Information
City: HiloCountry: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Hilo, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
Hilo sits on the east side of Hawaii’s Big Island, a lively town where rain glistens on banyan leaves.Hilo, with its rain-soaked gardens, deep-rooted history, and closeness to Hawaii’s most active volcanoes, opens the door to many of the island’s wildest treasures.Let’s take a closer look at Hilo, perched on the Big Island’s northeastern shore, where mist drifts through emerald rainforests, waterfalls tumble into clear pools, and the land is rich enough to grow sweet papayas year-round.It sits in the cool shadow of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two towering volcanoes whose slopes fade into the clouds.The town sits in a tropical rainforest climate, where rain falls often and hard, especially in the winter when streets glisten under steady downpours.In Hilo, the air stays mild, hovering between 65°F on cool mornings and about 80°F when the sun warms the streets.Heavy rains feed thick, green vegetation, wrapping the town in a lush cloak that’s earned it the title of wettest city in the U. S., and Hilo’s deep cultural roots and layered history give it a character all its own.Over a thousand years ago, Polynesian settlers landed on Hawaii’s shores, and that’s where this town’s story begins.In the 19th century, the town thrived as a bustling port, its docks piled high with sacks of sugar from nearby plantations that fueled its early economy.Hilo bustled as a major trading hub and farming center, first for sugar and, later on, for macadamia nuts that cracked open with a sharp snap.Hilo isn’t just known for its farming past-it’s long been a heartbeat of Hawaii’s cultural life, from hula festivals to the sound of slack-key guitars drifting through the evening air.Here, after bringing the Hawaiian Islands together under his rule, King Kamehameha I set up his government, its wooden beams facing the salt-scented breeze off the shore.The town has endured fierce natural disasters-towering tsunamis and roaring volcanic eruptions-that carved its cliffs and left deep marks on its history.In Hilo, the economy leans on tourism, farming, and research-you’ll see coffee plantations on the hills and visitors filling the waterfront shops.With Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park just a short drive away-and waterfalls and lush trails nearby-the town draws visitors from across the globe, while farms bursting with tropical fruits, bright flowers, and macadamia nuts keep agriculture thriving.Hilo’s also a center for science and learning, home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, where researchers track rumblings deep beneath the island-work that’s vital to the local economy.The town’s built a thriving eco-tourism scene, focusing on sustainable adventures like guided hikes through its pine-scented trails.Hilo brims with sights that show off its lush landscapes, rich culture, and one-of-a-kind charm.At the top of the list is Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where you can stand near the rim of Kīlauea or Mauna Loa and watch steam curl up from the earth, wander through shadowy lava tubes, and gaze into vast, rugged craters.You can hike winding trails, stop by the Kīlauea Visitor Center, and watch molten lava glow against the night sky.At Akaka Falls State Park, a 442‑foot waterfall plunges into a misty pool, framed by thick, green rainforest.A short, easy trail winds through the park, leading to several scenic overlooks.One highlight is Rainbow Falls, a rushing cascade just minutes from downtown Hilo.On sunny mornings, rainbows shimmer in the mist above the falls, a sight that stops you in your tracks.Nearby, Liliuokalani Gardens offers quiet Japanese-style landscapes with koi-filled ponds and winding stone paths.It’s a quiet spot that hints at Hilo’s deep Asian roots, where you can wander through the lush Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo-the only tropical rainforest zoo in the U. S.-and see everything from a fluttering Hawaiian hoary bat to a pair of nene geese, the proud state bird; step into the Pacific Tsunami Museum downtown to trace the stories of towering waves, especially the devastating ones in 1946 and 1960; or explore the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, where Hawaiian culture meets the stars and the vast universe beyond.Just minutes from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the center features engaging exhibits, a planetarium, and windows that frame sweeping views of the lush hills.Hilo beckons outdoor lovers with its rare tropical beauty-picture hiking through misty rainforests, past rugged mountains, and along the edges of ancient volcanoes.In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and other nearby parks, trails lead you past thundering waterfalls, steaming volcanic craters, and dense green forest.Off Hilo’s coast, you can snorkel or dive at spots like Richardson Ocean Park or Leleiwi Beach, gliding over coral reefs while sea turtles drift by.Calm waters along the coastline and the Wailuku River make perfect playgrounds for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.For a closer look at Kīlauea and other volcanic wonders, local guides run tours that bring the heat and rumble right into view.If the volcano’s active, visitors might catch the glow of lava streaming downhill, feel the heat from steam vents, and peer into vast craters.Just a short drive away, the Hilo Tropical Gardens and nearby Onomea Bay burst with life-rare orchids, sweet-scented blooms, and towering palms.Hilo’s food scene is relaxed and rooted in the island, serving up fresh fish, ripe mangoes, and crisp, locally grown greens.The town’s mix of people brings a rich blend of flavors to its food, from Hawaiian poke to Japanese ramen, Filipino adobo, and sweet Portuguese malasadas.Popular bites here range from poke-marinated raw fish served over rice with a bit of seaweed-to loco moco, a hearty plate of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and rich gravy.You’ll also find the classic Hawaiian plate lunch with rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of protein like spam, fish, or chicken, plus shave ice piled high and dripping with bright syrups.Around town, casual cafés, food trucks, and farm‑to‑table spots serve plenty of fresh seafood and bold tropical flavors.Hilo’s transportation hub is the Hilo International Airport (ITO), offering flights to nearby Hawaiian islands and a handful of U. S. mainland cities, where you might step off the plane to the warm scent of plumeria.Roads link the town to the rest of the island, stretching all the way to Kailua-Kona and the steaming craters of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.Since buses don’t run often, it’s usually easiest to rent a car and roam the island at your own pace, windows down in the salty breeze.Hilo also offers bike rentals, perfect for visitors who’d rather wander its quiet streets and feel the warm breeze as they ride.Sustainability: In Hilo, care for the land runs deep, with strong efforts to protect its lush forests and fragile coastline.People are working to protect the region’s wild landscapes, cut down on waste, and welcome visitors in ways that leave the air crisp and the trails clean.The agricultural sector hums with activity, from tractors rumbling across dusty fields to farmers checking the soil between their fingers.
Landmarks in hilo
