United States
Hawaii (HI)
Island of Hawaii
Hilo
Things to Do in Hilo

Things to Do in Hilo, HI - Hilo Attractions

Things to Do in Hilo

Ways to tour Hilo

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Top Attractions in Hilo

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Day Trips

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • BethGold
    Pittsburgh, PA169 contributions
    Review of: Akaka Falls State Park
    Waterfall is worth the price of admission
    A very impressive waterfall! We always enjoy visiting Akaka Falls. Paths are well maintained. Prices have gone up over the years but it's still worth it to see this wonder.
    Written August 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • queenieduong
    San Jose, CA407 contributions
    Review of: Rainbow Falls
    Nice stop going back to Kona
    Parking is a bit limited but people are in an out as not much to see other than the falls. No access to water for swimming.
    Written August 1, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EnjoyerOfTravels
    California22 contributions
    Review of: Kaumana Caves Park
    Fun experience for the family
    Drove in from Kona to Kaumana Caves and it was very easy to find. Parking is on the opposite side of the street from the caves. The amount of parking is limited (probably around 12-15 cars).

    We visited the caves with kids ranging from 7-14 and they all had a blast. There were a few areas as you travel deeper into the cave where smaller kids will need help up ledges, but in general, the cave was very traversable. The floor was wet though so you will want to trek carefully. I used hiking shoes, but some members of our party had normal running shoes. The one thing that is a must though is to make sure you have a good flashlight or headlamp. The cave was very dark once you travel a bit beyond the mouth of the cave.

    Note though that there is a point where you will need to squat down to crawl through an opening to continue traveling into the cave.

    Lastly, there are restrooms onsite and were very clean.
    Written August 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • queenieduong
    San Jose, CA407 contributions
    Review of: Carlsmith Beach Park
    Great for snorkeling or swimming
    There is a sandy shallow area for younger children and snorkeling seems to be very good. Plenty of parking with just a bit of a walk.
    Written August 1, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David F
    12 contributions
    Review of: Liliuokalani Gardens
    Gardens
    Nice garden to walk through if your nearby as we stayed in adjacent hotel, but don't waste your time going out of your way to visit this site
    Written August 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • M5332BLjohnb
    3 contributions
    Review of: Maunakea Visitor Information Station
    Lesson for Jeep renters
    Absolutely spectacular to watch the sunset from the top. But I’m writing this review mostly because we had a very stressful time with our fuel. We got to the visitor center with half a tank. The guys that assess you for driving to the top advised against it since the nearest gas station is over 30 miles away. But we are idiots on vacation so we went! The remaining range went down pretty quickly, but then really plummeted on the way down, with an indicated 22 miles of range left when we got back to the visitor center. Yikes! Put the Jeep in 2 wheel drive and started to limp to the closest station, only to find that the range just kept going up and up. We drove the 50 miles back to Waikaloa and STILL had 120 miles of range!

    Lesson: if you have half a tank of gas at the visitor center you are totally fine to go up.

    The top itself is other-worldly. Do it!
    Written August 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura M
    Kiel, WI4 contributions
    Review of: Hilo Farmers Market
    Taste of local culture at Hilo Farmer's market
    Pretty hot and humid but loved the local market. Fascinating to see so many different types of produce. There was another side selling goods. Felt more flea market than handmade goods but did find a few gems of local artist items. Interesting shops and restaurants in the area also to check out so worth a couple hours of your time.
    Written August 18, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike F
    Antigo, WI109 contributions
    Review of: Richardson Beach Park
    Beautiful!
    After a summer in Hilo, this is our favorite and go-to beach. Construction is tough, but I am sure it will be great when done. Just enough sand in a couple spots to keep my boys happy. Best snorkeling imo and my favorite is exploring on the lava rock all over the far side. Not sure if the turtles are trapped in there, but very cool to see up close - not too close. Best fishing, at least best luck for me with most variety. Just a beautiful setting and a great place to spend time with options to keep busy.
    Written August 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zellab2014
    Albuquerque, NM10 contributions
    Review of: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Fun few hours in Hilo area
    What a nice friendly zoo! Amid a botanical garden. Kids love the play area too.
    Entertained my 3 yr old great grandson and all of us too! Free to the public. Please leave a donation!
    Written April 28, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike F
    Antigo, WI109 contributions
    Review of: Pepeekeo Scenic Drive
    Worth it!
    We stumbled on this drive on our way back from Akaka falls. So worth it! The Onomea trail is so cool, honestly one of my favorite places in the area. I also love the spot with the river/waterfall coming out of the cave, so cool!!
    Written July 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lynette_cypress
    Boise, ID403 contributions
    Review of: Coconut Island
    Beautiful morning walk
    It's a lovely walk, particularly if you go through the park and do a loop. There's an interesting interpretive sign that shows water levels during past tsunamis. Sobering!
    Written March 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kat J
    19 contributions
    Review of: Pacific Tsunami Museum
    Create and Evaluate a Tsunami
    The museum was well-maintained, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Admission fees were minimal. Videos of tsunami surviviors telling their stories were interesting and was creating and evaluating the effects of tsunami.
    Written June 18, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sjwoosley
    Louisville, KY8 contributions
    Review of: Kazumura Cave Tours
    Fun and one-of-a-kind
    This was a fun, unique, informative experience! One of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. We did the 4 hour tour which was challenging but not too hard for us (mid 40s and early 50s). Harry is kind, witty, extremely knowledgeable, and follows safety protocols. I highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed.
    Written March 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oregoniansescaping
    Portland, OR92 contributions
    Review of: Mauna Loa Observatory
    View was worth the drive
    Note: observatory was closed to the public due to covid but we went for the view at 11K ft.
    The road is not for the faint of heart. It's 15 miles of hell. Undulating, climbing paved road that made everyone nauseous. Driving through a moonscape at times as you go through the cloud layer. The view was fantastic and worth the drive. You can see the Mauna Kea observatories easily as well as Maui, ocean, and more. NO restroom and it was obvious that many folks had been using a section of rocks as a bathroom (ugh!).
    Written December 29, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike F
    Antigo, WI109 contributions
    Review of: Mokupapapa Discovery Center
    Cool place!
    Worth the visit. Many cool things to see and learn about. Also has a great kids area with books, puzzles, coloring pages and a cool little interactive game.
    Written July 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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