Activities In Hilo Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii is a place that is both historically significant and naturally beautiful. Located on the east side of Hawaii’s Big Island, the city of Hilo is home to a diverse population, rich culture, and amazing scenery. From its magnificent waterfalls and botanical gardens to its historic landmarks and monuments, Hilo has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing day at the beach, or something in between, Hilo has it all.

History of Hilo

Hilo has a long and vibrant history. It was first settled by the ancient Polynesians about 1,000 years ago and was later inhabited by the Hawaiians. The city was first established as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1790. In the 1800s, Hilo became an important port for whaling ships and missionaries. In the mid-1800s, the city experienced an influx of Japanese immigrants and soon became known as Little Tokyo. After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, many Japanese-Americans were interned in camps in Hilo. Today, the city is a melting pot of cultures and traditions that have shaped its unique identity.

Things to Do In Hilo

Hilo is a vibrant and lively city with plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing day in the sun, Hilo has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Hilo:

Visit Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Hilo. The park features a diverse landscape of active volcanoes, lava fields, lush rain forests, and spectacular waterfalls. The park is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world and is one of the few places on earth where you can witness the powerful forces of nature up close. The park offers guided hikes, camping, and other activities, making it a great destination for adventure seekers.

Go Shopping in Downtown Hilo

Downtown Hilo is a great place to go shopping. From art galleries and boutiques to local farmers markets, downtown Hilo has something for everyone. You’ll find unique art pieces, local fashion items, and souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. The area also hosts regular cultural events such as the weekly Hilo Farmers Market where you can find locally grown produce, flowers, and handcrafted items.

Explore Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is one of the most majestic mountains in Hawaii. At an elevation of 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers breathtaking views of the Big Island’s landscape. The mountain is home to several observatories where visitors can observe stars and planets using powerful telescopes. It also offers activities such as hiking and camping.

Relax at Richardson Beach Park

Richardson Beach Park is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the ocean. This beach park features black sand beaches, tide pools, and a variety of sea life that make it a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing. The park also features picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for an outdoor meal with friends and family.

Take a Tour of Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls plunges more than 400 feet into a deep gorge below. The waterfall can be seen from several viewpoints along the Akaka Falls Trail and can also be accessed via boat tours from nearby Hilo Bay.

Popular Tours in Hilo

Hilo offers a variety of tours that provide visitors with an up close and personal look at all that the city has to offer. Here are two popular tours in Hilo:

Big Island Circle Tour

This tour takes visitors on an 8-hour journey around the entire island of Hawaii. The tour begins in Hilo and takes visitors on an educational journey exploring some of the island’s most stunning attractions such as Rainbow Falls, Waipio Valley Lookout, Liliuokalani Gardens and more. The tour also includes stops at famous historical sites such as Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore the Big Island’s natural beauty as well as its rich cultural history. Book Big Island Circle Tour here.

Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour

This tour takes visitors on an unforgettable adventure exploring Volcanoes National Park. The tour begins at Kilauea Visitor Center where visitors will learn about the history of volcanoes before heading out on foot to explore Kilauea Iki crater and other attractions within the park. This tour also includes stops at Thurston Lava Tube and Jaggar Museum before ending with a visit to the Big Island’s most active volcano – Kilauea Volcano. This tour is perfect for those looking for an adventure as well as those who want to learn more about volcanoes up close. Book Hilo Volcano Adventure Tour here.

Conclusion

Hilo is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. From incredible natural attractions to amazing cultural experiences, Hilo has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing day at the beach, Hilo won’t disappoint. Take advantage of all that Hilo has to offer and make sure you book one of these popular tours while you’re there!