Things to do in Hilo
Discover amazing Hilo activities and premium in-home experiences.
Hilo, a vibrant city on the Big Island of Hawaii, is where lush rainforests meet breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches. Known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic arts scene, Hilo invites visitors to explore its farmers' markets brimming with tropical delights and enjoy leisurely strolls through charming downtown streets dotted with shops offering local crafts. Whether you're marveling at volcanic landscapes or savoring fresh poke by the bay, Hilo promises an unforgettable Hawaiian experience that blends natural beauty with island warmth.
Popular Activities in Hilo
Mauna Kea Summit: Sunset & Telescope Viewing
Witness a Pacific summit sunset and enjoy a guided stargazing session through a professional telescope.
Guided Beach Night Dive for Certified Divers
Experience Hawaii Island's vibrant marine life on a guided night dive for certified adventurers
Sea Turtle & Black Sand Beach Snorkel in Hilo
Explore vibrant marine life and volcanic beaches on a fully guided 3-hour snorkel adventure.
Hilo Big Game Fishing: Mahi Mahi & Ahi Charter
Reel in Mahi Mahi and Ahi alongside an expert crew on a 4–8 hour private charter
Hilo Humpback Whale Watching Boat Tour
Search for migrating humpbacks on a 1.5-hour boat tour off Hawaii’s coast
2 Tank Shore Dive at Leleiwi Beach, Hilo
Explore Hilo’s reefs on a guided two-tank shore dive with local pros
Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Hilo
Learn scuba basics in a pool, then dive Hilo’s clear waters with pro supervision
Hilo Remote Reef Ridge 2-Tank Boat Dive
Explore remote Hamakua Coast dive sites with expert guides on a two-tank boat adventure
Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Kayak Adventure
Paddle calm Hilo Bay to Coconut Island with a local guide and rich history
Leleiwi Beach One-Tank Shore Dive
Guided shore dive with abundant marine life and a turtle cleaning station
Hilo One-Tank Boat Dive
Explore East Hawai‘i reefs by boat with expert local guides in small groups
Cliffs of Hawai’i Onomea Waterfall Cruise
Sail Hilo’s coast to see waterfalls and sea cliffs while hearing stories of old Hawai‘i on a relaxing 2-hour cruise
Hilo Bay Myths and Legends Waterfall Kayak Adventure
Paddle Hilo Bay and Wailuku River with expert guides, exploring myths, waterfalls, and wildlife
Maunakea Stellar Explorer Hilo
Enjoy safe solar viewing and nighttime stargazing with Hilo pickup
Hilo Cacao Farm Tour with Single-Origin Tasting
Explore a family cacao orchard and savor 10 single-origin Hawaiian chocolates.
Cacao Farm Tour & Chocolate Tasting in Hilo
Sample 10 single-origin chocolates and explore a scenic Hawaiian cacao farm
Tree-to-Chocolate Tour
Learn how Hawaiian chocolate is grown and made from tree to bar
Hawaiian Cacao Farm Tour with 12-Course Tasting
Discover cacao from tree to bar and enjoy a 12-course estate chocolate tasting
Honomu Zipline: 7 Lines & Waterfall Views
Fly across seven thrilling lines, including a 450-foot ravine, while guides share Hawaii’s nature and culture.
Guided Waterfall Hike on Private Hawaiian Land
Explore three secluded waterfalls on a small-group hike across 300 acres of private Hawaiian landscape
Hilo Waterfall Hiking Tour with Cruise Pickup
Explore exclusive private waterfalls on an easy guided hike across lush Hawaiian landscapes.
Zipline Adventure With Hilo Cruise Ship Pickup
Ride seven ziplines with ocean views and soar over a private waterfall on a guided Big Island adventure
Soar Over Waterfalls on 8 Ziplines & Sky Bridge
Soar above tropical gardens and waterfalls on eight thrilling lines and a suspension bridge
Hakalau Zipline Tour Over Waterfalls & Rainforest
Soar over waterfalls and rainforest on a thrilling nine-line zip adventure on Hawaii's Big Island.
Umauma Falls Zipline and Swim Combo
Zip 9 lines, then swim and kayak in a private river section with catered lunch
Private Waterfall and River Swim
Swim and kayak at Umauma Falls with a catered lunch in a private pavilion
Explore the Wonders of Hilo
Hilo is a vibrant town on Hawaii's Big Island, where lush rainforests meet cascading waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Hilo offers an authentic Hawaiian experience away from the crowds of more touristy spots. Stroll through Liliuokalani Gardens to admire traditional Japanese landscaping or visit the bustling Hilo Farmers Market for fresh local produce and handmade crafts.
For those drawn to nature, Rainbow Falls provides a stunning backdrop just minutes from downtown. Explore Akaka Falls State Park further afield to witness even more breathtaking scenery along easy walking trails. Don't miss out on visiting the Pacific Tsunami Museum for a fascinating glimpse into how this resilient community has weathered past storms while learning about tsunami science.
Adventure seekers can embark on guided tours around Mauna Kea's summit or delve into lava tubes at Kaumana Caves Park—each offering unique perspectives of island geology that make Hilo special compared with other destinations in Hawaii. Whether you're enjoying freshly caught fish at one of many seaside eateries or soaking up panoramic ocean views along Banyan Drive’s iconic tree-lined roadways; every moment spent here promises unforgettable memories amid genuine aloha spirit.