Is Hilo worth visiting?
We loved visiting Hilo and, yes, it's absolutely a town that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home. During our first trip to Hilo in 2009, we fell in love with its local atmosphere. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing hiking and fantastic food.
Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island in Hawaii. It's on the eastern and windward side of the island so it's green and lush with many beautiful gardens and waterfalls. The town has a very local vibe with smaller hotels and access to many great hikes.
Hawaii Volcano National Park, near Hilo, Hawaii
4 Reasons to Visit Hilo
1. Hiking
You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.
2. Food
This is the largest city on the island and you'll find a restaurant scene that caters to both locals and tourists. There are a number of local dishes that you can try such as Pla Rad Prik (a Thai fish dish), mushroom pot pie, and crab and avocado melt.
3. Museums and Attractions
Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.
4. Beaches
The town isn't really known for its beaches but there are some decent options if you want to stay nearby and hit the coastline. Beaches in the area include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.
Is Hilo worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Hilo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Hilo is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 24°C (76°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and browse through museums.
Summer Weather in Hilo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (76°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| August | 25°C (76°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| September | 25°C (76°F) | 215 mm (8.5 in) |
Is Hilo worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Hilo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Hilo is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 24°C (76°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Hilo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 24°C (76°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| November | 24°C (74°F) | 375 mm (14.8 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 321 mm (12.6 in) |
Is Hilo worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Hilo is fairly warm during winter, and stays around 22°C (72°F). But it can get as warm as 27°C (80°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is winter in Hilo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums and taste delicious cuisine.
Winter Weather in Hilo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| February | 22°C (72°F) | 274 mm (10.8 in) |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
Is Hilo worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hilo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Hilo is fairly warm during spring, and stays around 23°C (73°F). But it can get as warm as 27°C (80°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and take in the beautiful scenery.
Spring Weather in Hilo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 395 mm (15.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (74°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| June | 24°C (75°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Hilo
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Hilo with a lively nightlife scene. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.
Shopping: Hilo isn't exactly a shopper's destination. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hilo might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Hilo here or see if Hilo is expensive here.
Related
What is Hilo most famous for?
Hilo is most famous for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. Also, it's known for food. Many people love the museums and attractions and beaches, too. It is often described as authentic, laid back, mellow, and friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Hilo?
The most popular sight in Hilo is Akaka Falls State Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hilo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Akaka Falls State Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hilo? Is it a popular town to visit?
Hilo is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Experience on the Big Island: $135
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Kaimana Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Adventure: $155
- 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience: $75
- Hawaii Volcanoes & Forests - Private Nature and Mindfulness Tour: $179
- Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room: $5.00
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
How long should I spend in Hilo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hilo is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Hilo has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hilo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hilo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hilo?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to USA and The Best Wildlife Tours to USA.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.