28 BEST Things to Do in Hilo (Beaches, Waterfalls, Farm Tours, …)

Hilo lies on the lush and wet side of the Big Island which means that a light raincoat is a must-pack for any outdoor activity you are planning. There are plenty of things to do here, like going to see the lava, hiking to waterfalls, and even going to the beach.

We split the activities and attractions in Hilo into two parts:

Table of Contents

• Sights and destinations that are specific to Hilo.
  1. Marvel at the 422 ft. ʻAkaka Falls
  2. Get culinary with coffee, tea, chocolate, and other farm tours
  3. Take a break at Coconut Island
  4. Explore the incredibly scenic Hamakua Coast
  5. Get geeky at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
  6. Walk where once rivers of lava created the Kaumana Caves lava tube
  7. Catch an early morning rainbow at the Rainbow Falls
  8. Visit the only tropical zoo in the United States (for free!)
  9. Sample a local beer at the Hilo Brewing Company tasting room
  10. Go shopping at one of the MANY farmers markets
  11. Take a step back in history with a visit to the Lyman House
• Outdoor activities that you can enjoy around Hilo, and also at other places on the Big Island.
  12. Go fast and get muddy with an ATV ride
  13. Explore the black sand beaches of Hilo
  14. Take in local plants and flowers at the Botanical Gardens
  15. Jump on a bike to explore the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
  16. Go Camping
  17. Take to the sky with an unforgettable Helicopter Tour
  18. Go out and experience nature with these wonderful hikes
  19. Soak in a volcanically heated hot pond
  20. Stay up late to go lava viewing
  21. Rappel down waterfalls and splash through rivers
  22. Road trip! Get out and explore one of our extremely scenic drives
  23. Snorkel in the warm and tropical waters of Hawaiʻi
  24. Visit Mauna Kea to go stargazing
  25. Stand Up and Paddle along the scenic coast (SUP)
  26. Ride a wave at the birthplace of Surfing
  27. Check out even more waterfalls!
  28. Zip at 40 mph and zipline through tropical treetops

Have a look at what we think are the highlights for Hilo if you think the choices we give are overwhelming.

Sights and destinations in and around Hilo

There are plenty of activities to be found in and around Hilo. For example, you can visit the ‘Imiloa astronomy center or get a taste of Hawaiian history in the Lyman museum and mission house. There is also a tropical zoo and a fantastic local farmers market. Hilo also offers many options for the culinary or culturally interested visitor. Browse below for some activities that can be enjoyed in Hilo!

Think of museums, waterfalls, farmers markets or the local brewery.

1. Marvel at the 422 ft. ʻAkaka Falls
2. Get culinary with coffee, tea, chocolate, and other farm tours
3. Take a break at Coconut Island
4. Explore the incredibly scenic Hamakua Coast
5. Get geeky at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
6. Walk where once rivers of lava created the Kaumana Caves lava tube
7. Catch an early morning rainbow at the Rainbow Falls
8. Visit the only tropical zoo in the United States (for free!)
9. Sample a local beer at the Hilo Brewing Company tasting room
10. Go shopping at one of the MANY farmers markets
11. Take a step back in history with a visit to the Lyman House

‘Akaka Falls

The 422 ft tall ‘Akaka falls are part of the ‘Akaka falls state park, a few miles north of Hilo. These are the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island and very accessible through a short hike.

Read more about the ‘Akaka Falls.

Coffee, tea, chocolate, and other farm tours (and tastings!)

In the Hilo district you can find e.g. coffee, vanilla, tea, and chocolate farms/producers that organize tours. These tours typically last between 1 and 2 hours and include a tasting.

Read more about the Farm Tours near Hilo.

Coconut Island

Coconut Island in Hilo Bay is a great place to relax and/or swim for a few hours. The small island contains clean restrooms, two small beaches, a grassy area, picnic areas, and a 20 ft tower used for jumping.

Learn more about Coconut Island.

Hamakua Coast scenic drive

The Hamakua Coast  is an incredible scenic stretch of land that of 40 miles that connects Hilo to Waipi’o Valley. There are so many spectacular waterfalls and incredible canyons lined by lush rainforest that you will keep saying “Let’s stop there!” over and over. Don’t forget your camera!

Read more about exploring the Hamakua Coast.

Imiloa Astronomy Center

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a good pick if you (or your kids) want to learn about Hawaiian culture and astronomy. The ‘Imiloa center offers educational and cultural programs for visitors, students, and local residents through exhibits, activities and a full-dome planetarium.

Read more about visiting the Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Kaumana Caves

Kaumana Caves Park is a skylight in a 25-mile long lava tube that was created by the 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. You can explore the lava tube a short way in both directions before the lava tube enters private property.

Read more about exploring the Kaumana Caves.

Rainbow Falls

The Rainbow Falls within Hilo are a perfect place to visit early in the morning for a picnic or perhaps even before breakfast. It falls over a lava-cave that is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon.

Read more about the Rainbow Falls.

Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo

The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States. You can visit a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as  spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species.

Learn more about visiting the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo.

Hilo Brewing Company

The Hilo Brewing Company is Hawaiiʻs largest independently-owned craft brewer. Their tasting room and gift shop are open from noon on most days. Read more on our website about the Hilo Brewing Company or see a current listing of the opening hours on their website.

Farmers markets (7!)

The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-visit if you are in town on a Wednesday or Saturday. Over 200 local farmers and artists sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere that recalls back to the old “plantation” days of early Hilo.

Read more about the Hilo Farmers Market (+6 others) in and close to Hilo.

Lyman museum and mission house

The Lyman Museum gives a bite-sized history of the island of Hawaii and its culture. The staff is well educated, and there is a good selection of videos. The Lyman family home next door has the story of Hawaii’s education and is included in the museum ticket. Read more about the Lyman Museum and Mission House.

Outdoor Activities in and around Hilo

Beyond the Hilo city borders you can find gorgeous hikes and scenic drives, as well as impressive waterfalls in the ‘akaka falls state park and the rainbow falls and some snorkeling spots towards Pahoa. Next-door destinations that you might want to consider for activities are Pahoa (lava viewing and hot ponds) and Volcano Village (lava viewing and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park).

1. Go fast and get muddy with an ATV ride
2. Explore the black sand beaches of Hilo
3. Take in local plants and flowers at the Botanical Gardens
4. Jump on a bike to explore the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
5. Go Camping
6. Take to the sky with an unforgettable Helicopter Tour
7. Go out and experience nature with these wonderful hikes
8. Soak in a volcanically heated hot pond
9. Stay up late to go lava viewing
10. Rappel down waterfalls and splash through rivers
11. Road trip! Get out and explore one of our extremely scenic drives
12. Snorkel in the warm and tropical waters of Hawaiʻi
13. Visit Mauna Kea to go stargazing
14. Stand Up and Paddle along the scenic coast (SUP)
15. Ride a wave at the birthplace of Surfing
16. Check out even more waterfalls!
17. Zip at 40 mph and zipline through tropical treetops

ATV Tours

ATV tours are a fun way to explore the beautiful difficult to access places that are difficult to reach. Tours typically take you on a 10+ mile drive through private lands with stops on the way at scenic points and historic sites. Close to Hilo you can take an ATV tour + swim under a private waterfall at the beautifull triple-tiered Umauma falls.

Read more about ATV Tours on the Big Island.

Beaches

There are no picture-perfect white sand beaches on this side of the island but there are plenty of black sand beaches and beach parks. When the sun is out they are great to relax, snorkel and spend a good few hours.

Read more about the Beaches in and around Hilo.

Botanical Gardens

The Hilo and Hamakua coasts are filled with rainforests, waterfalls, and tropical flowers. These natural treasures can be most easily seen in one of the botanical gardens close to Hilo. Our favorite botanical garden in the whole state – the Hawaiiʻ Tropical Botanical Gardens – are for example just a few miles above Hilo.

Read more about Botanical Gardens close to Hilo.

Biking

If you want to use two wheels to explore the surroundings of Hilo that is also possible. You can find a bike sharing program in downtown Hilo if you just want to take a spin through town, or join a GPS + Audio Guided E-bike Tours through Hilo or the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Put on your helmet and read more about Biking on the Big Island.

Camping

There are a few campsites and beach parks in and around Hilo where you can pitch your tent and “really” be outdoors. Plan ahead because most campsites need to be reserved ahead of time – especially those in and around the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Read more about Camping on the Big Island.

Helicopter Tours

Hilo is the most popular departure point for helicopter tours for a good reason:  tours departing from Hilo Airport can take you to see the tropical waterfalls and the active lava fields in under an hour. This short flight-time makes the tours that depart from Hilo cheaper than the lava helicopter tours from the west (Kona) coast of the Big Island.

The following 3 companies organize tours from the Hilo airport:

• Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
• Sunshine Helicopters
• Safari Helicopters

Read more about Helicopter tours from Hilo.

Hiking

The green and lush (wet) surrounding Hilo make for some stunning hikes. From a short 30 minute hike through botanical gardens up to a waterfall to the crossing of a recently solidified crater floor to hour long hikes to see red-hot lava.

Read more about Hiking in the Hilo vicinity.

Good to know: 2 of our favorite short hikes on the Big Island are close to Hilo: The stroll through the Hawaiʻi Bioreserve and Garden and the hike into the Kilaueaʻiki crater (see image below).

Hot Ponds

After several recent volcanic eruptions there remains but one easily accessible hot pond in the Puna district that is publicly accessible. If you are staying more than 7 days on the Big Island this makes a great addition to your itinerary!

Learn more about hot ponds in Puna (close to Hilo).

Lava Viewing

Both Hilo and Volcano Village are well suited to use as a base when you want to go and see the lava. Hilo is closer to lava flows if they happen to flow in the Pun district, while Volcano village is literally around the corner of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and great for viewing the lava lake in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Read more about lava viewing.

Rappel down waterfalls and splash through rivers

Somewhere between ziplining and rock climbing, waterfall rappelling is an outdoor adventure that combines the thrill of descending cliffs with the beauty of cascading waterfalls. On the Big Island there are 2 waterfalls that you can rappel down from. In addition you also get to scramble over rocks, wade through the fast-flowing river, and jump down a small waterfall!

Scenic drives

A small detour to your destination can often open up a whole new face of the Big Island. Scenic drives close to Hilo are the Onomea scenic drive and the Kapoho Kalapana road scenic drive – numbers 2 and 3 in the list linked below.

Read more about Scenic drives in and around Hilo.

Snorkeling

If you really want to snorkel in the waters around Hilo that is possible (and interesting) if you go to some of the beach parks north of Hilo and along the Puna coast. The best Big Island snorkeling however, is found on the Kona (west) coast.

Your best option is Richardsons – read more this beach park in our article on Hilo snorkeling spots.

Stargazing

Hilo is well suited for stargazing. It is home to the wonderful Imiloa astronomy center and you are just a short (50 minute) drive away from the astronomy visitor center on  Mauna Kea which is one of the best stargazing spots on the island and hosts both free and paid stargazing tours.

Read more about Stargazing on the Maunakea summit

Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP)

Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe heʻe nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. Hilo has SUP board rentals and lessons available and is a great place to try out SUPping.

Read more about SUP on the Big Island.

Surfing

As goes for most water based activities, Surfing also is nicer on the west coast. If you really want though, you can find some good surf spots in and around Hilo. Be modest though, and treat the ocean and locals with respect.

Read more about surfing in and around Hilo.

Waterfalls

The lush and tropical north and east coast of the Big Island are filled with waterfalls. 4 of our 5 favorite, most easily accessible, biggest and most popular waterfalls are close to Hilo!

Read more about waterfalls close to Hilo.

Ziplining

Ziplining is an activity where you are attached with a harness to a rope that is strung between a high and a low point. The ziplines are built high above scenic areas and features such ravines, jungles, meadows, and forests, and there are plenty of those around Hilo.

Read more about Ziplining in Hilo.