Located in a valley between two Hawaiian volcanoes, this calm town on the Big Island has frequent rainfall, small beaches, and deep ties to local arts and culture through the University of Hawaii.
In Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, you'll walk past waterfalls tumbling through tropical forests and shop at busy local markets. Students from the University of Hawaii fill coffee shops and sidewalks, while scientists work at the Mauna Kea observatories above the city. This city of 44,000 remains deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, with places like the Pacific Tsunami Museum telling its story, the Merrie Monarch Festival keeping hula traditions alive, and the Panaewa Zoo letting you explore the only rainforest zoo in the United States.
Exploring Downtown Hilo
You'll find 1900s-era sugar plantation architecture throughout downtown Hilo's streets. At the Hilo Farmers Market, more than 200 vendors sell fresh mangoes, papayas, and local crafts every Wednesday and Saturday from sunrise to late afternoon. The market runs daily with fewer vendors on non-peak days.
Natural Wonders Around the City
Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall dropping over a natural lava cave, sits within Wailuku River State Park, just a 5-minute drive from downtown. Visit in the morning to see rainbows form in the mist as sunlight hits the water. At the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, you can walk a trail past over 2,000 species of plants down to Onomea Bay. The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo houses 80 animal species, including endangered Hawaiian birds, in a natural rainforest environment.
Museums and Science
At the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, you can explore interactive exhibits connecting Hawaiian navigation traditions with modern astronomy, and watch shows in the full-dome planetarium. The Pacific Tsunami Museum explains how the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis changed Hilo's coastline, while teaching visitors about tsunami science and safety. Inside the Lyman Museum, set in an 1839 mission house, you can examine Hawaiian artifacts and natural history collections.
Weather and Climate Considerations
With about 140 inches of rain annually, Hilo ranks among the wettest cities in the United States. Rain typically falls in late afternoon and evening. Temperatures stay mild year-round: 71°F in winter and 76°F in summer. Morning hours tend to be sunny, and the regular rainfall keeps the waterfalls flowing and gardens green.
Getting Around
You can fly into Hilo International Airport from other Hawaiian islands and some mainland cities. The Hele-On bus system runs through Hilo and connects to other parts of the Big Island. While downtown is walkable, you'll need a car to visit waterfalls, beaches, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is 45 minutes away.
University District
The University of Hawaii at Hilo brings 3,000 students to the area. Around campus, you'll find cafes, bookstores, and casual restaurants. Many university events, particularly those about Hawaiian culture and astronomy, welcome public attendance.
