12 Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo is the rainy side of the Big Island, and that is precisely where its magic lives. The rain keeps everything impossibly green, feeds the waterfalls, and scares off the crowds that pack the Kona coast. I based myself here for a week and loved every minute, sunny or not. Hilo is a real town with a farmers market, an active volcano nearby, and a lazy riverside feel. Here is what I would do.
Shop the Hilo Farmers Market
The market at the edge of downtown is one of the best in Hawaii. I went on a Wednesday and Saturday morning and loaded up on tropical fruit, hot food, and homemade jams. The strawberry papaya here ruined other fruit for me. Go early before the stalls are picked over, and bring cash for the produce sellers who do not take cards.
Drink coffee and wander downtown
Hilo’s historic downtown holds wooden storefronts, cafes, and a calm pace. I had a Kona coffee and strolled along the river, past the arched bridges and shops. It feels like old Hawaii, unhurried and friendly. On big island standards the town is compact, so it is easy to cover on foot. Stop into the small shops and let the afternoon drift.
Watch the sunset at the Bayfront
Facing Hilo Bay, the waterfront puts on quiet sunsets that get overlooked in favor of Kona’s. I found a bench as the sky turned orange over the water and the palm trees framed the bay. It is free, easy, and a lovely way to end a day. If it rains, wait it out, because the light after a shower can be even better.
See Rainbow Falls in the morning
Early morning, when the sun is low, the spray off this broad waterfall can catch the light in a misty rainbow, and that is where the name comes from. I went at first light and got the classic view over the falls and the banyan tree below. It is right on the edge of town, so it costs nothing and takes an hour. Go before the tour vans arrive.
Drive to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is the most powerful place I visited on the island. I drove up to the volcano park, walked the crater rim, and watched steam rise from the vast caldera. When Kilauea is erupting, you may see glow at night. Check conditions before you go, since the activity changes constantly. Give it a full day, because the park has trails, lava tubes, and viewpoints that need time.
Hike the Lava Tube at the park
Inside the national park, a walkable lava tube runs beneath the surface, dark and cool and fascinating. I walked it with a small flashlight and felt the scale of the forces that shaped the island. It is another reminder that everything here is built by fire. The tube is easy to reach and the short walk around it is worth the time.
Stroll the Lili uokalani Gardens
These Japanese gardens sit at the edge of the bay, all red bridges, koi ponds, and manicured beauty. I walked the paths slowly, pausing at the views over the water. It is peaceful and free, and it makes a perfect pause in the middle of a busy day. On a rainy morning it has a moody charm that suits the town.
Explore the botanical wonder at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve
A short drive north, this garden nurtures plants from all over the tropics along a winding stream. I walked its paths under a canopy of giant leaves and blooming flowers. It feels like a real jungle, dense and alive. Wear shoes that can handle mud, because after rain the ground is soft. It is a genuine riot of color and green.
Try the island’s best malasadas
Hilo has a claim to some of the best malasadas, soft fried dough rolled in sugar. I ate mine warm from a shop downtown and understood the obsession immediately. Go early, because they sell out. Pair one with a cup of coffee and you have the perfect Hilo breakfast, rain or shine.
Drive to Akaka Falls State Park
A little north of town, a short paved loop leads to a thundering waterfall dropping over a cliff into a fern filled gorge. I stood on the overlook and just listened to the roar. The walk is easy and the jungle around it is spectacular. Go in the morning when the light hits the falls best and the path is less crowded.
Take a day trip to Mauna Kea for stars and sunset
Drive up the slope of this dormant giant for sunset above the clouds and some of the clearest stargazing on Earth. I went up in daylight, watched the sun sink through a sea of cloud, then stayed for the stars. The altitude is serious, so go slow and dress warmly. This is one of the great sunset experiences in Hawaii, well worth the drive.
Practical notes for your visit
Pack rain gear, because Hilo earns its wet reputation, especially at night and in winter. The sunnier days cluster from late spring through early autumn. A car is essential to reach the volcano, Mauna Kea, and the northern parks. Give yourself at least three days, ideally more, to balance town days and driving days. And remember that the rain is the gift that makes everything green.
Hilo is the Hawaii people visit when they want the island itself, not just the beach. Between the volcano, the waterfalls, and the easy town rhythm, it became my favorite spot on the Big Island.
