East Side Gems
Sightseeing
Check the park site for weather and plan accordingly. The park is huge and there are tons of great hikes. If you’re lucky, you’ll be staying while the crater is actively erupting. Ask us and we will be happy to share how to get the best views!
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Check the park site for weather and plan accordingly. The park is huge and there are tons of great hikes. If you’re lucky, you’ll be staying while the crater is actively erupting. Ask us and we will be happy to share how to get the best views!
Great spot for a beach picnic and to see the largest specimens of our local Honu (sea turtles). These animals are very special, and also protected here in Hawaii, so please view from a respectful distance.
140 locals recommend
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StGreat spot for a beach picnic and to see the largest specimens of our local Honu (sea turtles). These animals are very special, and also protected here in Hawaii, so please view from a respectful distance.
Great spot for a cold river swim and to watch the locals surf. Be mindful of the ocean conditions and surfers when getting into the water.
81 locals recommend
Honoli'i Beach Park
Great spot for a cold river swim and to watch the locals surf. Be mindful of the ocean conditions and surfers when getting into the water.
Super short walk for some great photo opportunities. This is also the location of the botanical gardens on Hilo side!
48 locals recommend
Onomea Bay Trail
27-547 Mamalahoa HwySuper short walk for some great photo opportunities. This is also the location of the botanical gardens on Hilo side!
Quick stop for some awesome views of one of our islands many massive lava tubes. Just a quick drive from our place.
65 locals recommend
Kaumana Caves
1492 Kaumana DrQuick stop for some awesome views of one of our islands many massive lava tubes. Just a quick drive from our place.
Food scene
Our favorite restaurant. Rotating, local fusion menu, a MUST TRY while you are in Hilo. Reservations one week in advance are highly recommended.
41 locals recommend
Moon and Turtle
51 Kalakaua StOur favorite restaurant. Rotating, local fusion menu, a MUST TRY while you are in Hilo. Reservations one week in advance are highly recommended.
Literally the best shaved ice you’ll ever have. Family owned small-business with a huge passion for creating healthy and delicious frozen treats. All syrups are made 100% naturally from local island produce. All organic and zero artificial sweeteners. Add poi to the center of any shaved ice for a special local twist.
17 locals recommend
Kula Shave Ice
57 Mamo StLiterally the best shaved ice you’ll ever have. Family owned small-business with a huge passion for creating healthy and delicious frozen treats. All syrups are made 100% naturally from local island produce. All organic and zero artificial sweeteners. Add poi to the center of any shaved ice for a special local twist.