Guidebook for Hilo Side
Sightseeing
Rainbow Falls
A wonderful falls situated in the rain forest
It is a nice place to hike and take a break without cost. While hiking down into the valley is not supposed to be allowed, many seem to do it.
54 locals recommend
Boiling Pots
1766 Wailuku DrIt is a nice place to hike and take a break without cost. While hiking down into the valley is not supposed to be allowed, many seem to do it.
A short hike around boulders will bring you down to the beach which is clothing optional. It is a bit more bohemian on Sundays so perhaps less appropriate for younger family members. The surf tends to be rough, so take proper precautions.
177 locals recommend
Kehena Black Sand Beach
A short hike around boulders will bring you down to the beach which is clothing optional. It is a bit more bohemian on Sundays so perhaps less appropriate for younger family members. The surf tends to be rough, so take proper precautions.
A great place to snorkel and see fish and turtles. Remember not to touch wildlife. We have found the best snorkeling to be in front of the lifeguard tower, but explore on you own as the whole place is wonderful.
176 locals recommend
Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole StA great place to snorkel and see fish and turtles. Remember not to touch wildlife. We have found the best snorkeling to be in front of the lifeguard tower, but explore on you own as the whole place is wonderful.
A nice little hike you may wish to take on the way from here to there. While not a destination in and of itself it is a sight worth seeing. Parking fee is required.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdA nice little hike you may wish to take on the way from here to there. While not a destination in and of itself it is a sight worth seeing. Parking fee is required.
Maybe not the biggest or best zoo you have visited, but well worth the visit to wander through the lush and verdant vegetation that is well groomed and maintained. Did we mention it is free?
110 locals recommend
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
800 Stainback HwyMaybe not the biggest or best zoo you have visited, but well worth the visit to wander through the lush and verdant vegetation that is well groomed and maintained. Did we mention it is free?
This park offers a quick diversion into a lava tube. You can descend on a metal ladder into a skylight in a lava tube that was created by an 1881 flow from Mauna Loa
65 locals recommend
Kaumana Caves
1492 Kaumana DrThis park offers a quick diversion into a lava tube. You can descend on a metal ladder into a skylight in a lava tube that was created by an 1881 flow from Mauna Loa
A short hike thru the park is educational and enlightening. See molds created when trees were surrounded by red hot lava. When in the Pahoa area this is a nice stop while heading down to another attraction and worth your time.
109 locals recommend
Lava Tree State Monument
Hawaii 132A short hike thru the park is educational and enlightening. See molds created when trees were surrounded by red hot lava. When in the Pahoa area this is a nice stop while heading down to another attraction and worth your time.
A nice place to stop by and snorkel. There are stairs and a handrail that aids with entry into the water and lots of rock outcroppings to observe fish, the occasional eel and green turtles. There are two fresh water inlets here so expect the water to be a bit chilly.
140 locals recommend
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StA nice place to stop by and snorkel. There are stairs and a handrail that aids with entry into the water and lots of rock outcroppings to observe fish, the occasional eel and green turtles. There are two fresh water inlets here so expect the water to be a bit chilly.
If there is an eruption while you are on Island plan your visit to include some time after dark. Seeing the volcano's glow and lava inside the crater is awesome and especially nice after dark on a clear night. Take the opportunity during daylight hours to experience many of the fine hiking trails. drive down Chain of Crater Road and do as much as you can.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If there is an eruption while you are on Island plan your visit to include some time after dark. Seeing the volcano's glow and lava inside the crater is awesome and especially nice after dark on a clear night. Take the opportunity during daylight hours to experience many of the fine hiking trails. drive down Chain of Crater Road and do as much as you can.
The actual Isaac Hale Park was destroyed by the last lava flows, BUT immediately adjacent is our newest black sand beach. The sand is coarse and the surf may be rough. A good beach for surfers and strong swimmers. There are several natural hot pools in the immediate area some of which may require brief search and short trip into the jungle,
101 locals recommend
Isaac Hale Park
13-101 Kalapana - Kapoho RdThe actual Isaac Hale Park was destroyed by the last lava flows, BUT immediately adjacent is our newest black sand beach. The sand is coarse and the surf may be rough. A good beach for surfers and strong swimmers. There are several natural hot pools in the immediate area some of which may require brief search and short trip into the jungle,
When in Hilo take a break and walk around this lovely park, visit the gardens and maybe have a box lunch. Slow down and discover the slow rhythm of the Hawaiian aloha lifestyle.
103 locals recommend
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
189 Lihiwai StWhen in Hilo take a break and walk around this lovely park, visit the gardens and maybe have a box lunch. Slow down and discover the slow rhythm of the Hawaiian aloha lifestyle.
When it is time to slowdown and not rush from one site to the next, this may be the place to spend a pleasant afternoon or morning enjoying the incredible plants.
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyWhen it is time to slowdown and not rush from one site to the next, this may be the place to spend a pleasant afternoon or morning enjoying the incredible plants.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cronies Bar & Grill
11 Waianuenue AveA nice sports bar with lots of TVs and good food.
Entertainment & Activities
On Sundays (weather permitting) for $2 a car this is the best thing going. Lots of food, produce, crafts and more it is a swap meet, crafts show and food all at one place.
169 locals recommend
Maku'u Farmer's Market
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa RdOn Sundays (weather permitting) for $2 a car this is the best thing going. Lots of food, produce, crafts and more it is a swap meet, crafts show and food all at one place.
Food Scene
Enjoy the local delicacy "poke" and some fresh caught local fish....eat there or take home. For budget shopping check out the coolers in the corner rather than the big display cases which feature the most expensive goods.
88 locals recommend
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StEnjoy the local delicacy "poke" and some fresh caught local fish....eat there or take home. For budget shopping check out the coolers in the corner rather than the big display cases which feature the most expensive goods.
We have always enjoyed the food. Others tell us they have found food quality to vary, so opinions differ.
41 locals recommend
Hilo Burger Joint
776 Kilauea AveWe have always enjoyed the food. Others tell us they have found food quality to vary, so opinions differ.
Hilo Town Tavern
168 Keawe StStop in for a good sandwich and a fast drink.
Lots of local veggies and fruits, experiment and try new flavors
246 locals recommend
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo StreetLots of local veggies and fruits, experiment and try new flavors
Large portions of local food. Expect to wait in line for seating this place is a local and tourist favorite.
105 locals recommend
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono StLarge portions of local food. Expect to wait in line for seating this place is a local and tourist favorite.