15 Incredible Must Do Things In Hilo, Hawaii

1. Kaumana Caves

To find the trailhead, head inland from Hilo on Waiamuenue Avenue. After about a mile, you’ll find a fork in the road. Head underground at the magnificent Kaumana Caves.

2. Zoom down a zipline

As an island – scratch that, an entire state – covered in lush rainforests, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is home to some of the best ziplining experiences in the world.

3. Spot sea turtles at Carlsmith Beach Park

A hotspot not only for local swimmers and snorkelers looking for warm, clear waters, but also for the friendly resident sea turtles.

4. Imiloa Astronomy Center

Where light pollution is effectively zero, Mauna Kea and Kīlauea are the perfect places to stargaze, Discover the mysteries of the Milky Way at the Imiloa Astronomy Center.

5. Hilo Municipal Golf Course

The Hilo Municipal Golf Course is open to the public and offers up a challenging 18-hole round with some of the most breathtaking views in town.

6. Onekahakaha Beach Park

Straddling the foreshore of Puhi Bay, this gorgeous white-sand beach is shallow, soft, and protected by a natural lava rock seawall.

7. Akaka Falls

A little piece of rainforest just 10 miles north of Hilo, Akaka falls State Park is one of the best places on the Big Island to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty.

8. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

You can do just that at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a pristine slice of nature located a couple of miles drive north of Hilo town in Papaikou.

9. Paddleboarding

Hilo is chock-full of top-tier SUP sup – from Richardson Beach Park and Leleiwi Beach Park to Onekahakaha Beach Park and Carlsmith Beach Park.

10. Richardson Ocean Park

If you want something unique – say, the only black and green sand within striking distance of the town – there’s only one name that comes to mind.

11. Rainbow Falls

Located inside the Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hilo.

12. Go fishing!

While Big Island’s dramatic natural landscape bears the brunt of the attention, it’s not exactly a secret that Hawaii’s culture and arts scene is thriving.

13. Road trip!

Check off at least one incredible gateway with scenic drives in Hilo, Hawai.

14. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Captivating visitors from all over the world, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a rare slice of nature.

15. Mauna Kea volcano

All over the Hawaiian Islands (with the small exception of Honolulu), the night skies are some of the darkest in the US, making them ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.

15 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad

NEXT