11 Amazing Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii
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If you’re looking for the most lush, dramatic side of the Big Island, Hilo is where you’ll find it. This guide to amazing things to do in Hilo covers waterfalls, rainforest views, and the slower, more local feel that makes this side of the island so different from Kona (but there are plenty of epic things to do in Kona too!). Known as the rainy side of the island, Hilo stays unbelievably green year-round, which means flowing waterfalls and scenery that feels straight out of a movie.
We actually lucked out with zero rain during our 4 days on the Big Island, but still got all the benefits—bright green landscapes, waterfalls in full force, and cooler, breezier days. Whether you’re planning a full stay or squeezing Hilo into a day trip, these are the best things to do in Hilo to help you make the most of this side of the island!
Things to Do in Hilo
1. Hilo Farmers Market
One of the best places to start your time in Hilo is the Hilo Farmers Market, which is open seven days a week. It’s the perfect stop for fresh fruit, local snacks, and a quick feel for the area. We popped in to grab some fruit, and they even cut it up for us so we could snack on it while walking around!
You’ll find everything from tropical fruit and smoothies to local vendors selling honey, baked goods, and handmade items. It’s an easy, low-key way to experience the local side of Hilo and a great place to fuel up before heading out to explore waterfalls or other nearby spots.
2. Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park is an easy stop and absolutely worth it, especially if you’re short on time but still want to see an impressive waterfall. Parking inside the park costs $10, plus $5 per person to enter. We did notice some parking just outside the park that you could use to save a few bucks, but we didn’t realize it until it was too late.
The trail is a short, paved loop (0.4 miles), and you can plan to spend a little over 30 minutes here. Even though it’s quick, the walk is beautiful—you’re surrounded by rainforest, wild orchids, bamboo, and a few smaller waterfalls along the way.
The main event is Akaka Falls, which drops an incredible 442 feet and is easily the most impressive waterfall we saw that day. You’ll also pass Kahuna Falls, which stands at 100 feet. If you only have time to squeeze in one waterfall from this list, I’d 100% recommend making it Akaka Falls.
3. Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Hilo! This Japanese-style garden sits right along the water, complete with bridges, koi ponds, and manicured paths. It’s beautiful to wander through, snap a few photos, and just enjoy the gentle sounds of the ocean in the background. Even if you only have a few minutes, it’s a serene little escape in the middle of Hilo.
For an all-in-one Hilo experience, this tour is a great alternative! It takes you through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and more! Giving you a full taste of the island’s highlights in one day.
4. Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves lets you explore a massive lava-tube cave formed by Mauna Loa in 1881, and it’s honestly pretty insane to see in person.
You’ll walk down a staircase and straight into the cave, where you can wander through the dark, rocky tunnels and really get a feel for the island’s volcanic history. It’s one of the best things to do in Hilo for free. If you’re up for a little adventure, this one is a must.
We checked out a lava tube on the Road to Hana in Maui, and this one was on a much larger scale.
5. Wailuku River State Park
Wailuku River State Park is an easy stop with multiple waterfalls, making it perfect if you want to see a lot without doing much walking. The most famous spot here is Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades over a lava tube. There’s no trail involved—you literally park, walk a few steps, and you’re at a viewpoint overlooking the falls.
This makes it a great option if you’re traveling with anyone who can’t hike but still wants to experience Hilo’s waterfalls. Just over five minutes away, you’ll also find Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls, which are part of the same park. Like Rainbow Falls, these are quick pull-off stops with overlooks rather than full hikes.
When we visited, the waterfall at Pe’epe’e Falls was a little dry, but during rainier seasons it probably looks much more dramatic. Boiling Pots is especially interesting—it’s a series of pools along the river that appear to “boil” during heavy rainfall because of how fast and turbulent the water becomes.
6. Explore Downtown Hilo
Hilo’s downtown area has a very different vibe from the rest of the island—quieter, more local, and full of character. Take some time to wander the streets, check out art galleries, local shops, and cafes, and maybe grab a snack or coffee along the way. It’s a nice counterbalance to all the nature-focused stops and a great way to feel the rhythm of Hilo life beyond the waterfalls.
We loved checking out a couple of the local cafes: The Sippin’ Siren and Just Cruisin’ Coffee!
7. Mauna Kea
No list of things to do in Hilo would be complete without a visit to Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii and one of the best places to experience the Big Island’s natural beauty. The summit sits at 13,681 feet, so it’s a dramatic change in scenery from the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Hilo.
A few things to know before you go: the summit is cold and high altitude, so bring warm layers and go slow if you’re sensitive to elevation. Many people visit for sunset and stargazing, which are absolutely unforgettable—the night skies here are incredibly clear, making it one of the best places in the world to see the stars and even the Milky Way.
If you’re planning to drive yourself, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for the summit road. Otherwise, there are guided tours that handle transportation and provide extra safety while sharing lots of local knowledge. Whether you’re into astronomy, breathtaking views, or just checking off a Big Island must-do, Mauna Kea is one of those stops you won’t forget.
8. Jungle Tide Pools Hike
If you’re down for a bit of adventure, this Secret Tide Pool Hike is a fantastic option. This guided tour takes you into Hilo’s lush jungle terrain and leads you to hidden tide pools that most visitors never find on their own.
The hike mixes a little bit of easy trail walking with some fun, rugged terrain as you get closer to the shore, and once you arrive at the tide pools, the views and clear water are worth every step. It’s a great way to see Hilo’s tropical landscape up close and experience something a little off the beaten path.
9. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
No trip to Hilo feels complete without a visit to Volcanoes National Park. Entry is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days, or free if you have a National Parks Pass. Since there are two national parks on the Big Island and one on Maui, the pass is definitely worth it if you plan to visit more than one.
This park protects some of the most incredible landscapes in Hawai‘i and is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. The park stretches from sea level all the way up to 13,681 feet, which is wild when you really think about it.
Before heading in, I highly recommend downloading the Shaka Guide app and purchasing the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tour. The app works offline, follows your GPS, and feels like having a local guide in the car—telling you where to stop and what you can skip if you’re short on time.
If you don’t use the app, some of our favorite stops were:
- Volcano steam vents
- Sulphur Banks hike
- Devil’s Throat Crater
- Pauahi Crater
- Kīlauea Iki Overlook
- Muliwai O Pele
A few popular spots like Thurston Lava Tube and Puhimau Crater were closed when we visited, so if they’re open during your trip, definitely add them to your list.
The park is open 24 hours, and seeing it at night is an absolute must. There are several eruption viewpoints, but our favorite was just past Devastation Trail, which includes about a 1-mile walk. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and try to go later in the evening if you can—it was still busy around 9:30 PM when we went.
If you only want to make the drive once, either go early in the morning to catch lava while it’s still dark or commit to a night visit. Experiencing the glow of the lava in the dark was a true wow moment and something I’ll never forget. And on your walk, turn off your light for a second and look up—the night sky here is unreal, and you can even see the Milky Way.
10. Volcano Winery
Volcano Winery is a fun and unexpected stop near Volcanoes National Park. They’re known for their unique wines and a few different meads, so naturally we did a tasting to try a little bit of everything. Our lineup included pinot noir, Volcano Red, Hawaiian guava-grape, plus a macadamia nut honey mead and even an infusion tea wine mead.
I usually like meads in small doses since they can be thick and syrupy, but these were surprisingly light. The macadamia nut honey mead was easily my favorite—so good that we ended up grabbing two bottles to take home!
11. Eat Some Amazing Thai Food
One thing Hawaii does really well is Thai food, and Thai Thai Bistro & Bar did not disappoint. Like most Thai spots, the portions are super generous. Remi and I shared the Thai Thai special curry with shrimp, and it was seriously stellar. Even split between the two of us, it kept us full for hours.
Some of the best Thai food I’ve had has actually been in Hawaii, and this spot is a great example of that. It’s located right by the entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which makes it the perfect place to fuel up before spending a few hours exploring the park!
Getting Around in Hilo
When it comes to getting around Hilo, you’re definitely going to want a rental car, especially if you plan on visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or chasing waterfalls outside of town. Many of the best things to do in Hilo are spread out, and having your own car makes the whole experience way easier and more flexible. I love using rentalcars.com because it compares different companies and finds you the best deal!
If your trip allows for it, exploring both Hilo and Kona is so worth it. We had four days on the Big Island and split our time between the two areas, which gave us a really good feel for how different each side of the island is. Having a car made it simple to move between them and experience the full range of what the Big Island has to offer.
Where to Stay in Hilo
When it comes to where to stay in Hilo, vacation rentals are your best bet. There aren’t a ton of traditional hotel options in this area, especially if you plan to spend time at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
We stayed in a VRBO located between Hilo and the park, and it was perfect for our plans. The location made it easy to explore Hilo during the day and head into the park without a long drive. If you’re looking for something similar, VRBO is a great place to start, and you can also find some solid rental options on Booking.com.
Which of these Hilo activities are you checking out first?
Hilo is such a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the island, with lush scenery, powerful waterfalls, and some of the most unique experiences on the Big Island. I hope this guide helps you plan your time in Hilo and gives you a good mix of must-see spots and more relaxed moments. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a little longer, this side of the island shows off a completely different side of Hawaii that’s well worth experiencing!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:
Best Things to Do on Kauai’s North Shore
