Things To Do In Hilo Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii, is a small town located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the county seat of Hawaii County and the largest city in the county. With its population of over 43,000, it is the fourth most populous city in the state. It is known for its lush tropical rainforest and spectacular beaches, as well as its unique culture, rich history, and friendly people.

Hilo has a long and interesting history, dating back to its establishment by King Kamehameha I in 1790. It became an important trading port for the Hawaiian Kingdom, and during the 19th century it was also home to a large number of missionaries. In the early 20th century, Hilo became a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world.

Today, Hilo is a vibrant and diverse city that offers visitors a unique experience of Hawaii culture and lifestyle. From its lush rainforest and stunning beaches to the friendly locals and delicious cuisine, Hilo is an ideal destination for vacationers looking to explore Hawaii’s natural beauty. Read on to discover some of the many things to do in Hilo, Hawaii.

Explore Lush Tropical Rainforest

One of the best things to do in Hilo is exploring its lush tropical rainforest. This vast expanse of green, filled with cascading waterfalls and streams, is a paradise for nature lovers. From hiking through the verdant forest to swimming in its crystal-clear pools, there are plenty of ways to experience the beauty of this unique rainforest.

The Akaka Falls State Park is one of the most popular destinations for rainforest exploration. This spectacular park features two magnificent waterfalls that plunge over 400 feet into a deep ravine. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to see these impressive waterfalls up close or enjoy them from a distance on one of the park’s scenic overlooks.

The World Botanical Gardens is another great place to explore the rainforest. This expansive garden features more than 500 species of native and exotic plants, including rare orchids, giant ferns, and tropical flowers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gardens or wander through them at their own pace.

Visit Spectacular Beaches

Hilo’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in all of Hawaii. From the black sand beaches of Puna to the white sand beaches of Hilo Bay, there are plenty of stunning beaches to choose from. Popular beaches include Richardson Ocean Park, Wailoa State Recreation Area, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Richardson Ocean Park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The beach features crystal-clear waters and gentle waves that make it ideal for swimming. There are also several nearby restaurants where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal after a day at the beach.

Wailoa State Recreation Area is another popular beach destination. This beach features soft golden sand and beautiful views of Hilo Bay. It is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun. There is also a nearby picnic area with tables and grills where visitors can enjoy a meal with family and friends.

Onekahakaha Beach Park is another beautiful beach located near Hilo. This beach features soft white sand and gentle waves that make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. There are also several nearby restaurants where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal after a day at the beach.

Enjoy Delicious Cuisine

Hilo’s unique blend of Hawaiian, Asian, and Polynesian cultures makes it an ideal destination for foodies looking to experience the flavors of Hawaii. From seafood shacks serving up fresh catches from the ocean to traditional Hawaiian restaurants serving up local favorites like poke bowls, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Hilo.

One popular spot is Ken’s House of Pancakes, a local favorite serving up delicious breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and omelets. The restaurant also has an extensive lunch menu with burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, and more.

Another popular spot is Café Pesto, an Italian restaurant serving up delicious pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna as well as other Italian favorites like pizza and calzones. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of wines to choose from.

Finally, no visit to Hilo would be complete without trying some traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Popular dishes include poke bowls, lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), kalua pig (cooked in an underground oven), lomi salmon (salmon mixed with tomatoes and onions), and haupia (coconut-flavored custard).

Experience Local Culture

Hilo is home to a vibrant mix of cultures that make it an ideal destination for those interested in experiencing local culture firsthand. From traditional hula performances to music festivals and art galleries, there are plenty of cultural attractions to explore in Hilo.

The Mauna Loa Volcano Visitor Center is one of the most popular attractions in Hilo. The center offers guided tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well as interactive exhibits about volcanology and Hawaiian culture. Visitors can also learn more about traditional Hawaiian practices such as hula dancing and lei making.

The East Hawaii Cultural Center is another great place to explore local culture. This center features art exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and live performances that showcase traditional Hawaiian culture as well as other cultures from around the world.

The Imiloa Astronomy Center is also a great spot for culture lovers. This center features interactive exhibits about astronomy and Hawaiian culture as well as planetarium shows that explore how ancient Polynesians used astronomy to navigate the Pacific Ocean.

Popular Tours

For those looking for an organized way to explore Hilo’s attractions, there are several popular tours available that will make it easy to experience the best of what this charming city has to offer. Here are two popular tours worth checking out:

Hiking Adventure at Akaka Falls State Park

Take an exciting hike through Akaka Falls State Park on this guided tour. The tour starts at the visitor center where your guide will provide an overview of the park before leading you on a hike through its lush rainforest trails. Along the way you’ll get up close views of two majestic waterfalls plunging into deep ravines below before ending with a delicious picnic lunch with your guide. Book a Hiking Adventure at Akaka Falls State Park here.

Hilo Bay Kayak Tour

Explore Hilo Bay from a unique perspective on this guided kayak tour. You’ll get up close views of small islands, coral reefs, sea caves, and other hidden gems in this serene bay as you paddle alongside your guide through tranquil waters. The tour also includes snorkeling stops where you can get up close views of tropical marine life before ending with a picnic lunch with your guide. Book a Hilo Bay Kayak Tour here.

Conclusion

Hilo is an unforgettable destination with something for everyone – from lush rainforests to stunning beaches, delicious cuisine to vibrant culture – there’s no shortage of things to do in Hilo, Hawaii. So whether you’re looking for a leisurely beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Hilo has something for you!