Things To Do Near Hilo Hawaii

Hilo is the largest city in the county of Hawaii and the second largest city in the state. It is located on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanoes. With its picturesque views and vibrant culture, Hilo is a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world.

A Brief History of Hilo

Hilo was first inhabited by Polynesian settlers around 1000 AD. It was then colonized by the British in 1820 and eventually annexed to the United States in 1898. The city experienced a period of rapid growth in the early 20th century, mainly due to the development of sugar plantations and other agricultural activities in the area. The city has since become a cultural melting pot, with a diverse population made up of people from all over the world.

Popular Sights and Activities

Hilo is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, so there is plenty to explore and discover in this tropical paradise. Here are some of the most popular sights and activities for tourists visiting Hilo for the first time:

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park is an idyllic spot where visitors can take a leisurely stroll through lush vegetation, admire beautiful waterfalls, and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park features two spectacular waterfalls – Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls – which cascade down from a height of 442 feet and 100 feet respectively. There are also numerous hiking trails through the park, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s magnificent scenery.

Imiloa Astronomy Center

The Imiloa Astronomy Center is an educational facility dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Hawaiian culture and astronomy. The center features interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and live demonstrations that illustrate how the ancient Hawaiians used astronomy to navigate the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can also explore the facility’s planetarium, which offers spectacular views of the night sky.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis situated on 17 acres of lush tropical rainforest. The garden features a spectacular array of exotic tropical plants, trees, and flowers from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the garden’s myriad of trails on their own. There are also several educational programs offered at the garden, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all ages to learn about tropical ecology.

Lyman Museum & Mission House

The Lyman Museum & Mission House is a historic museum that showcases artifacts from Hilo’s past. The museum features exhibitions on Hawaiian culture and history, as well as displays of significant artifacts from Hilo’s early years as a center of trade and commerce. Visitors can also view the historic mission house, which was built in 1839 and is the oldest wooden structure in Hilo.

Kilauea Volcano National Park

Kilauea Volcano National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails and take in breathtaking views of molten lava as it streams down the mountain’s slopes. The park also features several observation platforms and educational programs that provide insight into the fascinating history and geology of Kilauea Volcano.

Popular Tours

Hilo is full of amazing sights and activities that are sure to make any visit an unforgettable experience. Here are two popular tours that allow visitors to explore the city and its surrounding areas:

Historic Downtown Hilo Tour

Take a guided tour of Hilo’s historic downtown area and visit some of its most famous landmarks. On this tour, visitors will get to explore Hilo’s picturesque streets, as well as its most iconic buildings, such as the Lyman Museum & Mission House, Mokupapapa Discovery Center, and Hilo Bayfront Park. The tour also includes stops at some of Hilo’s most popular restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Hilo. Book a Historic Downtown Hilo Tour here.

Volcanoes National Park Tour

Experience one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions on a full-day tour of Volcanoes National Park. On this tour, visitors will get to witness some of Kilauea Volcano’s most spectacular geological features and take in stunning views of molten lava as it streams down the mountain’s slopes. The tour includes a stop at Jagger Museum, which offers a wealth of educational programming related to volcanology, geology, and Hawaiian culture. The tour also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Hilo and lunch at Volcano House Restaurant. Book a Volcanoes National Park Tour here.

Conclusion

Hilo is a vibrant city filled with amazing sights and activities for all ages. From its picturesque waterfalls to its bustling downtown area, Hilo is sure to make any visit an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural attractions, Hilo has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today and get ready to explore one of Hawaii’s most beautiful cities!