Big Island region
Hilo
Rainy, green, local — and closest to the volcano
The Big Island’s historic, lived-in county seat on the windward side: a bayfront downtown, waterfalls within the town limits, a famous farmers market, and the shortest drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Photo: Chloe Leis via Unsplash
Stay here if…
You want to spend serious time at the volcano and the waterfalls, prefer a real town to a resort, and like better-value hotels.
The trade-off
It is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, swimming beaches are few, and the manta and snorkel boats leave from the other side of the island.
Hotels in Hilo
Rainy, green, local — and closest to the volcano
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Where to stay
Hotels in Hilo
Resort Hilo areaGrand Naniloa Hotel
Travelers who want full service on the Hilo side
It's the most full-service stay on the Hilo side, with Hilo Bay views and three towers named for the island's volcanoes. It shows its age in spots, so book it for the location and the amenities, not for luxury.
Good value Hilo areaHilo Hawaiian Hotel
Budget-minded travelers who want a Hilo Bay view
This is Hilo's classic, old-school bayfront hotel. It isn't fancy, but the Maunakea-over-the-bay view from an ocean-view room is hard to beat in town.
Good value Hilo areaSCP Hilo
Active, eco-minded travelers on a budget
It's the freshest-feeling budget pick in Hilo, and its sustainability goes beyond towel cards: EarthCheck benchmarking and a beach-cleanup program tied to every stay. The rooms are small, so spend your time out on the bay.
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Tours leaving from Hilo
Things to do
Our picks in Hilo
Snorkel SpotsHilo
Richardson Ocean Park
Think of it as Hilo's answer to Kahaluʻu: free, lifeguarded, and full of turtles. The water is cooler than on the Kona side, which feels great on a muggy Hilo afternoon.
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Swimming BeachesHilo
Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile)
Some of Hilo's calmest swimming water, with a lawn for your towel and no sand in your bag.
Read moreWaterfallsHilo
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
A five-minute stop that delivers. Come early on a sunny morning for your best shot at the rainbow.
Read moreCulture & HistoryHilo
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
A free, peaceful hour on Hilo's waterfront. Walk the bridges early, then head into town for breakfast.
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Culture & HistoryHilo
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
It's the best rainy-day stop in Hilo and the perfect primer before you drive up Maunakea.
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Shave Ice & SweetsHilo
Big Island Candies
This is the classic Hilo omiyage (gift) run. Watch the shortbread get dipped, then stock up for everyone back home.
Read moreShave Ice & SweetsHilo
Two Ladies Kitchen
The strawberry mochi is one of Hilo's great bites, so buy more than you think you'll need.
Read moreShave Ice & SweetsHilo
Wilson's by the Bay
Simple and unpretentious, it's exactly what you want after a morning at the farmers market just down Mamo Street.
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Local EatsHilo
Café 100
Eating a loco moco in Hilo is a rite of passage. Start with the classic.
Read moreLocal EatsHilo
Ken's House of Pancakes
Big plates and island syrups make this exactly the breakfast you want before a day at the volcano.
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Farmers MarketsHilo
Hilo Farmers Market
It's the best place on the island to eat your way through local fruit. Go on a Wednesday or Saturday morning and graze.
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