Your Ultimate Guide to Hilo, Hawaii
Why Visit Hilo, Hawaii
I love Hawaii, and the Big Island is my favorite Island. I spend most of my vacation time in Kona and Captain Cook, and I have a soft spot for Hilo. I’ve visited twice, and both times were mind blowing in completely different ways.
My First Trip to Hilo, Waterfalls, Tacos, and Turtles
In 2020, I went to Hilo with my sister Carrissa Larsen. She’s a Nigerian dwarf dairy goat farmer and runs Lone Feather Farm. Carrissa actually came to Hawaii right before the COVID shutdown hit to help me set up Kona Landing, and we snuck in this trip to Hilo while she was here.
She convinced me to go horseback riding, something I had never done before. Our horses were sweet but mischievous. Mine bit hers on the butt right on the trail, which was chaotic and hilarious. We rode to a stunning private waterfall lagoon where we got to swim in the middle of our horseback ride.
After the ride, we went to Pineapples Restaurant for lunch. I still dream about those fish tacos. We also had an amazing coconut dessert, and my sister drank something out of a pineapple.
Later that afternoon, we swam at Carlsmith Beach Park. The calm lagoon waters are full of gigantic sea turtles, and we got in the water and they swam right up to us. It was amazing and frightening all at the same time. My sister was so excited that she jumped in with all of her clothes on.
My Second Trip to Hilo, Hiking Through the Lush East Side
In 2022, I came back with my friend Erica, who’s an incredible photographer based in Canada. We met several years ago through a Jenna Kutcher course, and we’ve been great friends ever since. We actually met in person for the first time while staying at Kona Landing.
We headed to Wailuku River State Park and the beautiful Hō‘ōkū Falls Lookout trail. It’s tropical, misty, and full of lush greenery. The hike to the waterfall was pure magic.
Free and Fun Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii
If you’re visiting Hilo, here are some of the top spots to add to your list
Marvel at Big Island waterfalls
Hilo is surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls, and they’re all surprisingly easy to reach.
Rainbow Falls sits just a few minutes from downtown and is known for the misty rainbows that appear when the sun hits the water in the morning. It’s a quick stop, but worth it, especially if you go early when it’s peaceful.
A short drive north brings you to ʻAkaka Falls State Park, home to a dramatic 442-foot waterfall framed by lush rainforest and ferns. The loop trail is paved and perfect for all ages, it feels like walking through a living jungle.
🔗 Learn more: Hawaiʻi State Parks – Rainbow Falls | ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Stroll through Liliuokalani Gardens
If you love peaceful spaces and scenic views, don’t skip Liliʻuokalani Gardens. This 24-acre Japanese-style garden is right along Hilo Bay and was built to honor Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Walk the red bridges, admire koi ponds, and relax beneath banyan trees while watching locals fish along the bay.
It’s especially beautiful at sunrise — the light hits the bridges just right, and the air smells like plumeria and rain.
🔗 Learn more: Liliʻuokalani Gardens Information – Hilo Downtown Improvement Association
Explore Coconut Island (Moku Ola)
Right next to Liliʻuokalani Gardens is Coconut Island, a tiny, bridge-connected island that’s perfect for a quick swim or picnic. Locals come here to jump off the old concrete tower into the calm bay waters, and kids love exploring the tide pools. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and maybe a poke bowl from town for lunch by the water.
🔗 Learn more: Hawaiʻi County Parks – Moku Ola (Coconut Island)
Browse the Hilo Farmers Market
This is one of the best markets in all of Hawaiʻi, and it’s open every day. If you can, visit on a Saturday when the full market is in swing. You’ll find colorful tropical fruits like rambutan, white pineapple, and apple bananas, plus handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally roasted coffee.
Don’t miss the mochi stand or the poke vendors, it’s an easy way to sample authentic local food while chatting with Hilo’s friendliest residents.
🔗 Learn more: Official Hilo Farmers Market Website
Swim at Carlsmith Beach Park
Carlsmith Beach Park is one of those spots that makes you fall in love with Hilo. It’s a series of turquoise lagoons surrounded by lava rock and bright green lawn, the kind of place where sea turtles just glide past you while you float. The water is calm thanks to the protective reef, so it’s great for snorkeling or simply relaxing with a floatie.
There’s no sandy beach here, so bring water shoes and a towel to spread out on the grass.
🔗 Learn more: Carlsmith Beach Park Guide – Love Big Island
Visit the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
For something totally unique to Hilo, spend an hour or two at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. It’s part science museum, part planetarium, and it beautifully connects Hawaiian culture with astronomy. You’ll learn how ancient navigators used the stars to explore the Pacific, and you can catch a planetarium show that’s surprisingly moving.
This one isn’t free, but it’s well worth the small admission fee for the storytelling and hands-on exhibits.
🔗 Learn more:ʻImiloa Astronomy Center Official Site
Where to Eat in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo may be laid-back, but its food scene is vibrant
Pineapples Restaurant
Located right in downtown Hilo, Pineapples is one of those open-air spots that always has a good vibe. The fish tacos and tropical cocktails are local favorites, and there’s often live music in the evenings. Grab a table facing the street and enjoy the warm breeze; it’s the perfect lunch stop after exploring Rainbow Falls.
🔗 Learn more: Pineapples Restaurant – Official Site
If you’re a foodie, make a reservation here. Moon and Turtle serves seasonal, Asian-inspired dishes using locally caught seafood and Big Island produce. The menu changes frequently, but expect things like seared ahi sashimi, smoked pork belly, and inventive house cocktails.
The space is cozy, modern, and run by a husband-and-wife team who bring genuine warmth to the experience.
🔗 Learn more: Moon and Turtle – Official Website
Café Pesto has been a Hilo favorite for decades. The open, airy space overlooks the bay, and the menu offers everything from seafood pasta to creative wood-fired pizzas. It’s a great place to bring the whole family or enjoy a slower dinner with a glass of wine after sunset.
🔗 Learn more: Café Pesto – Hilo Bay Location
You can’t leave Hilo without stopping by Suisan. This historic fish market has been serving locals since 1907, and it’s still the go-to for fresh poke bowls. Try the spicy ahi or the Hawaiian-style shoyu poke; everything is made to order, and you can sit by the harbor to eat with ocean views.
🔗 Learn more: Suisan Fish Market – Official Site
Want even more foodie recommendations? Check out our Kona, Hawaii Restaurants list.
Tips for Visiting Hilo
Pack a light rain jacket, Hilo’s lush beauty comes from all that rain
Rent a car to get around, as public transport is limited
Bring bug spray if you’re planning to hike or visit waterfalls
For more travel tips, don’t miss my complete Hawaii packing list.
Make Kona Your Home Base
While Hilo is lush and full of charm, most travelers prefer staying on the sunny Kona side and visiting Hilo as a day trip. Kona has more beaches, nightlife, and sunshine — plus it’s easy to drive across the island for a Hilo adventure.
If you’re looking for a modern, beachside stay, I’d love to host you at Kona Landing — a two-bedroom ocean-view condo just steps from Ali‘i Drive. It’s close to bars, restaurants, and all the best snorkeling spots on the Kona coast.
🔗 Explore more ideas in my full Guide to Kona, Hawaii.
