Things to do in  Hilo

Some of the most popular attractions in Hilo, Hawaii, include Liliʻuokalani Gardens, which features an extensive network of trails set among beautiful Japanese garden features; the cascading waterfalls at Rainbow Falls; and the Hilo Farmers Market, which happens twice a week in the heart of town.

You'll find fabulous beaches all over the Big Island, and while many of the prettiest ones are on its western side, there are a few good ones within Hilo’s city limits. Popular options include Carlsmith Beach Park, a family-friendly spot with great snorkeling, and Richardson Ocean Park, distinct for its green and black sand.

Yes, you can see lava flows and witness the power of volcanic activity by visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about a 45-minute drive from Hilo. Protecting the volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, this park attracts visitors interested in getting up close to volcanic activity by land or aboard a helicopter.

Yes, there are plenty of volcano tours available near Hilo, from shore excursions designed for cruise travelers just visiting the port for a day to full-day tours that take you to Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For astronomy fans, some tours will bring you to the observatory on the top of Mauna Kea.

The temperatures in Hilo are relatively consistent throughout the year, with slightly warmer weather in the summer than in the winter. The winters here also tend to have fewer rainy days, with an average of 12 days of rainfall in January and February as opposed to 21-plus days of rain in July and August.

Yes, there are lots of waterfalls worth visiting in and around Hilo. The most famous is Rainbow Falls, situated in Hilo's Wailuku River State Park. Others worth visiting on the Wailuku River include Pe’epe’e Falls, about 1.6 miles (3 kilometers) west of Rainbow Falls, and the nearby Wai'ale Falls.