Hilo Activities Big Island 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

Hilo

4.64
Hilo, located on the lush east coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is known for its waterfalls, botanical gardens, and rich Hawaiian culture. Explore ʻAkaka Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and the Hilo Farmers Market. Visit museums, walk historic downtown, or take a guided tour to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. With rainforest scenery, black sand beaches, and a laid-back vibe, Hilo is perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Latest reviews of Hilo

Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing, Kilauea Volcano & Waterfall Tour

*** An Unforgettable Day Around the Big Island!***

2026/04/19 Couples Tony & Cathy

After researching several options, we chose the Ultimate Hawaii Circle Island Sightseeing tour from Veltra for our mid-April 2026 trip, and it did not disappoint. Our guide, Marcus, was total pro, wWith 15 years of exper... more

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Hawaii Horseback Riding Tour with Waterfall Swim at Umauma Falls

Best experience we had on the island!!

2026/04/01 Families Sheryl from San Diego

I can say enough good things about this experience! Everything about it!

Hawaii Zipline Tours - Big Island Waterfall & Rainforest Zip Adventure

Soars and laughter

2026/03/14 Friends zsarahz

I loved this zipline experience! I took a friend with me, and we had such an amazing time. The instructors were so funny and down to earth. Amazing views over the waterfall.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour - Volcanic Landscapes & Waterfalls

View the volcano

2026/02/07 Couples Bid Island lover

We were hopping the volcano would be erupting when we booked the flight, but missed by 2 days. We did see the layout of the volcano and got a better understanding what happens and where it happens.

Umauma Falls Experience - Waterfall Swim Tour, Kayak, SUP & Picnic Lunch

Great tour

2026/01/23 Friends Kara

Swimming beneath the waterfalls was refreshing, and the kayaking and SUP added a fun mix of adventure

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

A phenomenal experience worth the highest recommendation

2026/01/17 Families Ericka

Our guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and prepared and our experience was unique with the viewing of a huge shooting star crossing the sky as a prelude to the eruption of the volcano in the distance. Unforgettable,... more

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About Hilo

City Overview
Hilo is the largest town on Big Island and the wetter east-side hub. Population 45,000. Known for waterfalls, the Imiloa Astronomy Center, the historic downtown along Banyan Drive, and proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (45 minutes south). Daily flights from Honolulu and Kona.
Top Attractions
Rainbow Falls, Wailoa State Park, Imiloa Astronomy Center, Lyman Museum and Mission House, and Liliuokalani Park & Gardens (the largest authentic Japanese garden outside Japan) are all within 10 minutes of downtown.
Hilo Bay & Banyan Drive
Hilo Bay anchors the south side of town with the historic Banyan Drive lined by more than 60 massive banyan trees planted by visiting dignitaries. Walk past Coconut Island and along the bay path to Reeds Bay Beach Park.

Tours & Activities

Volcano Tours from Hilo
Hilo is the closest hub to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (30 miles south). Half- and full-day volcano tours leave from downtown daily. The self-drive option via Highway 11 takes 45 minutes. Park entry is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Helicopter Tours
Hilo International Airport hosts multiple helicopter operators offering 45 to 60-minute volcano and waterfall flights. Aerial views of Kilauea, Pu'u Oo, Mauna Kea, and Hilo Bay. Flights run year-round. Wear closed-toe shoes for boarding.
Waterfall Hikes
Akaka Falls (442 ft, 30 min north), Rainbow Falls (downtown), and Wailuku River parks Boiling Pots are easy half-day stops. Akaka Falls is paved and family-friendly. Rainbow Falls is best in early morning for the namesake rainbow effect.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit
Hilo is the wettest part of Hawaii (130+ inches annual rainfall) but rain is usually short and predictable, often clearing within an hour. April through October is the driest period. Year-round 70 to 85F temperatures with consistent humidity.
Getting There & Around
Hilo International Airport (ITO) has direct flights from Honolulu and inter-island. Rental cars are recommended starting at $45 per day. Most attractions are within 10 minutes of downtown. Public bus (HELE-ON) is limited and runs infrequent schedules.
Dining & Shopping
Hilo Farmers Market on Mamo Street runs Wednesdays and Saturdays and is a top stop. Cafe Pesto, Suisan Fish Market, and Two Ladies Kitchen for mochi are local favorites. Most stores close by 5pm; check evening dining hours ahead of visits.
Hilo Activities Big Island 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Hilo, located on the lush east coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is known for its waterfalls, botanical gardens, and rich Hawaiian culture. Explore ʻAkaka Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and the Hilo Farmers Market. Visit museums, walk historic downtown, or take a guided tour to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. With rainforest scenery, black sand beaches, and a laid-back vibe, Hilo is perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers.