9 Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii for 2026

Hilo, with its verdant rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and rich local culture, offers a beautifully authentic counterpoint to the sunny lava fields of Kona. While many visitors are drawn to the Big Island for its world-class ocean adventures, exploring the island's 'wet side' reveals a completely different side of Hawaiian paradise. This guide is built to show you the absolute best things to do in Hilo, whether you're dedicating your entire trip here or planning an essential day trip across the island.

From the powerful volcanic landscapes of Kīlauea to the charming, historic streets of downtown Hilo, the experiences here are deeply rooted in nature and local life. We will provide the practical details you need to make your visit unforgettable, including what makes each spot special, how to get there, and insider tips to maximize your time. This list offers a balanced look at the area's top attractions, helping you plan your itinerary with confidence.

While Hilo’s own coastal waters offer unique snorkeling opportunities, many serious divers and manta ray enthusiasts base themselves in Kona for its clear, protected bays and premier charter services. If you're weighing your options, consider that a day trip from Kona is easily manageable. You could spend a morning diving with Kona Honu Divers on a vibrant reef and still have the afternoon to chase waterfalls near Hilo. This article will help you understand the logistics and highlights of both sides of the island, ensuring you don't miss any of the incredible things to do in Hilo during your Big Island stay.

A trip to the Hilo side of the Big Island is incomplete without experiencing the raw geological power of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a roughly 45-minute drive from Hilo, is a must-do for anyone visiting. It offers a direct connection to the forces that created the Hawaiian Islands, centered around Kīlauea, one of the planet's most active volcanoes. The park presents a stunning duality of destruction and creation, where stark, new lava fields lie adjacent to lush, endemic rainforests.

Exploring this dynamic environment is one of the most memorable things to do in Hilo. You can drive the scenic Crater Rim Drive, walk through the impressive Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and hike across the floor of the Kīlauea Iki crater. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, providing a tangible sense of the island's living, breathing nature.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early (before 9 a.m.) to secure parking and experience cooler hiking temperatures. For a chance to see the lava glow, visit after sunset, but be prepared for crowds.
• What to Bring: The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Pack layers, a quality rain jacket, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and ample water and snacks.
• Cost & Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Check the official National Park Service website for current conditions, including air quality, eruption updates, and trail closures before you go.
• Accessibility: Key viewpoints like the Kīlauea Overlook and Steam Vents are wheelchair accessible. Parts of the path to Nāhuku are also paved, though the lava tube itself has uneven ground and stairs.
• Family/Solo: Excellent for both. Families will enjoy the accessible paths and the Junior Ranger program, while solo travelers will find endless trails for quiet contemplation.

For certified divers seeking one of the planet's most surreal and unique underwater experiences, a blackwater dive is an absolute must. While the premier location for this activity is on the Kona side, the journey is well worth it for what many consider a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. This advanced night dive takes you miles offshore into the deep ocean channel, where you drift tethered to a boat in the dark. You'll witness the largest migration on Earth as countless deep-sea pelagic and larval creatures ascend from the abyss to feed near the surface, a phenomenon rarely seen by human eyes.

This is not a reef dive; it is an open-ocean, mid-water immersion into an alien world of bioluminescence and bizarre, often transparent, organisms. Popularized by marine biologists and elite underwater photographers, this dive is one of the most remarkable things to do, offering a profound connection to the hidden life of the deep ocean. It’s an adventure that requires careful planning from Hilo but delivers an unparalleled reward.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Go: Book your dive during the new moon phase. The darker skies and water significantly enhance the natural bioluminescence of the creatures you'll encounter.
• What to Bring: Essential gear includes a reliable dive computer (redundant systems recommended), a bright primary dive light, a backup light, and your certification card. For photographers, both macro and wide-angle lenses are useful for capturing the variety of subjects.
• Cost & Booking: This is a specialized charter, often requiring a day trip to the Kona coast. Operators like Kona Honu Divers offer dedicated blackwater dive tours. Prices vary, so book in advance. You can learn more about this unique experience and book a blackwater dive tour directly with them.
• Accessibility: This is an advanced dive for certified Open Water divers comfortable with night diving and who possess excellent buoyancy control. It is not suitable for beginners, snorkelers, or those with mobility limitations.
• Family/Solo: Best suited for solo certified divers or pairs/groups of experienced dive buddies. It is not an activity for families with non-divers or young children.

While Hilo’s coastline is known for its rugged, raw beauty, some of the Big Island's most vibrant underwater ecosystems are found on the Kona side. A two-tank morning reef dive is a fantastic way for certified divers to spend a day exploring this world-renowned marine environment. These tours typically visit two distinct sites, offering a fantastic value and extended time to discover pristine coral gardens, dramatic volcanic rock formations, and a rich diversity of sea life.

Morning dives often have the calmest ocean conditions and the best visibility, making it an ideal time to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), reef sharks, octopi, and massive schools of tropical fish. Operators like Kona Honu Divers are celebrated for their highly-rated morning dive packages, which cater to various skill levels and provide a safe, guided experience. Making the drive from Hilo for this adventure is well worth the effort, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the East side's lush landscape and a different kind of thing to do while visiting Hilo.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Dive: Morning charters generally provide the best conditions. Arrive at the dive shop at least 30 minutes early for a smooth check-in, gear fitting, and boat briefing.
• What to Bring: Pack your certification card, log book, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a reusable water bottle. If you tend to get cold, wearing a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
• Cost & Booking: Prices for diving tours vary, but expect to pay for a two-tank charter. Booking in advance is essential, especially during peak season. Top-rated operators like Kona Honu Divers are a great place to start. If you're an experienced diver, consider inquiring about their premium advanced charters for a different experience.
• Dive Site Intel: The Kona coast features dozens of incredible locations. You can learn more about the dive sites you might visit to get an idea of the underwater topography and potential marine life encounters.
• Family/Solo: Perfect for certified divers traveling solo or with family. Dive boats offer a great social atmosphere for solo travelers to meet others, while families with certified members can share an unforgettable experience together.

While Hilo offers incredible rainforests and waterfalls, the Big Island’s premier underwater experiences are found on the sunny Kona coast. Earning your PADI scuba certification is a fantastic way to dedicate a few days of your trip to unlocking a lifetime of aquatic adventure. Comprehensive courses typically span 3-4 days, blending classroom e-learning, confined water practice, and thrilling open water dives to build your skills and confidence. This is one of the most rewarding things to do, transforming you from a spectator to an active explorer of the ocean realm.

While based in Hilo, you can plan a multi-day excursion to Kona to train with top-tier PADI 5-star facilities like Kona Honu Divers, which certifies over 50 new divers each month. The calm, clear waters of the Kona coast provide an ideal learning environment. Achieving your Open Water or Advanced certification here means your first logged dives will be in one of the world's most vibrant marine ecosystems. To learn more about the certification process, you can explore the PADI Open Water certification options.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Schedule your course during the calmer months from April to October for the best and most comfortable ocean conditions.
• What to Bring: If you wear glasses, consider bringing prescription mask lenses. Complete the PADI e-learning portion before you arrive to maximize your in-water time.
• Cost & Hours: Course costs for diving tours vary but are all-inclusive. Training is a multi-day commitment (usually 3-4 days). Check with your chosen dive shop for exact pricing and schedules.
• Accessibility: Scuba diving has specific physical requirements. It is crucial to disclose any pre-existing conditions, especially ear or sinus issues, to your instructor beforehand.
• Family/Solo: Perfect for adventurous solo travelers and older families or couples looking for a new shared hobby. Minimum age requirements apply (typically 10-12 years old).

While the Hilo side is famous for its dramatic coastlines and lush rainforests, its underwater world offers a quieter but equally thrilling adventure. Exploring the ocean via snorkeling or freediving provides an intimate connection with Hawaiʻi’s marine life without the need for scuba equipment. Snorkeling is a fantastic, accessible activity for nearly all ages, allowing you to float effortlessly above vibrant reefs teeming with fish. For those seeking a deeper challenge, guided freediving instruction teaches you to explore the underwater realm on a single breath, fostering a unique sense of peace and oneness with the ocean.

While many of the most celebrated snorkeling spots are on the Kona coast, the protected bays and coves near Hilo, like those in the Puna district, still offer incredible sights. These activities are excellent things to do in Hilo for water lovers who want a direct encounter with tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals. For visitors interested in a full day trip, many operators on the Kona side, like Kona Honu Divers, offer specialized snorkeling tours that are worth the drive for their world-class clarity and abundant marine biodiversity.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The calmest ocean conditions are typically found in the morning. An early start often means better visibility and fewer people in the water.
• What to Bring: Always wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life. Bring a well-fitting mask, snorkel, fins, and consider a rash guard for sun and jellyfish protection. Apply anti-fog solution to your mask before entering the water.
• Safety First: Never snorkel or freedive alone; always use the buddy system. Be aware of your surroundings, including currents and boat traffic. If you're new to freediving, take a certified course (like those offered through AIDA International) and build your breath-hold capacity gradually and safely.
• Accessibility: Snorkeling is a low-impact activity suitable for most fitness levels, but requires basic swimming ability. Many Hilo-side beaches have rocky entries, so water shoes are recommended. Freediving is more physically demanding and requires specific training.
• Family/Solo: Snorkeling is ideal for families and solo travelers alike. Freediving is better suited for solo adventurers or couples who are focused on skill development and certification.

A trip to the Hilo side of the Big Island is incomplete without experiencing the raw geological power of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a roughly 45-minute drive from Hilo, is a must-do for anyone visiting. It offers a direct connection to the forces that created the Hawaiian Islands, centered around Kīlauea, one of the planet's most active volcanoes. The park presents a stunning duality of destruction and creation, where stark, new lava fields lie adjacent to lush, endemic rainforests.

Exploring this dynamic environment is one of the most memorable things to do in Hilo. You can drive the scenic Crater Rim Drive, walk through the impressive Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and hike across the floor of the Kīlauea Iki crater. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, providing a tangible sense of the island's living, breathing nature.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early (before 9 a.m.) to secure parking and experience cooler hiking temperatures. For a chance to see the lava glow, visit after sunset, but be prepared for crowds.
• What to Bring: The weather is notoriously unpredictable. Pack layers, a quality rain jacket, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and ample water and snacks.
• Cost & Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Check the official National Park Service website for current conditions, including air quality, eruption updates, and trail closures before you go.
• Accessibility: Key viewpoints like the Kīlauea Overlook and Steam Vents are wheelchair accessible. Parts of the path to Nāhuku are also paved, though the lava tube itself has uneven ground and stairs.
• Family/Solo: Excellent for both. Families will enjoy the accessible paths and the Junior Ranger program, while solo travelers will find endless trails for quiet contemplation.

To truly capture the spirit of Hilo, spend an afternoon exploring its charming downtown and bayfront area. The district is a living museum, where historic plantation-era buildings, beautifully restored after facing past tsunamis, now house a vibrant collection of local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This community-led revitalization has preserved Hilo's unique architectural heritage while creating a bustling hub that supports small businesses and cultural expression, making it a cornerstone of things to do in Hilo.

Strolling through these streets offers a genuine taste of local life, a world away from the island's resort areas. You can delve into the area's powerful history at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, discover one-of-a-kind treasures in quirky boutiques, and savor the burgeoning farm-to-table food scene. The area provides a perfect, walkable experience that combines history, culture, and modern-day aloha.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Visit on a Saturday morning to experience the full energy of the Hilo Farmers Market. Weekday afternoons are also great for a more relaxed shopping and dining experience.
• What to Bring: Passing showers are common in Hilo, so a light rain jacket or umbrella is always a good idea. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the area's many side streets and alleys.
• Cost & Hours: Exploring the area is free. Most shops and galleries open mid-morning and close by late afternoon. Restaurant hours vary. Park in a central public lot and enjoy exploring on foot.
• Accessibility: Sidewalks are generally accessible, but some older, historic buildings may have steps at their entrances. Key attractions like the Pacific Tsunami Museum are wheelchair accessible.
• Family/Solo: Perfect for everyone. Families can enjoy the open space at the bayfront parks and find kid-friendly treats, while solo travelers will appreciate the laid-back atmosphere for browsing galleries and enjoying a quiet coffee.

Just minutes from downtown Hilo, you can find two of the area's most iconic and accessible natural wonders, Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. Visiting these sites offers an immediate immersion into the lush, tropical beauty of the island's windward side. Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) features an impressive 80-foot cascade over a lava cave, famous for the rainbows that form in its mist on sunny mornings. A short drive upstream leads you to Boiling Pots, a series of turbulent pools and cascades along the Wailuku River.

These connected locations are perfect things to do in Hilo for a quick yet rewarding nature escape. The easy access and stunning scenery make them popular with photographers, families, and anyone looking to experience the power of Hilo's rivers without a strenuous trek. The verdant rainforest, the sound of rushing water, and the dramatic geological formations provide a classic Big Island experience.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Go to Rainbow Falls between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the best chance of seeing the signature rainbow. Arrive early at either location to find parking, as spots are limited and fill up quickly.
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy water shoes with a strong grip if you plan to get near the water. For any hiking, trekking poles can help with stability on wet ground. Pack a towel and dry clothes if you find a safe spot for a swim.
• Cost & Hours: Both Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots are located in Wailuku River State Park, which has no entrance fee and is generally accessible during daylight hours. Check the official Hawaii Division of State Parks page for any alerts or closures.
• Accessibility: The main viewing platform for Rainbow Falls is easily accessible from the parking lot. The paths around Boiling Pots involve some stairs and uneven terrain, making them less accessible for those with mobility challenges.
• Family/Solo: Ideal for both. The short walks and impressive views are great for families with children, while solo adventurers will appreciate the easy access to beautiful photo opportunities and nature.

Ascending Mauna Kea offers a journey from tropical Hilo to an alpine desert near the summit of the world's tallest mountain, measured from its base on the ocean floor. At an elevation of 13,802 feet, its peak is home to a collection of world-class astronomical observatories. For visitors, this sacred and scientifically significant mountain provides a unique perspective on both Hawaiian culture and the cosmos, making it one of the most profound things to do in Hilo.

While the summit itself requires a 4×4 vehicle, the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 9,200 feet is accessible to most cars and is the main hub for public engagement. Here, you can acclimate to the altitude, learn from educational exhibits, and participate in phenomenal nightly stargazing programs hosted by knowledgeable staff. The experience provides a deep connection to the stars, far from city lights, in a place revered for its celestial clarity.

Essential Visitor Information & Tips

• Best Time to Visit: For stargazing, plan your visit during a new moon for the darkest skies. Arrive at the Visitor Information Station about an hour before sunset to find parking and prepare for the evening program.
• What to Bring: The temperature at altitude drops dramatically, often below freezing. Bring multiple warm layers, including a winter coat, hat, and gloves. High-altitude sun is intense, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime visits.
• Cost & Hours: The VIS is generally open daily, with stargazing programs offered nightly, weather permitting. Access is free, though donations are appreciated. Check the official Maunakea Visitor Information Station website for current hours, road conditions, and program status.
• Accessibility: The area around the VIS is relatively flat with some accessible parking and pathways. The summit is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 13, or individuals with heart or respiratory conditions due to the extreme altitude.
• Family/Solo: The VIS stargazing program is fantastic for families with older children (13+) and solo travelers. The high altitude makes it risky for young children.

Top 9 Hilo Activities Comparison

Activity	Implementation complexity 🔄	Resource requirements ⚡	Expected outcomes ⭐	Ideal use cases 💡	Key advantages 📊
Manta Ray Night Dive Experience	High 🔄🔄🔄 — night dive skills required	Moderate–High ⚡ — night gear, advanced cert, higher price	Exceptional wildlife viewing & photo ops ⭐⭐⭐⭐	Bucket-list divers and underwater photographers 💡 — best in season; book early	Close manta encounters, high seasonal encounter rate, intimate groups 📊
Blackwater Deep Diving	Very High 🔄🔄🔄 — suspended deep-night descent	Very High ⚡ — advanced cert, nitrox/tech gear, $400–600+	Rare pelagic/bioluminescent observations; high novelty ⭐⭐⭐⭐	Advanced researchers and elite photographers 💡 — ideal on new moon; strong buoyancy skills required	Access to rare deep-sea organisms, strong educational and research value 📊
Two-Tank Morning Reef Dives	Low–Medium 🔄🔄 — standard recreational dives	Moderate ⚡ — recreational cert, often includes nitrox; good value	Reliable reef diversity and extended bottom time ⭐⭐⭐	Newly certified divers and value-seekers 💡 — morning calm, request preferred sites	Multiple dive sites per trip, extended exploration time, consistent conditions 📊
Scuba Certification Courses (PADI Open Water & Advanced)	Medium 🔄🔄 — multi-day classroom and ocean training	Moderate ⚡ — $300–500, gear rental, study time	Certified entry to recreational diving and skills confidence ⭐⭐⭐⭐	Beginners seeking credential and progression 💡 — complete e-learning before arrival	Small class sizes, personalized instruction, gateway to many dive experiences 📊
Freediving and Snorkeling Experiences	Low 🔄 — minimal training for snorkeling; freediving needs instruction	Low ⚡ — $60–150, minimal equipment; AIDA fees for freediving	Accessible reef encounters; breath‑hold skills for freediving ⭐⭐⭐	Families, beginners, low-cost eco travelers 💡 — use reef-safe sunscreen; never solo freedive	Broad accessibility, low environmental impact, family-friendly options 📊
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Crater Exploration	Low–Medium 🔄🔄 — self-guided to ranger-led options	Low–Moderate ⚡ — $30/vehicle entry, driving time from Kona/Hilo	Strong geological education and landscape photography ⭐⭐⭐	Day-trippers and geology/nature enthusiasts 💡 — start early; bring water and sturdy shoes	Unique volcanic landscapes, multiple activity levels, affordable full-day option 📊
Hilo Bay Waterfront & Downtown District	Low 🔄 — easy urban exploration	Low ⚡ — minimal direct costs; local spending supports businesses	Cultural immersion and authentic local experiences ⭐⭐⭐	Casual visitors seeking food, art, and local culture 💡 — visit farmers market Saturdays	Walkable historic district, local artisans, authentic dining and shopping 📊
Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots Waterfall Hikes	Low 🔄 — short, accessible hikes	Low ⚡ — minimal cost, short drive from downtown Hilo	Quick nature visits and strong photo opportunities ⭐⭐	Families and quick-stop nature lovers 💡 — visit Rainbow Falls before 10 AM for best rainbow	Easily accessible waterfalls, family-friendly swimming holes, excellent photography spots 📊
Mauna Kea Observatory & Summit Experience	Medium–High 🔄🔄🔄 — altitude and vehicle requirements	Moderate–High ⚡ — 4WD recommended, time to acclimatize, layering	World-class stargazing and astronomy education ⭐⭐⭐⭐	Astronomy enthusiasts and photographers 💡 — acclimatize at visitor station; check conditions	Exceptional night skies, educational programs, panoramic summit vistas 📊

Hilo, with its lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and the raw power of Kīlauea, offers an authentic slice of old Hawaii. We've journeyed through the most captivating things to do in Hilo, from the accessible beauty of Rainbow Falls and the revitalized historic downtown to the celestial wonders atop Mauna Kea. This side of the island is defined by its dramatic, ever-changing landscapes and deep cultural roots, providing a profound connection to the natural world. Hilo is a place where you embrace the rain, hike through verdant jungles, and witness the earth's creation in real-time.

The key takeaway is that Hilo's magic lies in its untamed, rugged character. It’s less about pristine resorts and more about genuine experiences. Preparing for variable weather is essential; a rain jacket and sturdy shoes will be your best friends. Likewise, planning your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with an early start will help you avoid crowds and experience the park's full majesty, from steam vents to vast craters. The experiences here are powerful, grounding, and deeply memorable.

Bridging the Island: From Hilo's Rainforests to Kona's Reefs

While Hilo is a destination in its own right, no trip to the Big Island is complete without experiencing the world-class ocean adventures on the Kona coast. The contrast is remarkable. You trade the East Side's misty, green landscapes for the West Side's sunny, volcanic coastline and impossibly clear blue water. This is where the island's most famous underwater encounters happen, and making the scenic two-hour drive is a highlight in itself.

This is where a premier operator like Kona Honu Divers becomes an essential part of your Big Island itinerary. While Hilo’s waters have their own charm, they simply cannot compare to the vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences waiting in Kona.

• The Manta Ray Night Dive: This isn't just a dive; it's a world-famous spectacle. Kona Honu Divers takes you to Garden Eel Cove, a protected and reliable site where you can witness these gentle giants gracefully feeding just inches away. It’s an unforgettable, almost spiritual experience.
• Advanced and Blackwater Diving: For certified divers seeking a unique challenge, Kona offers unparalleled opportunities. The Kona blackwater dive is a journey into the deep ocean to witness bizarre and beautiful bioluminescent creatures. For experienced divers, the premium advanced charters explore remote sites with pristine corals and dramatic lava tube formations.
• Accessible for Everyone: Whether you're looking to get your PADI certification, enjoy a relaxing morning reef dive, or snorkel among colorful fish, there’s an adventure waiting.

Putting It All Together for the Ultimate Big Island Trip

To make the most of your time, plan a "split-stay" or dedicate a full day to a Kona adventure from your Hilo base. The drive across Saddle Road is beautiful and efficient. Beyond the organized tours, there are plenty of safe budget-friendly ways to enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling and coastal exploration on your own. By combining the best of both worlds-the lush, terrestrial wonders of Hilo and the extraordinary marine life of Kona-you create a complete and unforgettable Big Island story. From volcanic peaks to deep-sea canyons, your adventure awaits.

---

Ready to add an epic ocean adventure to your Hilo itinerary? The team at Kona Honu Divers specializes in creating safe, memorable, and thrilling underwater experiences for every skill level. Visit Kona Honu Divers to book your Manta Ray Night Dive, a Blackwater Dive, or explore their full range of world-class diving tours.