Linda's Guide to the Big Island: Hilo

Hilo is the government seat for the Big Island. It is also the country’s rainiest city so folks often avoid it, choosing the sunnier Kona side of the island instead. Hilo has a lot to offer visitors. It is the closest city for exploring the volcano, it is close to the beautiful Puna district which offers several isolated beaches and swimming holes as well as a few black sand beaches.

Hilo Town, the downtown area visitors most often associate with the area, has historical buildings, a beautiful park, and many restaurants and shops.

If you are lucky enough to be there on market day, spend a few minutes walking around the market and pick yourself up a few local exotic fruits. This is the only place outside of Mexico that I have ever seen Pitaya fruit, although they call it Dragon Fruit. Definitely make time for a drive (or walk) along scenic Banyan Drive and stop to check out the Lili’uokalani gardens and walk the bridge to Coconut Island.

Spend a day in and around Hilo (try not to make this a Sunday because many shops and restaurants will be closed). Saturday and Wednesday are market days, so those are good days to visit if you can. This day is also a good day to plan for your helicopter tour if you are taking one (recommended). Visit Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, and Pe’epe’e Falls.

Helicopter tour: try to book one for earlier in the day so if weather delays your flight, you can take a flight later in the afternoon. It is common for it to be too foggy at times to fly and the tour company will do it’s best to book you onto a flight later in the day. These depart from the Hilo airport, be sure to reserve in advance. Internet fares are often cheaper than booking once you get to the island. You do get a refund if the weather doesn’t cooperate and you can’t go up.

Southpoint

Black Sand Beaches

Hilo Town

North of Hilo

Botanical Gardens

Puna District

Volcano

Kona Coffee

Drive Hilo to Kona

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