Plan Your Trip to Hilo: Best of Hilo Tourism

By Katie S

Hilo, Hawaii

The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.

Essential Hilo

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Hilo Is Great For

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Hilo travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Activities in Hilo

According to forum posts, travelers recommend visiting the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Gardens for a lush experience. Additionally, exploring the Akaka Falls State Park is highly suggested for its breathtaking waterfall views.

Historical and Cultural Sights

Some travelers mentioned that the Lyman Museum and the Tsunami Museum offer valuable historical insights into Hilo's past, making them worth a visit. Additionally, the Palace Theater is noted for hosting various events and concerts, providing cultural entertainment.

Outdoor Adventures

For those interested in outdoor activities, forum users have suggested visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, which provides a unique blend of local wildlife and exotic plants. Also, the Kaumana Caves State Park is recommended for a more adventurous experience exploring lava tubes.

Dining and Evening Activities

Travelers have called out Hilo Bay Cafe for special dinners, noting its location allows for sunset views. For evening entertainment, some posts recommended visiting Hula Hula's for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Car Rental Availability and Locations

According to forum posts, car rentals are commonly picked up from Hilo airport, which is a short distance from the cruise port and downtown Hilo. Travelers have mentioned major rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise being available here. Some travelers have also recommended booking through local or third-party websites to possibly get better rates.

Shuttle Services and Accessibility

Some travelers said that rental car agencies at the airport provide shuttle services from the cruise port to the airport, although direct confirmation from the agencies is advised as experiences may vary. It's also noted that taxis and possibly Uber offer transportation to the airport if shuttle services are unavailable.

Booking Tips

For many users, reserving a rental car well in advance is crucial, especially during peak travel times. Travelers have called out the benefits of frequent price checking and rebooking if lower rates appear, ensuring the best deal on car rentals.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilo



Hilo is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Hilo between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.