Things To Do In Hilo Hawaii Free

Hilo is the largest settlement on Hawaii’s Big Island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Located on the wet windward side of the island, it is often referred to as the “rainy town” due to its abundant rainfall and lush tropical vegetation. The city is known for its beautiful waterfronts, stunning rainforests, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Hilo is a great place to explore with its many attractions and activities, many of which can be enjoyed for free. From beaches to rainforest hikes, and cultural events to outdoor markets, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii for free.

Exploring the City

Hilo is a great place to explore and get to know the local culture and sites. Start your day at the Banyan Drive, the oldest road in the city, which is lined with banyan trees planted in the 1930s by the Territorial Governor. At the end of the drive, you’ll find historic buildings such as the old courthouse, post office, and bank.

Continue your exploration of Hilo by visiting Hamakua Coast, an area of lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Here you can take a walk along the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, a walking path that follows the coastline and leads you to ancient Hawaiian sites, old fishing villages, and other historic sights.

Further down the coast is Hilo Bay, a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Here you will find several beaches, including Onekahakaha Beach Park, which offers public access to the bay. The beach is also home to a large fish pond that is stocked with fish for visitors to catch for free.

Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Hilo has plenty of hiking trails for you to explore. The Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is a great place to start, offering miles of hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. Further south is Akaka Falls State Park, home to Akaka Falls, one of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls at 440 feet tall.

For those who prefer more leisurely activities, visiting some of Hilo’s beaches can be a great way to spend time outdoors. Onekahakaha Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Other beaches in Hilo include Richardson Ocean Park, Coconut Island Beach Park, and Waiolena Beach Park. There’s plenty of opportunity to explore tide pools and look for sea creatures such as crabs and starfish.

Cultural Experiences

Hilo is steeped in Hawaiian culture and traditions, so why not take some time to explore them? The Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii offers free public programs that include cultural presentations about Hawaiian astronomy and how it was used in everyday life. The Lyman Museum & Mission House is another great place to learn about Hawaiian history and culture with exhibits ranging from art to artifacts from Hilo’s sugar industry.

The annual Merrie Monarch Festival is another great way to experience Hawaiian culture. Held every spring in Hilo for over 50 years, this festival features hula performances from around the world and other cultural events like arts & crafts fairs and traditional Hawaiian food.

Markets and Shopping

Hilo is also known for its vibrant markets where you can find locally made items like jewelry, art, clothing, and more. The Maku”u Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 8am-2pm and offers locally grown produce as well as prepared food from local vendors. The Hilo Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am-4pm and offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and special events like live music and crafts demonstrations.

For more traditional shopping experiences, Hilo also boasts a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs to local goods. There are several malls in town with stores ranging from designer brands to local boutiques. For more unique items, explore some of Hilo’s many vintage stores or specialty shops like the Uptown Hilo Shopping Center.

Book a Volcano Tour with Viator

Hilo is well known for its close proximity to Hawaii’s active volcanoes like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. A great way to experience these volcanoes up close is by taking a tour with Viator. The ‘Kilauea Volcano Small-Group Tour’ takes visitors on an 8-hour journey through the national park surrounding Kīlauea volcano with an included lunch stop. This tour includes a visit to the Kīlauea Visitor Center, a stop at Chain of Craters Road viewpoint overlooking Kīlauea Caldera, a walk through a lava tube cave, a visit to an ancient petroglyph field, and a guided hike through one of Hawaii’s newest lava flows. This tour is great for those who want to experience Hawaii’s volcanic landscape first-hand but don’t want to break the bank – it’s available for $144 per person.

Take a Sightseeing Cruise with GetYourGuide

For those looking for a relaxing tour of the area without having to do any physical activity, GetYourGuide offers a sightseeing cruise off the coast of Hilo that showcases some of the best sights and sounds of Hawaii’s Big Island. This 2-hour cruise takes passengers past Rainbow Falls, Coconut Island Beach Park, and Moku ola (Coconut Island). Along the way passengers will get up close views of dolphins and other marine wildlife while learning more about Hawaiian culture from the onboard guide. This tour costs $71 per person and includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or other accommodation in Hilo.

Hilo has so much to offer visitors looking for free activities that don’t break the bank. From exploring beaches and rainforests to attending cultural events or enjoying outdoor markets, there are plenty of things to do in Hilo for free. Whether you want to take a sightseeing cruise or explore some of Hawaii’s active volcanoes up close and personal, there are a variety of tours offered by Viator or GetYourGuide that can make your visit even more special.