawaii. This isn't just a list; it's your comprehensive blueprint for exploring the lush, powerful, and soulful side of the island.

Hilo is a place of contrasts. It’s the island’s largest town, yet it retains a laid-back, old-Hawaii feel. It receives over 130 inches of rain annually, creating a dripping, emerald-green paradise that starkly contrasts with the island’s leeward deserts. This abundance of water fuels spectacular waterfalls, fertile farmland, and a culture deeply connected to the 'āina (land). Your journey here will take you from the rim of an active volcano to the depths of a tropical rainforest, from museums chronicling island history to food stalls serving the freshest poke on the planet. Prepare to have your expectations of Hawaii beautifully upended.

Waterfall Wonders: Chasing Hilo's Cascading Giants

Hilo’s reputation as the "Waterfall Capital of Hawaii" is no exaggeration. The consistent rainfall feeds a stunning number of falls, many easily accessible. This is arguably the top category for things to do in Hilo Big Island.

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Akaka Falls State Park

The crown jewel of Hilo’s waterfalls is undoubtedly Akaka Falls, a majestic 442-foot plume that plunges into a tropical gorge surrounded by vibrant 'ōhi'a trees and bamboo groves. The park features a well-maintained, paved loop trail (about 0.4 miles) that is suitable for most fitness levels. You'll also see the smaller but beautiful Kahūnā Falls on the same walk. Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sun illuminating the mist. The park entrance fee is nominal ($5 for walk-in, $10 per vehicle), and the experience is worth every penny. The roar of the falling water and the cool mist on your face are simply unforgettable.

Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)

Just a short drive from downtown Hilo lies Rainbow Falls, a dramatic 80-foot waterfall that flows over a natural lava cave. It’s called Rainbow Falls for a reason—on sunny mornings, the mist creates perfect rainbows in the plunge pool. The viewing platform is just a short, flat walk from the parking lot, making it incredibly accessible. For the more adventurous, a steep, muddy trail leads down to the pool's edge (use extreme caution). The site is part of the Wailuku River State Park, which also includes the scenic Boiling Pots—a series of blue-green pools and cascades that are especially powerful after rain.

Umauma Falls & Lookout

A bit further north (about 30 minutes from Hilo town), the Umauma Falls viewpoint offers a stunning triple-tiered waterfall cascade visible from a secure observation deck. This is a fantastic stop if you're heading toward the northern part of the island. The surrounding Umauma Experience also offers ziplining and gardens, but the waterfall view itself is free and easily accessible from the highway.

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Volcanic Adventures: Standing at the Edge of Creation

You cannot visit the Big Island without engaging with its volcanic heart. While the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a must-see for any island visitor, from Hilo it's a convenient 45-minute drive. The park is a dynamic, living landscape.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A Living Museum

HVNP is one of the most unique attractions in Hilo area. Here, you can walk on solidified lava fields, peer into the vast Kīlauea Caldera, and if conditions allow, see the glow of lava (check the National Park Service website for current viewing updates and safety alerts). Key stops include:

• Crater Rim Drive: A scenic loop with overlooks like Steam Vents and Kīlauea Overlook.
• Chain of Craters Road: A dramatic drive that descends to the coast, passing lava flows from past eruptions and ending at the Hōkū‘ea (a historic lighthouse) and Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs.
• Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): Walk through a cave formed by flowing lava centuries ago. It’s a cool, easy, and fascinating experience.
• Devastation Trail: A paved trail through a forest destroyed by the 1959 eruption and slowly reclaiming itself with new vegetation.

Pu'u Huluhulu (Hawaiian Acres)

For a less crowded volcanic experience, head to Pu'u Huluhulu, a small cinder cone hill just off Saddle Road (Route 200). A short, steep hike to the top rewards you with 360-degree views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and the vast saddle between them. The trail is well-defined and offers a stark, beautiful landscape of lava rock and native shrubs. It’s a perfect quick adventure with huge payoff.

Cultural & Historical Gems: Connecting with Hilo's Soul

Hilo is steeped in history and Hawaiian culture. Exploring these sites provides essential context for your visit and supports local preservation efforts.

Lyman House Memorial Museum & Pacific Tsunami Museum

Dive into the region's history at the Lyman House, one of Hawaii's oldest museums, housed in a 1838 missionary home. It features fine art, Hawaiian artifacts, and a fascinating natural history collection. A short walk away, the Pacific Tsunami Museum is a poignant and crucial visit. It memorializes the devastating tsunamis of 1946 and 1960 that reshaped Hilo, using powerful oral histories and exhibits to educate on these natural forces. It’s a sobering but deeply important experience that underscores the power of the ocean surrounding the islands.

'Imiloa Astronomy Center

The Big Island is home to world-class observatories on Mauna Kea. The 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo beautifully connects Hawaiian cultural traditions with modern astronomy. Its planetarium shows are stellar (literally), and the exhibits explain how ancient Polynesian navigators used the stars to find Hawaii, alongside cutting-edge discoveries from the telescopes above. It’s a brilliant blend of science and culture that appeals to all ages.

Historic Downtown Hilo & the Hilo Farmers Market

Simply strolling through downtown Hilo is an activity in itself. Admire the charming, century-old buildings, many with iconic false-front facades. The Hilo Farmers Market (open Wednesday and Saturday mornings) is the epicenter of local life. It’s not just about produce (though the tropical fruits are incredible); it’s a feast for the senses with local crafts, hot food stalls, and the best people-watching on the island. Grab a fresh coconut, sample lilikoi (passion fruit), and chat with the vendors. This is authentic, vibrant Hilo.

Nature's Sanctuaries: Gardens & Rainforests

The abundance of rain creates a botanical paradise. Exploring these green worlds is among the most serene things to do in Hilo Hawaii.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Located just north of Hilo in Onomea, this is arguably one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It’s not a manicured park but a wild, cascading garden carved into a dramatic oceanfront ravine. Waterfalls, streams, and hundreds of tropical plant species—from heliconias to palms—thrive in the microclimate. The paths are winding and immersive, with stunning ocean vistas at every turn. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate its magic.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens & Tropical Fruit World

For a more accessible and family-friendly garden experience, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is a delightful stop. It’s a working orchid farm with a stunning display garden and a small shop. Nearby, Tropical Fruit World offers a fun tram tour through a fruit orchard where you can taste exotic fruits like jaboticaba, starfruit, and durian (in season). It’s a sweet and educational adventure.

Wailuku River State Park (Beyond the Falls)

We mentioned the Boiling Pots, but the entire Wailuku River State Park is worth exploring. Walk along the river trails, watch for native birds like the 'Apapane, and enjoy the dense rainforest scenery. The park provides a cool, shaded escape and connects directly to the lush landscape surrounding the town.

Coastal & Ocean Delights

Hilo’s coastline is rugged and beautiful, offering different vibes than the white-sand beaches of the Kohala coast.

Richardson Ocean Park & Black Sand Beaches

Richardson Ocean Park is Hilo’s main beachfront recreation area. It features a protected, sandy cove perfect for swimming (though always check for ocean conditions), picnic areas, and tide pools to explore at low tide. For a classic Hawaiian beach experience with a twist, drive a few minutes south to Carlsmith Beach Park (also known as Hilo's "black sand beach"). The sand is indeed volcanic black, and the shallow, protected waters are ideal for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles (honu) that often rest on the rocks. Remember: always give turtles space; it’s illegal to touch them.

Hilo Bay & Banyan Drive

Take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the Hilo Bayfront and the iconic Banyan Drive. This tree-lined road, planted with massive banyan trees in the 1930s, is shaded and romantic. It leads to the beautiful Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a peaceful Japanese-style garden with ponds, bridges, and views of the bay—a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon.

Food & Flavor: A Taste of Hilo

Hilo is a foodie destination, especially for those who love fresh, local, and unpretentious eats.

Suisan Fish Market & Hilo's Poke Scene

Suisan Fish Market is a local institution. This is where many of Hilo's best sushi restaurants and poke shops get their fish. You can buy fresh ahi (tuna) directly or, better yet, go next door to Sueoka's Market or Tatsuda's for some of the best, no-frills poke bowls in the state. The fish is cut fresh, the seasonings are perfect, and the prices are fair. This is a quintessential Hilo lunch.

Hilo's Coffee & Sweets

Hilo has a thriving coffee scene. Visit Café 100 for a legendary local diner experience and their famous "locator moco" (hamburger steak over rice with gravy). For a more modern cafe, Vic's Beer & Wine Bar or The Brown Bags are great. Don't miss the treats at Hilo Sharks Coffee or the iconic Hilo Ice Cream (try the lychee or haupia flavors).

Practical Tips for Your Hilo Adventure

• Weather is Key: Hilo is rainy, especially in winter. Pack a light rain jacket, waterproof shoes for hikes, and quick-dry clothing. The rain is what makes everything green, so embrace it!
• Rent a Car: You'll need a vehicle to efficiently explore the dispersed Hilo attractions. Many of the best waterfalls and parks are a 15-30 minute drive from town.
• Respect the 'Āina: Stay on marked trails, don't touch wildlife (especially sea turtles and monk seals), and pack out all trash. The land is sacred.
• Timing: For popular spots like Akaka Falls and the farmers market, going early in the day helps you avoid tour bus crowds.
• Current Conditions: Always check the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website for alerts on volcanic activity, trail closures, and air quality before heading out. Conditions change.

Conclusion: Why Hilo Captivates

The things to do in Big Island Hilo paint a picture of a destination that is authentically Hawaiian, naturally spectacular, and culturally rich. It’s a place where you can stand in awe before a thundering waterfall in the morning, walk through a lava tube at noon, learn about a tragic tsunami in the afternoon, and savor the freshest poke as the sun sets over a black sand beach. Hilo doesn’t just offer activities; it offers an immersion into the powerful, verdant, and resilient heart of the Big Island. It’s for the curious traveler, the nature lover, the history buff, and the foodie. So, leave the umbrella at home—or bring it—and discover the unforgettable magic of Hilo. Your adventure in the rainforest capital of Hawaii awaits.