10 Funky Things To Do In Hilo
Planning a Big Island itinerary is easier when you give yourself enough time to enjoy Hilo, the biggest city on the east coast of Hawaii Island.
I find Hilo Hawaii especially memorable because this colorful plantation town feels very different from the more touristy and developed Kona side. The Hilo side is wild East, rugged, and a rainy place. It has lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, steaming volcanoes, white sand beaches, and incredible places to see.
Because of the island’s sheer size, good trip planning and thorough research matter. The 7 Hawaiian Islands—Kaho’olawe, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Ni’ihau, Lana’i, and Maui—could fit inside Hawaii Island. This explains why this Hawaiian getaway can feel much bigger than expected.
The island has 8 climate zones out of the 13 climate zones found on Earth. A short road tripping adventure can take you from jungle and rain forest to desert and a live volcanic lava field.
The drive time from Kona through the middle is about 2 hours. This gives visitors a striking contrast between the two sides.
If your holiday includes Hilo, explore the town first. Then, explore outside it for more fun activities and day trips. Volcanoes National Park, or Volcanoes NP, belongs on any Hilo bucket list. Rainbow Falls and other can’t-miss day trips add even more to your Hilo itinerary.
For anyone wondering about 14 Fun Things or things to do, these Hilo attractions are a great place to begin.
Hilo town itself is a small town, and many central sights can feel like only three blocks away. Still, a rental car is useful when you want to explore outside the center.
If you fly into ITO, or Hilo Airport, listen for the unusual sounds at night. Coqui Frogs, also called the Coqui Frog, are endemic to Puerto Rico but are an invasive species on the Big Island.
Their croak can sound like a bird chirp. Although some people are hating the noise, others are loving it. I remember Sasha and me enjoying the sound because the coqui frogs helped us sleep.
They begin croaking around 5:00 PM and may continue until 6:30 AM, especially where there is a high concentration of them. Then the symphonic cacophony grows as crickets, birds, lizards, and roosters join in. At times, it can become ear-piercingly loud.
It is a funny reminder that Hilo is country at heart, even while it remains an important stop for Hilo travel. Whether you are following a Hawaiian vacation plan, looking for places to see, or building a list of 14 Fun Things, this unusual nighttime experience is one of the quirky details that makes a visit to Hilo stand out.
The Pacific Ocean, volcanic lava, and incredible places around the area complete the experience. They make Hilo much more than a simple stop between Kona and other neighbor island adventures.
Quick Answer
Hilo, Hawaii, is a fantastic base for exploring the Big Island. You can enjoy waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, tropical parks, local markets, snorkeling spots, food, and unique outdoor adventures.
From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls to Richardson Ocean Park, Lava Tree State Monument, Lavaloha Farm, and Pohoiki Hot Springs, there are plenty of memorable things to do in and around Hilo.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the best day trips from Hilo. It sits about 45 minutes southwest, or just under one hour, from the city.
I’ve found that Hilo works as a natural springboard for exploring this remarkable park. It is home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, and Mauna Loa, the largest active subaerial volcano in the world.
The park also offers some of the best hikes on the Big Island. One option is the Kilauea Iki Trail, where you can walk through a lush rainforest and across a hardened lava lake created by a 1959 eruption.
Other popular choices include the Thurston Lava Tube. This is an easy 600-foot lava tube hike. The Crater Rim Trail offers steaming vents, stunning views, and sights of the Kilauea Crater.
Crater Rim Drive is another highlight. It takes you toward the coast with amazing viewpoints overlooking smoldering volcano craters. When the volcanoes are active, you may even see lava flowing within the crater.
You can reach the park by rental car or join guided tours. Some tours combine the park with other attractions, such as a coffee plantation, black sand beach, three-course dinner, or favorite east side spots like Liliuokalani Gardens.
For more hiking, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has trails ranging from easy, short hikes to difficult, long hikes. Haʻakulamanu Sulphur Banks offers an easy 1.2-mile boardwalk loop trail that is wheelchair-accessible.
Mauna Iki (Footprints Shelter) provides a challenging 7-mile hike through the rugged terrain of a lava field. Other must-dos include Chain of Craters Drive, the Crater Rim Drive, and Crater Rim Trail.
Be aware of sulphur exposure around places such as Thurston Lava Tube and Sulphur Banks. Check current conditions before hiking.
If lava is flowing at night, staying after dark can be especially rewarding. The red glow from Halema’uma’u Lookout near Jaggar Museum creates an unforgettable view.
The park entry fee is $25 per vehicle, and the pass remains valid for four days. Free entry begins after 7:00 PM while the park stays open 24 hours.
A nighttime lava view from the Kīlauea lookout can easily become one of the top travel moments of your Hilo Hawaii adventure.
Shop the Hilo Farmer’s Market
The Hilo Farmer’s Market is a great way to experience local culture, meet farmers, and support local communities and their businesses while exploring downtown.
It is open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM. Wednesday and Saturday are the big market days. You can find it at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street.
With more than 200 vendors from around the island, the market offers an impressive variety of local produce, fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, herbs, mangoes, liliko’i (passion fruit), rambutan, lychee, papaya, avocado, cucumbers, and flowers, depending on the season.
You can also pick up jellies, macadamia nuts, baked goods, coffee, jewelry, clothing, authentic crafts, souvenirs, and other products.
When you get hungry, the hot vendors serve options such as poke bowls and Thai noodles. Fresh lilikoi juice, rambutan, and cucumbers also make an easy morning snack.
I always enjoy visiting a farmer’s market when I reach a new place. It helps me understand the pulse of a town and discover the stories behind local businesses.
At this market, Bee Boys stood out for its bee farm on the slopes of Mauna Loa. The team practices sustainable bee farming and uses wax to create health products. These include salve for eczema and Kona coffee lip balm, along with raw honey.
Another memorable stall was Filthy Farm Girl Soap, created by Jay, originally from Portland, Oregon. Jay makes organic products using natural elements such as beet root powder, turmeric, and lavender.
You can buy 3 large soaps and 1 mini soap for $20. We found that keeping four soaps in our car worked as a natural air freshener after long days with stinky wet hiking shoes.
With its delicious foods, local crafts, interesting stalls, and friendly people, the Hilo market makes an easy and rewarding stop for anyone exploring Hilo.
Admire the Beauty of Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Hilo. I love that you can see it without a long hike.
The falls drop 80 feet over a volcanic cave into the Wailuku River. The scene is surrounded by wild ginger, monstera plants, and tropical flowers.
If you arrive early on a bright and sunny morning, you may even spot a rainbow in the mist. The parking lot is free, and the nearby overlook gives you a sweeping view of the falls and surrounding jungle.
You can also take a short trail through a banyan tree forest to reach another excellent lookout.
Chase Waterfalls at Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls State Park
If you want to see more waterfalls, explore the Hilo side of the island. Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls State Park offer two popular stops.
We saw the backside of Rainbow Falls during our OK Farms tour, which gave us a unique view. You can also visit the falls for free.
Akaka Falls State Park charges a parking fee and an entrance fee. We paid for both to support local.
The park features a lush loop with great views, while the falls are the highlight. Together, these spots make an easy and memorable way to enjoy the gorgeous waterfalls around Hilo.
Spend a Cozy Day at Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park offers one of the most beautiful beaches close to Hilo. It has a unique mix of black and green sand.
The bay receives fresh water flowing into the ocean. Reefs and the neighboring seawall also help protect the area from dangerous ocean currents. This makes it a great snorkeling spot on the East Coast of the Big Island.
You can explore the water and look for abundant marine life, green sea turtles, and even the rare Hawaiian monk seal.
During whale season, keep your eyes open for humpback whales swimming beyond the break.
Go Snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park
Known to locals simply as “Richardson,” this scenic park makes an excellent place to go snorkeling, especially when traveling with kids.
I recommend visiting early or on a weekday. The park can become pretty busy on the weekends when locals arrive.
Bring drinks and snacks, then enjoy the picnic tables and grills available in the park. You can also visit Carlsmith Beach Park for another relaxing beach day.
If you see turtles or seals, make sure to keep your distance and avoid disturbing them.
Have a Look at Black Sand at Richardson’s Beach Park
The black sand beaches on the Big Island are a memorable sight. Richardson’s Beach Park offers a gorgeous coastline filled with moss, roots, and black crabs.
During our visit, we also discovered a little tide pool protected from the ocean. Over 8 Hawaiian sea turtles were resting there and seeking sanctuary.
Seeing so many Hawaiian sea turtles peacefully enjoying the area was quite the sight. It made this one of the most memorable experiences around Hilo.
Spend a Cozy Day at Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park offers one of the most beautiful beaches close to Hilo. It has a unique mix of black and green sand.
The bay receives fresh water flowing into the ocean. Reefs and the neighboring seawall help protect the area from dangerous ocean currents. This makes it a great snorkeling spot on the East Coast of the Big Island.
You can explore the water and look for abundant marine life, green sea turtles, and even the rare Hawaiian monk seal.
During whale season, keep your eyes open for humpback whales swimming beyond the break.
Go Snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park
Known to locals simply as “Richardson,” this scenic park makes an excellent place to go snorkeling, especially when traveling with kids.
I recommend visiting early or on a weekday because the park can become pretty busy on the weekends when locals arrive.
Bring drinks and snacks, then enjoy the picnic tables and grills available in the park. You can also visit Carlsmith Beach Park for another relaxing beach day.
If you see turtles or seals, make sure to keep your distance and avoid disturbing them.
Have a Look at Black Sand at Richardson’s Beach Park
The black sand beaches on the Big Island are a memorable sight. Richardson’s Beach Park offers a gorgeous coastline filled with moss, roots, and black crabs.
During our visit, we also discovered a little tide pool protected from the ocean. Over 8 Hawaiian sea turtles were resting there and seeking sanctuary.
Seeing so many Hawaiian sea turtles peacefully enjoying the area was quite the sight. It made this one of the most memorable experiences around Hilo.
Spend the Day Checking Out Black Sand Beaches
The Big Island’s wild and rugged coasts open up to stunning black sand beaches that are a must-visit.
Around Hilo, you can find beaches formed from eroded lava. Some beaches are easy to reach from the roadside, while others require more effort.
Kehena Black Sand Beach stands out for its dramatic setting between the Pacific Ocean and a steep incline covered in lush greenery.
Although getting down to the beach can be fairly challenging, the views are worthwhile. The white foam from crashing waves against the black sand creates an unforgettable black-and-white photograph effect.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach sits 57 miles away from Hilo. It offers another excellent opportunity to see green sea turtles resting along the shore.
Turtles often appear during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Check the rock pools and coastal edge for turtles feeding in the water.
Bring your snorkeling gear if you want a closer look. Always stay 10 feet away from turtles both in the water and on land.
Cape Kumukahi Black Sand Beach, also known as Lighthouse Beach, is one of the newest black sand beaches on the island. It forms the eastern point of the island.
If you want to explore Cape Kumukahi, prepare for a 4-mile round-trip hike across rugged lava that covered the area in 2018 and destroyed the road to the beach.
While exploring the area around Hilo, you can also experience local culture at La Hiki Ola Kava Bar, which serves kava, a local Polynesian beverage with a soothing effect.
For food, stop at Pele’s Kitchen, where the chef uses ingredients grown in his own garden.
You can even experience a drum circle every Sunday at Kehena Beach. Another option is staying at the Hawaiian Sanctuary Eco Retreat Center, which offers hippie-ish activities, Hawaiian cooking methods, ecstatic dance sessions, and yoga classes.
Fresh Mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen
Two Ladies Kitchen is a popular Hilo stop that we had to miss, but everyone recommended it to us.
We heard the mochi is especially fresh and delicious. So, next time we’re back in Hilo, this will be our first stop.
You can wait in line for your fresh mochi, or order ahead if you want to make your visit easier.
Enjoy Lunch from Onomea Country Market & Cafe
One of our favorite food spots in Hilo was Onomea Country Market & Cafe.
The food was well worth the wait because everything came out fresh. I definitely recommend getting a plate lunch, a refreshing smoothie, and shave ice for dessert to make your meal even bette
Relax at Beautiful Coconut Island
Just off the coast of Hilo, near Queen Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Coconut Island (Moku ola) makes a great stop for the day or half a day when you need some downtime while staying close to nature.
The island has two beaches, clean restrooms, a well-kept large lawn, and a picnic area surrounded by palm trees and almond trees.
You can enjoy the water, wade in the small rock pools, or go swimming.
For something more adventurous, follow the locals’ favorite activity and acrobatically jump from the 10-foot stone towers or 20-foot stone towers at the island’s end.
Coconut Island is free to visit, but it can get busy on the weekends.
Enjoy a Nice Dinner at Jackie Rey’s
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply enjoying an evening with good food, Jackie Rey’s makes a great choice for dinner.
The ambiance feels cozy, and the service is top-notch, but the biggest reason to visit is the food.
Their Hawaiian-influenced menu features mouthwatering dishes like Guava BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Panko Coconut Crusted Fish, and Mac Nut Ahi Tartare.
They also serve lunch and offer happy hour with discounted drinks and pupus.
Try a Local Brew
We love trying locally brewed beers wherever our destination takes us, and Hilo is no exception.
The city has two breweries, Hilo Brewing Company and Ola Brew. Ola Brew also has a location in Kona.
Hilo Brewing Company offers a small, laidback spot with a nice outdoor patio. We even found plenty of sweet dogs when we visited.
In my opinion, Ola Brew serves the best beer on the island, using fresh ingredients and local ingredients.
My favorite is the oatmeal stout, but you can also try hard seltzers, ciders, and hard teas. If you’re hungry, they also serve upscale bar food that is pretty decent.
Watch Surfers Catch a Wave at Honoliʻi Beach Park
Honoliʻi Beach Park is one of Hawaii’s famous seaside parks. It is also a popular place to experience the local surf scene.
Located on the east coast of the Big Island, just north of Hilo, the park features waves crashing along its black sandy beach.
The surfing stays excellent throughout the year, making it a great place to watch skilled surfers in action.
The park also has a picnic area and public restrooms for visitors.
I spent an enjoyable hour watching people learn to surf, while more seasoned surfers rode some impressive waves.
If you want to spend a lot of time surfing, consider staying at the Orchid Tree Bed & Breakfast for convenient access to this popular surf spot.
Visit the Unique Formations at Lava Tree State Monument
Lava Tree State Monument might be one of the weirdest state parks I have visited.
The park is centered around odd lava structures that are remnants of trees once encased by lava.
In 1790, lava rushed through the area, covering the trees. It drained away quickly, leaving behind eerie statues of the forest that once stood there.
Today, a new forest has grown around the lava trees. This creates a perfect contrast between the old forest and the new life that developed after the eruption.
The state park is only a short drive from Hilo. Its small size means you can easily explore it within an hour or two.
I suggest visiting Lava Tree State Monument along with nearby places such as Kalapana and Pāhoa.
The park is free to enter and remains open every day from sunrise to sunset, making it an easy addition to your Hilo adventure.
Visit Pololu Lookout
A two-hour drive North from Hilo takes you to Pololu Lookout. It offers a stunning lookout with tall cliffs and azure blue water.
I loved the dramatic views here. You can also hike down toward Waipio Valley, where wild horses roam free through a fairytale land that feels like something from a fantasy book.
For another memorable way to explore the area, consider a cultural ATV tour through Waipio Valley. You can learn more about this part of the Big Island, Hawaii.
If you want more details about the tour, check out the Kona & West Side guide.
Take a Tour of the Delicious Lavaloha Farm
Lavaloha Farm is one of the sweetest activities in Hawaii. It sits just 10 minutes from downtown Hilo.
This 1,000-acre haven features cacao groves growing in the rich volcanic soils on the slopes of Mauna Kea. These conditions create an optimal growing condition for cacao beans.
The pods are picked by hand and turned into chocolate at the on-site processing facility.
The products include dark chocolate with orange, white chocolate with cacao nibs, plus cacao tea, lip balm, body butter, and candles that you can buy in-store.
I also recommend sampling the chocolate and taking the Tree-to-Chocolate Farm Tour. It is a 60-minute tour on an open-air minibus where you can learn about the farm and the chocolate-making process, with samples included.
Soak in Pohoiki Hot Springs
With a Distance from Hilo of about 1 hour and 15 minutes south, Pohoiki Hot Springs was one of my favorite things to do near Hilo.
These are the only publicly accessible hot springs in the entire state. They have five pools filled with volcanically-heated water along the shores of Isaac Hale Black Sand Beach.
This newest black sand beach on the island formed after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, making the setting even more memorable.
The pools have a hot tub-like temperature, so they are perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring Hilo or hiking around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
However, these small enclosed pools have limited fresh water flowing through them to remove foreign oils and other materials.
Make sure to wash off your sunscreen and lotion before getting into the hot springs.