Hilo

Kailua-Kona may host more visitors, but Hilo is the beating heart of Hawai‘i Island. Hidden beneath its daily drizzle lies deep soil and soul, from which sprouts a genuine community and aloha spirit. Hilo's demographics still mirror its sugar-town roots, with a diverse mix of Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Filipinos, Portuguese, Puerto Ricans, Chinese and Caucasians.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Liliuokalani Park, Hilo, East Coast.

    Liliʻuokalani Park

    Hilo

    Arguably Hilo's most beautiful spot, these sprawling Japanese gardens are perfect for picnicking. Named for Hawaii's last queen (r 1891–93), the 30-acre…

  • HILO, HAWAII/U.S.A. - MAY 22, 2019: Photo of unidentified people enjoying the Richardson Beach Park, located on the east coast of the Big Island. 1553358317 beach, beautiful, big island, blue, coast, hawaii, hilo, holiday, island, landscape, nature, ocean, outdoor, paradise, recreation, richardson beach park, scenery, scenic, sea, shore, sky, summer, tourism, travel, tropical, u.s., vacation, view, water

    Richardson's Ocean Park

    Hilo

    Near the end of Kalanianaʻole Ave, this little pocket of black sand is a favorite all-round beach. When calm, the protected waters are popular for…

  • HILO, HAWAII - SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 - Pacific tsunami museum in Hilo on September 8, 2011 in Hilo, Hawaii. Museum is dedicated to history of April 1, 1946 Pacific Tsunami which devastated much of Hilo. 173655311 us, usa, old, kea, sky, art, sea, big, tree, hilo, 1960, view, died, blue, palm, coast, shore, cloud, mauna, death, ocean, island, center, hawaii, museum, outdoor, america, educate, culture, holiday, history, pacific, tourist, tourism, tsunami, landmark, entrance, disaster, paradise, building, hawaiian, monument, vacation, american, education, exhibition, casualties, architecture, wave

    Pacific Tsunami Museum

    Hilo

    You cannot understand Hilo without knowing its history as a two-time tsunami survivor (1946 and 1960). This museum encompasses only a few rooms, but they…

  • Onekahakaha Beach Park

    Onekahakaha Beach Park

    Hilo

    Ideal for kids, this spacious beach has a broad, shallow, sandy-bottomed pool, protected by a boulder breakwater. The water is only 1ft to 2ft deep in…

  • Rainbow forms near the base of Wailua Waterfall. 149914934 outdoor, hiking, island, america, usa, park, river, panoramic, stream, trekking, honolulu, falls, panorama, polynesia, mountain, fresh, water, nature, rainbow, big, hawaii, american, landscape, rain forest, rainbow colors, water pool top view, water pool, hawaii waterfall, hawaiian, waterfalls, waterfall mountain, waterfall landscape, beautiful landscapes, beautiful, tropical, volcanic waterfall, volcanic rock, paradise island, paradise

    Rainbow Falls

    Hilo

    A regular stop for tour buses, the lookout for this 'instant gratification' cascade is just steps from the parking lot. Depending on rainfall, the lovely…

  • Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

    Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

    Hilo

    Hilo's 12-acre zoo is a terrific, family-friendly spot. Stroll along paved paths past tropical foliage to view a modest collection of tropical birds,…

  • Lyman Museum & Mission House

    Lyman Museum & Mission House

    Hilo

    Although small in scale, this museum is a good primer on Hawaii's natural and cultural history. Downstairs, geologic exhibits include fascinating examples…

  • Waiʻolena & Waiʻuli Beach Parks

    Waiʻolena & Waiʻuli Beach Parks

    Hilo

    Rocky and rugged, these side-by-side beaches (commonly known by their former name, Leleiwi Beach) aren't sandy or calm, but they're Hilo's best shore-dive…

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