Hilo, Hawaii

MODERATE April-October ITO - Hilo International Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category MODERATE $150-250 per person
Perfect For
Family Adventure Culture Outdoors Budget Friendly Foodie
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
6.0/10
Adventure
9.0/10
Relaxation
7.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
April-October
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, September-November
Airport
ITO - Hilo International Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Hilo

Best months
April-October
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, September-November
Off season
June-August
Hurricane season
June-November

Hilo quick facts

Main airport
ITO - Hilo International Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$150-250 per person
Budget category
Moderate

Getting around Hilo

Hilo is a small town where downtown attractions are walkable, but a rental car is essential for reaching waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park, and other Big Island sights. The town has limited public transportation and most attractions are spread across the island.

Rental car

A rental car is strongly recommended and practically necessary for exploring beyond downtown Hilo. Most visitors rent at the airport upon arrival.

Public transit

The Hele-On bus system provides limited service around Hilo and to some Big Island destinations, but routes are infrequent and not practical for most tourist activities.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate in Hilo but with limited availability and higher costs than mainland US cities. Taxis are available but should be arranged in advance.

Local tips for Hilo

Insider tips

  • Visit Rainbow Falls in the morning when sunlight creates the best rainbow effects in the mist.
  • The Hilo Farmers Market on Saturday mornings offers the best selection of local fruits and hot food vendors.
  • Pack an umbrella or rain jacket even on sunny days as brief showers are common and unpredictable.
  • Stop at Tex Drive In for fresh malasadas on your way to or from Volcanoes National Park.
  • Many waterfalls require short hikes on potentially muddy trails, so bring appropriate footwear.
  • Downtown Hilo shops often close early or on Sundays, so plan shopping accordingly.
  • Local fruit stands along highways offer fresher and cheaper produce than grocery stores.
  • Book volcano tours in advance as they fill up quickly, especially during active lava periods.
  • The east side of the Big Island is significantly cooler and wetter than the Kona side.
  • Liliuokalani Gardens offers free, peaceful walking with Japanese-style landscaping and bay views.

What to pack

  • Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
  • Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts
  • Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
  • Flip-flops or water shoes
  • Lightweight umbrella
  • Moisture-wicking shirts
  • Warm layer for volcano visits
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Hilo

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Downtown Hilo and Waterfalls
Morning: Explore historic downtown Hilo, visit the farmers market, and walk through Liliuokalani Gardens along the bay.
Afternoon: Drive to Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots for waterfall viewing and short nature walks in the tropical setting.
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant downtown and stroll the peaceful bayfront area as the sun sets.
Day 2 — Volcanoes National Park
Morning: Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and visit the Kilauea Visitor Center to check current volcanic activity and trail conditions.
Afternoon: Hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and explore the Kilauea Caldera area, including scenic overlooks and steam vents.
Evening: If lava is visible, stay for evening viewing when the glow is most dramatic, then return to Hilo accommodations.
Day 3 — North Shore Adventure
Morning: Drive north to Akaka Falls State Park for the spectacular 442-foot waterfall hike through lush rainforest.
Afternoon: Continue to the scenic Hamakua Coast, stopping at small towns like Honokaa and enjoying coastal viewpoints.
Evening: Return to Hilo via the Waimea route for a different perspective, stopping for dinner at a local establishment.
Day 4 — Beach and Relaxation
Morning: Visit Richardson Beach Park for snorkeling in the protected black sand lagoon and tide pool exploration.
Afternoon: Drive to Laupahoehoe Point for dramatic coastal scenery and a peaceful picnic lunch with ocean views.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local Hawaiian cuisine and fresh seafood in downtown Hilo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Hilo

The best time to visit Hilo is April-October. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Hilo is $150-250 per person per person. Hilo is generally considered a moderate destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Hilo, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Hilo is ITO - Hilo International Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Hilo include: Waterproof rain jacket or poncho, Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts, Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, Flip-flops or water shoes, Lightweight umbrella, Moisture-wicking shirts, Warm layer for volcano visits, Waterproof phone case. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Hilo: Visit Rainbow Falls in the morning when sunlight creates the best rainbow effects in the mist.. The Hilo Farmers Market on Saturday mornings offers the best selection of local fruits and hot food vendors.. Pack an umbrella or rain jacket even on sunny days as brief showers are common and unpredictable.. Stop at Tex Drive In for fresh malasadas on your way to or from Volcanoes National Park.. Many waterfalls require short hikes on potentially muddy trails, so bring appropriate footwear..