Where Black Sand Beaches Meet Active Volcanoes — This Destination Is Also Home to Spectacular Waterfalls Hidden in Lush Rainforests
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The top things to do in Hilo, Hawaii include seeing the breathtaking Kulaniapia Falls and attending a luau. With so much to see and do, it’s worth adding this small city to your travel bucket list this year.
Close to ten million visitors descend on Hawaii every year. Besides Oahu, many people fly to the Big Island to experience its laid-back vibes and nature.
Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island. It has a population of around 48,000. Surrounding it are breathtaking natural monuments, protected reefs, and volcanoes. It’s hard not to fall in love with a landscape like this.
Besides its beauty is its culture and history. Visitors will find everything from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to local Hawaiian art. Below are the 12 best things to see and experience in Hilo, Hawaii. We chose these destinations based on Google reviews and personal and local recommendations.
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Highlights at a Glance
Bike Around Town
Once you arrive, check it out by renting a bike and seeing the town. Hilo is a small city and easy to check out in a day by bike.
There are several excellent paths to ride through. You’ll see fantastic views of the coast and bike around historical neighborhoods. Take your time to see the city and find off-path destinations.
Once you’ve seen the town, consider heading even further off the beaten path. Companies such as Hawai’i Island Bike Tours offer plenty of adventurous tours via bike. You can rent bikes and see the forests, volcanoes, and coastlines surrounding the city.
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See Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa is Hawaii’s largest mountain and an active volcano. At the peak is the largest active volcano, at 13,680 feet.
You can’t get near the crater safely but can drive to several observation points. One of the best is located along Moana Loa Road, just west of the city.
From town, you can see the towering mountain up close. Check it out at sunset for a wonderful photo of the mountain illuminated in the evening sun.
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Try Hawaiian Food
Hawaiian cuisine is fast becoming a global staple. Dishes such as poke are everywhere, even in remote corners of the world.
The cuisine evolved from traditional Polynesian cuisine, which uses ingredients such as taro root, banana, fish, and pork. After Hawaii was colonized, immigrants from Japan, China, the US, and the Philippines brought their cooking styles.
When all these traditions came together, Hawaiian cuisine was born. In Hilo, you can sample traditional food downtown. Grab a plate lunch and load up on rice, mac’n’cheese, and heaping scoops of poi.
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Attend a Luau
Luau’s are traditional feasts and parties that go back thousands of years to the island’s original inhabitants. The traditions evolved to include modern food and music, but the essence is the same.
You’ll usually check in and receive a floral lei around your neck. Then, you’ll enjoy some activities, take a seat, and enjoy the food. During the feast and after are the dances and other performances.
There are several places in Hilo where you can experience a luau. Many resorts offer them, so ask your host about your options.
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Go Swimming in Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is just a short drive from downtown Hilo. When you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by lush jungle. At the end of the short trail are the waterfalls and swimming pools.
Spend the day here and relax next to the waterfall. Many hiking trails surround the property, so feel free to set off and explore.
You can stay at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls or purchase a day pass. The area is beautiful but popular, so book your room or day pass ahead of time.
Read also: Hikes With Breathtaking Views
Taste the Sweets at Lavaloha Farm
Lavaloha Farm produces homemade and homegrown chocolate! It’s as if Willy Wonka packed up and moved his operation to the islands.
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Tour the farm and see cocoa trees growing in the forest. You’ll learn about every step of chocolate production, including the eating part! From fresh cocoa fruit to the tasty chocolate they produce, you’ll be in for a culinary adventure.
The farm started in 2002 as a project between farmers and creatives. Today, it’s one of Hawaii’s biggest chocolate producers.
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Snorkel Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park is a small park with a stunning natural landscape. It’s arguably the best place in town to see the sunrise. It also has stunning reefs to explore with a snorkel.
Rent snorkels and dive into the clear blue waters. The reefs are protected by a seawall, so you never have to worry about currents.
You’ll see impressive corals, fish, and maybe a sea turtle if you’re lucky. If you visit during the weekend, good luck finding a space in the sand. Weekdays are the best times to visit.
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Drive to Akaka Falls State Park
It’s hard to find a more stunning location than Akaka Falls State Park. You’ll gaze in wonder at towering palm trees surrounding a cascading jungle waterfall.
The waterfall crashes down a jagged cliff close to 450 feet. It’s surrounded by tropical rainforests and incredible flora and fauna, such as colorful birds and ferns.
The state park has tons of epic hiking trails leading to the main waterfall. On the short hike to the falls, you’ll pass other waterfalls and breathtaking jungle views.
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Sample the Local Beer
Hilo’s is a craft beer town full of enjoyable places to sip on some brews. Brewpubs like Ola Brew offer plenty of delicious food and non-alcoholic options.
Just south of Hilo is Big Island Meadery, one of the first mead producers in Hawaii. It serves artisanal honey wine in a beautiful setting. Song with delicious mead, it hosts fun events, cookouts, and special food trucks.
Around town, you can find restaurants and bars that specialize in craft beer from other islands. Come thirsty and curious because Hawaii’s beer scene is definitely worth checking out.
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Dine at Cafe 100
Cafe 100 is a historical restaurant that created one of Hawaii’s most famous dishes: the Loco Moco. The dish is simple. White rice, a hamburger, thick gravy, and an egg.
The restaurant opened in 1946 and quickly grew in popularity. Today, it’s one of Hilo’s most adored local haunts.
Try the loco moco or the delicious beef stew. Visit just before lunch to avoid the rush. Come hungry because the portions are massive.
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Go Art Shopping
Art shopping in Hilo is a local pastime. It’s also one of the best things to do as a visitor. Check out galleries and art studios around town.
Between meeting local artists and admiring their work, take your time to walk through town and see the colorful murals. From modern graffiti to historical depictions of Hawaiian history, there’s plenty to check out.
Downtown is the best place to find galleries, murals, and boutique art stores. You’ll find small gifts, paintings, and homemade jewelry to bring home as souvenirs.
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See the Stars on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is a towering volcano just north of Hilo. It’s 13,803 ft high and covered in snow in winter.
At the summit are active telescopes, including the famous James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. The telescopes are some of the world’s most advanced.
Visit the peak and its visitor center, which is run by the University of Hawaii. You’ll learn about the volcano and the astronomical observations made at its peak. Stay at night for incredible stargazing.
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