Top 15 Things To Do in Hilo, Hawaii
On the wet, wild eastern edge of Hawaiʻi Island, Hilo is a green-city doorway to rainforests, waterfalls, and active volcanic landscapes. With roughly 285 listed activities, this is a place where sightseeing tours and city tours ease into hiking on fern-lined ridgelines, eco tours peel back cultural and geological layers, and water activities—from kayak and snorkel trips to full scuba expeditions—launch from calm coves and rugged shores. Photographers chase rainbows over falls, anglers and fishing charters chase reef and deepwater species, and adventure-seekers pair zipline runs and air activities (helicopter sightlines above lava flows) with relaxed walking tours through markets and gardens. Use this guide to stitch together short, accessible outings and longer exploratory days that balance practical planning with the quiet thrill of wild Hawai‘i.
Top 15 Things To Do in Hilo
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Hilo Deserves a Spot on Your Island Itinerary
Hilo feels like the island’s slow-breathing counterpoint to Kona’s sunbaked glare. Rain here is part of the rhythm—not a spoiler—feeding waterfalls that thunder in basalt-lined amphitheaters and cloaking trails in emerald moss. From a practical traveler’s perspective, Hilo is compact and walkable: the waterfront and farmers’ market sit down-valley from long green slopes that lead up toward cloud forest and the raw, recent edges of volcanic flows. That accessibility lets you stack experiences—early-morning hiking to a rainforest overlook, a midday boat tour off Hilo Bay to hunt for spinner dolphins or coastal birds, and an evening photography tour that chases Hawaiian light across tidal pools and iron-stained cliff edges.
Culturally, Hilo is confident without being flashy. Local markets and family-run cafés anchor the downtown so that long days outdoors fold naturally into conversations about place, food, and stewardship. Eco tours and guided snorkeling or scuba trips emphasize mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and reef etiquette: critical context for anyone who wants to enjoy the water responsibly. For the outdoorsperson this balance matters—Hilo is both a springboard for adrenaline (zipline courses, offshore fishing charters, helicopter vistas and air activities) and a classroom for quieter pursuits like birding, photography walks, and botanically focused hikes.
On the logistical side, Hilo’s small scale makes it surprisingly easy to plan mixed itineraries. Outfitters supply kayak and SUP rentals for sheltered bays, certified dive operators run boat-based scuba trips to nearby reefs, and shuttle-accessible trailheads link to longer routes inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Weather-wise, aim for dry windows between April and October for clearer water and better aerial visibility; come prepared for tropical showers year-round, especially on rainforest-access hikes. Whether you’re a day-tripper chasing waterfalls or a multi-day explorer mapping lava flows and coastal reefs, Hilo rewards curiosity—and teaches the virtue of slowing down under a canopy of palms.
Pack your days by pairing short, high-impact outings (Rainbow Falls, a photography-focused walking tour of downtown, or an afternoon snorkel) with longer, moodier adventures (a guided hike into rainforest gorges or a sunrise shuttle to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park).
Local outfitters make multi-activity days easy: combine a morning kayak or boat tour with an afternoon eco tour or city tour, and finish with a sunset stroll through Liliʻuokalani Gardens.
Respect seasonal conditions: Hilo’s rain keeps trails vivid but slick. After heavy rains, choose hardened paths or guided routes and check marine conditions before heading out to sea.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Hilo is warm and humid year-round with frequent, often brief, rain showers. April–October typically offers clearer seas and better aerial visibility; winter months bring more consistent trade-wind-driven rains and larger surf on some exposures.
Peak Season
Late spring through early fall for clearer diving and aerial tours; school holidays increase local visitation—book popular guided outings in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Winter weekdays see thinner crowds and lower prices; waterfalls are fuller, and whale-watching (from boats and some coastal vantage points) peaks in mid-winter.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, well-marked walks, sheltered kayak or boat tours, and easy coastal snorkeling in calm coves.
- Walking tour of Hilo’s downtown and farmers’ market
- Half-day boat tour in Hilo Bay for dolphin and seabird spotting
- Guided beginner snorkel in a protected bay
Intermediate
Longer hikes with moderate elevation change, guided scuba or extended kayak days, and photography-focused tours that require stamina and fieldcraft.
- Day hike to rainforest overlooks and waterfall circuits
- Guided afternoon kayak to coastal sea caves and tide pools
- Local eco tour combining botany and cultural history
Advanced
Multi-mile volcanic traverses, open-ocean excursions, technical scuba, and aerial or zipline experiences that require pre-booked guides and specialized skills.
- Full-day route inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with rugged terrain
- Offshore deep-water fishing charters or advanced scuba boat dives
- Zipline canopy runs and helicopter air activities that require reservations
What to Bring
Essential
- Light waterproof shell and quick-dry layers for tropical showers
- Sturdy trail shoes with good grip for wet roots and lava rock
- Water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen (min SPF 30)
- Small dry bag for electronics during boat, kayak, and beach outings
- Copies of permits or park pass for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park if visiting
Recommended
- Lightweight rain pants or convertible hiking pants
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses for sun breaks between showers
- Insect repellent for lower-elevation rainforest hikes
- Waterproof phone case and camera protection for photography tours
Optional
- Light-weight trekking poles for slippery or uneven volcanic trails
- Binoculars for coastal birding or whale-watching season
- Compact snorkeling kit if you prefer your own mask and snorkel
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check conditions and closures before you go, practice reef-safe behaviors, and respect private property and cultural sites.
Start early—mornings offer calmer water and clearer light for photography and aerial tours. After rain, favor hardened trails and guided routes to avoid slipping on wet lava or trampling sensitive vegetation. If you plan to scuba or snorkel, opt for operators who emphasize reef stewardship and carry proper safety gear. For cultural context, visit the farmer’s market and look for interpretive eco tours that highlight Hawaiian practices and place-based conservation. Finally, give yourself extra travel time: Hilo’s roads are scenic but can be slower in wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for many city tours, short hikes, and beach snorkeling in protected coves. Choose a guide for scuba, river or open-ocean kayaking, technical volcanic terrain, and for off-trail rainforest access—guides add safety and local context.
Are waterfall areas safe for swimming?
Not always. Many waterfall pools have strong currents, underwater hazards, or flash-flood risk after rain. Use designated swimming spots and heed local signage; ask a guide or ranger if you’re unsure.
How do I visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo?
Several trailheads and park access points are within a 30–60 minute drive from Hilo. Plan for variable conditions—check the National Park Service site for alerts, road closures, and recommended routes before you go.