The town of Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island combines a loveable charm with jaw-dropping natural wonders. Its quaint and colorful shops, museums, parks and tropical gardens are sure to delight your senses.
You’ll find a multitude of lodging options for all budgets. From splurge-worthy hotels and inns to vacation homes, hostels and B&Bs that cater to frugal travelers looking for a more comfortable stay.
What’s more, you’ll enjoy a warm, humid climate year-round. That said, you’ll want to pack rain boots and a light jacket for your trip to Hilo.
If you’re a gamer, you may be surprised to learn that Hilo does not feature any music or sound effects that you’ll typically hear in hilo911 slot games. However, this does not detract from the overall experience since you’ll still hear standard sounds whenever you press buttons and when cards are dealt on the screen.
What to Do
Hilo is a laid-back city that will charm you with its natural beauty. Compared to Oahu and Maui, Hilo is less busy and more relaxed, making it the ideal place to explore while on holiday in Hawaii.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be delighted by the chance to head out on a whale watching tour in Hilo Bay. This is one of the best places on the Big Island to see humpback whales, which make their annual migration to Hawaii from Alaska each winter.
Another fun activity to do in Hilo is take a helicopter tour of the area. These tours offer an excellent vantage point to view the incredible scenery on the Big Island, including Kilauea volcano, tropical rainforests and waterfalls.
Where to Go
Located on the island of Hawaii, Hilo is a beautiful town with many cultural sites to see and natural landscapes to admire. Its historic downtown, with its charming wooden storefront buildings, is one of the best places to visit in Hilo.
If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll want to spend some time on Mauna Kea (which means “black mountain”). Hiking this volcano will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
You can hike along a former highway, through lava flows, past pine forests and even on a newly formed black sand beach! The trail is easy to follow and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way.
Another must-visit is Liliuokalani Gardens, a 40-acre tropical oasis with botanical gardens and a living seed bank. It also features waterfalls and blowholes.