Hilo HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hilo, Hawaii.
1. Akaka Falls State Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Akaka Falls State Park features a stunning 422-foot waterfall that cascades into a stream-eroded gorge. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 0.4-mile loop trail surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park is one of the most popular natural attractions on the Big Island, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and a glimpse into Hawaii's spectacular landscape.
2. Rainbow Falls
MORNING RAINBOW VIEWS
Rainbow Falls is a beautiful 80-foot waterfall located in downtown Hilo where the Wailuku River rushes into a large pool below. Early morning visitors are often treated to rainbows in the falls' mist, giving this natural wonder its fitting name. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area, making it a perfect quick stop for travelers.
3. Hilo Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Hilo Farmers Market operates daily from 7 AM to 3 PM with over 200 vendors, with Wednesday and Saturday being the biggest market days. Visitors can find a vast array of local produce, sweet treats, souvenirs, coffee, flowers, jewelry, clothing, and more at this vibrant marketplace. Food vendors also offer various hot meals from poke bowls to Thai noodles, making it a great place to experience local flavors.
4. Liliʻuokalani Gardens
JAPANESE GARDEN TRANQUILITY
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is the largest authentic Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan, offering a peaceful retreat right in Hilo. The 24-acre park features beautiful Japanese gardens with arching bridges, fishponds, pagodas, and rock gardens. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Hilo Bay and Mokuola (Coconut Island) while strolling through this tranquil landscape.
5. Kaumana Caves Park
VOLCANIC LAVA TUBE ADVENTURE
Kaumana Caves Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore an expansive lava tube formed during the 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa. Adventurous travelers can descend a metal ladder into the cave entrance and venture into the darkness with flashlights to witness unique volcanic formations. The accessible portion of the cave extends for miles, though most visitors explore just the first quarter-mile of this fascinating geological feature.
6. ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
SPACE AND CULTURE MUSEUM
The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is a state-of-the-art astronomy and Hawaiian cultural education center located on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. The facility features interactive exhibits that blend Hawaiian cultural traditions with modern astronomy, highlighting the connection between ancient Polynesian navigation and contemporary space exploration. Visitors can also enjoy shows at the full-dome planetarium theater that showcases the night sky and educational programs.
7. Carlsmith Beach Park
SEA TURTLE VIEWING SPOT
Carlsmith Beach Park offers one of the best swimming locations in Hilo with protected lagoons formed by natural lava rock barriers. The clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming, with frequent sightings of green sea turtles. Despite its name, this park has no sandy beach but instead features grassy areas for picnicking and comfortable lava rock entry points to access the refreshing water.
8. Coconut Island
PICTURESQUE BAY ISLAND
Coconut Island (Mokuola) is a small island in Hilo Bay connected to the mainland by a footbridge, offering stunning views of Mauna Kea and the Hilo coastline. This family-friendly spot features picnic areas, a small sandy beach, and a tower for jumping into the protected waters. The island holds cultural significance for native Hawaiians as it was once a place of healing and refuge in ancient times.
9. Pacific Tsunami Museum
DISASTER HISTORY EDUCATION
The Pacific Tsunami Museum educates visitors about the devastating tsunamis that struck Hilo in 1946 and 1960, forever changing the city's landscape. Exhibits include personal stories from survivors, scientific explanations of tsunami phenomena, and historical photographs documenting the destruction and recovery. The museum aims to promote public tsunami awareness and preparedness while preserving the history of these significant natural disasters.
10. Mokupapapa Discovery Center
MARINE CONSERVATION SHOWCASE
The Mokupapapa Discovery Center is one of the most sophisticated interpretative centers in Hawaii, providing unique insights into the protected marine waters and history of the Big Island. The center features a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive exhibits, and educational displays about the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Visitors can learn about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' fragile ecosystems and conservation efforts without having to travel to these remote protected areas.
11. Lyman Museum and Mission House
HAWAIIAN HISTORY PRESERVED
The Lyman Museum and Mission House offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii's rich history through its comprehensive exhibits on Hawaiian culture, natural history, and missionary life. The mission house, built in 1839, is one of the oldest standing wood structures in Hawaii and has been restored to showcase how missionary families lived during the 19th century. The adjacent museum contains an impressive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, minerals, shells, and exhibits detailing the diverse ethnic groups that have contributed to Hawaii's unique cultural landscape.
12. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
TROPICAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States, set within a stunning rainforest environment. The free-admission facility houses over 80 species, including the endangered nene goose (Hawaii's state bird), Bengal tigers, and various primates. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful botanical garden settings while walking through exhibits that showcase animals from around the world in a natural rainforest setting.
13. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
UPSCALE LOCAL CUISINE
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill offers a cozy ambiance and top-notch service for those seeking a special dining experience in Hilo. Their Hawaiian-influenced menu features mouthwatering dishes like Guava BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Panko Coconut Crusted Fish, and Mac Nut Ahi Tartare. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, plus offers a happy hour with discounted drinks and pupus (appetizers), making it a favorite for both special occasions and casual dining.
14. Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack
TROPICAL FRUIT DELIGHTS
Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack is famous for serving açaí bowls in hollowed-out pineapples, creating both a delicious treat and Instagram-worthy presentation. This unique eatery specializes in fresh tropical fruit creations that showcase Hawaii's bounty in creative ways. Visitors rave about the refreshing flavors and artistic presentations that make this spot a must-visit for food lovers exploring Hilo.
15. O.K. Farms
AGRICULTURAL TOUR EXPERIENCE
O.K. Farms offers educational farm tours that showcase Hawaii's diverse agricultural products including coffee, tea, chocolate, and tropical fruits. Visitors can explore the lush farm grounds while learning about sustainable farming practices and sampling fresh produce straight from the trees. The tour provides unique views of Rainbow Falls from the farm property, offering perspectives that can't be seen from the public viewing area.