Hilo holidays
Don’t come to the Big Island’s largest town looking for poolside umbrella drinks and sunburned tourists doing the limbo. Holidays to Hilo promise a more authentic Hawaiian experience, where history and raw natural beauty stand in contrast to the typical resort scene. From tropical gardens and black-sand beaches to funky museums and farm-fresh produce stands, see why the ‘Aloha Spirit’ is alive and well in Hilo.
Hilo: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-10 (HST)
High season
June – August and December.
Low season
September – October
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Caption
Photographer name
The best neighbourhoods in Hilo
Things to do in Hilo
© Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Shopping
If you’re looking for chain stores and big-box malls, you’re in the wrong place. Shopping in Hilo is small-scale, locally focused and full of creativity. Check out the town’s bookshops, boutiques and art galleries, then hit the Hilo Farmers Market to browse ceramics, jewellery and woodwork by Hawaiian artists. It’s also home to some of the freshest produce on the island.
Places to eat
Hilo’s dining scene is a microcosm of the region’s multiculturalism. Find everything from authentic Japanese and Mexican food to local spins on the poke bowl where fresh fish is front and centre. Fancy a night of fine dining? You’ll have to head to one of the luxury resorts in Kailua-Kona — restaurants in Hilo keep things casual.
Beaches
Beaches in Hilo aren’t the sweeping white sands of tropical island cliches. They’re wild, rocky and volcanic — but equally beautiful. You’ll find the best on the Keaukaha Strip, running south of Downtown. Try Richardson Ocean Park for natural whirlpool tubs and Kealoha Beach Park for swimming, snorkelling and surfing in winter.
FAQs about Hilo holidays
There’s no getting around it: Hawaii is expensive. But you can have a cheap holiday to Hilo. The hotels aren’t as expensive here as in Kona, and you’ll find great value cafes and markets. Book flights and hotels to Hilo during the off-season to reap the benefits of lower prices all round.
The rainiest month is December, which gets an average rainfall of 18 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Hilo trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, visiting an art gallery, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
February brings the coldest days of the year. Set off on your Hilo holiday then and you can expect lows of 17ºC (63ºF).
The hottest month in Hilo is October, which sees highs of 26ºC (79ºF).
For maximum relaxation and the chance to explore the island, you’ll need at least a week. But a short holiday in Hilo is definitely doable. In three or four days, you can explore downtown, check out a couple of beaches and head further afield to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
English is the language you'll encounter most while on a city break in Hilo.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) during your trip to Hilo. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
For the warmest and driest temperatures, March to September is the Hilo sweet spot, while the best surf waves are between January and March. If you want a cheap holiday to Hilo, then the low seasons of mid-September to November and April to June are your best bet.
Hilo is generally a safe city for travellers, but like anywhere, it's wise to exercise common sense. Avoid carrying too much cash, keep emergency numbers handy and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Also, stick to well-lit streets if you're out late at night during your holiday to Hilo.
Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens are just a glimpse of what this city has to offer. Explore the list of things to do in Hilo and discover why it should be your next travel stop.
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