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Hilo

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City
—°16
Hilo (United States)
ℹ️

Practical info — Hilo

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Hilo, located on the eastern coast of the Big Island, showcases the lush, rain-drenched side of Hawaii. As one of the wettest cities in the United States, it has a landscape of incredible greenery, exotic flowers, and sweeping waterfalls. Rainbow Falls, located right in the city, is famous for the rainbows that appear in its mist, while the nearby Akaka Falls plunges over 400 feet into a verdant gorge within the rainforest. Hilo serves as the primary gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can witness the raw power of active volcanoes. In town, the Lili'uokalani Gardens offer a serene retreat as the largest Edo-style Japanese garden outside of Japan. The Hilo Farmers Market is a local institution, renowned for its fresh tropical fruits, lively orchids, and unique Hawaiian crafts. Unlike the more touristy west coast, Hilo retains a quiet, authentic atmosphere. The local culinary scene reflects a blend of cultures, with strong Japanese and Filipino influences alongside fresh Pacific seafood. Hilo International Airport (ITO) provides easy access to the region. While rain is frequent, it usually comes in short, refreshing bursts that keep the environment bustling. Every spring, Hilo hosts the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's most renowned hula competition. Nature lovers will find Hilo to be a paradise, from the black sand beaches of Richardson Ocean Park to the star-gazing opportunities atop the nearby Mauna Kea. The city’s historic waterfront and pleasant wooden buildings tell stories of a bygone era. Hilo is a destination where you can truly feel the pulse of nature and the deep-rooted traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Geography

Population
43,263 (2015)
Coordinates
19.70556, -155.08583

Facts

  • One of the wettest cities in the US
  • Gateway to Volcanoes National Park
  • Home to the famous Rainbow Falls
  • Hosts the Merrie Monarch Festival
  • Largest Japanese garden outside Japan
  • Famous for its farmers' market
  • Located on the Big Island's east coast
  • Known as the orchid capital

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Sights in the town Hilo (16)

Kenyan K. Beale Community Robotics Center🏛 museum

Community robotics center in Hilo offering hands-on STEM education and robotics exhibits.

🕒 Sa 10:00-14:00

Hilo Bay📍 landmark

A bay in Hilo on the east coast of the island of Hawaii.

Waiākea Light📍 landmark

Historic lighthouse at the entrance of Hilo Bay, active since the early 20th century.

Hilo Coast Railway Flag Pole Base🏺 historical

Flag pole base of the Hilo Coast Railway from 1926.

King Kamehameha Statue🏺 historical

Bronze statue of King Kamehameha I in downtown Hilo, opposite the Hawaii County Building.

Site of Shinmachi🌿 nature

Site of the former Shinmachi district, a coastal settlement in Hilo.

Extreme Exposure🏛 museum

A contemporary art museum focusing on adventure and extreme sports in Hilo.

🆓

East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center🏛 museum

Cultural center in Hilo showcasing Hawaiian and East Asian art.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-16:00; Sa 10:00-14:00

Naha Stone🏺 historical

A large volcanic stone said to have been moved by King Kamehameha I as a test of strength.

Hālaʻi🌿 nature

A hill on the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea, offering views of Hilo Bay.

Rainbow Falls Lookout🌿 nature

Lookout point over Rainbow Falls, a volcanic waterfall in Hilo.

Liliuokalani Gardens🌳 park

A 30-acre Japanese-style garden on Hilo Bay, featuring koi ponds and pagodas.

Wailoa River State Recreation Area🌳 park

A state park along the Wailoa River with walking paths and fishing piers.

Haili Church⛪ religious

Historic lava rock church in Hilo.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

The only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, located in Hilo, featuring native and exotic animals.

Frequently asked questions

Hilo: where is it located?
Hilo is located in United States.
Hilo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kenyan K. Beale Community Robotics Center, Hilo Bay, Waiākea Light.
Hilo: why is it worth visiting?
Hilo, located on the eastern coast of the Big Island, showcases the lush, rain-drenched side of Hawaii.
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