Attractions and Places To See around Hilo - Top 20

Hilo is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall known for the rainbows that often appear in its mist. Nearby are Peʻepeʻe Falls and the turbulent Boiling Pots. Further north, ʻAkaka Falls State Park features the magnificent 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls. For unique plant life, explore the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens, or the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens with its Japanese-style landscaping.

Yes, Hilo offers several family-friendly options. The Liliʻuokalani Gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and Rainbow Falls is easily accessible for all ages. Coconut Island (Moku Ola) is a small islet connected by a footbridge, ideal for swimming and picnicking. The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is also a great choice, being the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S. and home to over 80 animal species.

Downtown Hilo features centuries-old wooden storefronts, many on the National Register of Historic Places, housing galleries and shops. The Lyman Museum and Mission House offers insights into Hawaiian culture and 19th-century Hilo life. The Pacific Tsunami Museum educates visitors about the tsunamis that have impacted the islands. You can also see the King Kamehameha Statue in Wailoa River State Recreation Area and drive along Banyan Drive, lined with trees planted by famous individuals.

Hilo is a great base for outdoor adventures. For hiking, you can explore trails like the Liliʻuokalani Gardens Loop or the Hilo Bayfront Trail. The hike to Ha'ena Beach and Sea Turtles offers a challenging trek through a lush forest. For running, consider routes around Coconut Island via Banyan Drive. Cyclists can find routes ranging from easy city rides to more challenging trips like Hilo to Kolekole Beach Park & ʻAkaka Falls State Park.

Hilo offers distinctive coastal experiences. Ha'ena Beach and Sea Turtles is known for its clear blue water and opportunities to spot green sea turtles. Richardson Ocean Park and Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile Beach) feature black sand mixed with green olivine crystals and calm waters, also popular for spotting sea turtles. Coconut Island (Moku Ola) provides sheltered swimming areas and scenic views of Hilo Bay.

Many of Hilo's key attractions offer good accessibility. Rainbow Falls is easily viewed from its parking lot. ʻAkaka Falls State Park has a paved loop trail for viewing its waterfalls. Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island are generally flat and accessible via paved paths or footbridges, making them suitable for visitors with mobility considerations.

Hilo experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it can rain year-round. However, the drier months, typically from May to October, offer more sunshine and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, perfect for visiting waterfalls, gardens, and beaches.

While popular spots are well-loved, consider exploring the Kaumana Caves, a lava tube formed by an 1881 Mauna Loa eruption, offering a unique glimpse into volcanic history. The scenic Banyan Drive, with its historic trees, provides a peaceful and picturesque experience. For a blend of culture and science, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center offers fascinating exhibits on Hawaiian navigation and space.

Exploring Rainbow Falls typically takes a short amount of time, often 15-30 minutes, as it's easily accessible from the parking lot. You'll see an impressive 26-meter high waterfall of the Wailuku River. The name comes from the fact that the spray often creates a rainbow in the morning, usually around 10 AM. There's also a cave beneath the falls, steeped in Hawaiian legend.

You can often spot green sea turtles (Honu) at several Hilo beaches. Ha'ena Beach and Sea Turtles is particularly known for them, where they can be seen resting on the rocks. Richardson Ocean Park and Carlsmith Beach Park are also popular spots where these gentle creatures frequent the clear, calm waters. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from the turtles.

Yes, Hilo is home to two beautiful botanical gardens. The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens (formerly Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden) is highly regarded for its diverse plant life, including palm jungles and an orchid garden. The Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a 30-acre Japanese-style garden featuring fishponds, pagodas, and rock gardens, offering peaceful views of Hilo Bay.

Beyond the marine life like green sea turtles at local beaches, Hilo offers the unique Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens. This is the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, where you can see over 80 animal species, including Bengal tigers, and a diverse collection of tropical plants.

Hilo offers several picturesque viewpoints. From Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island, you can enjoy stunning views of Hilo Bay and even Mauna Kea on a clear day. The Onomea Bay Trail, near the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens, provides multiple beautiful vistas of the bay where the jungle meets the ocean.