Things to do in Hilo

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hilo

Things to Do in Hilo


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Hilo.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Hilo

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.





Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Jodi M
    Lethbridge, Canada324 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The cost is $5 a person and $10 to park. Parking is limited and many parked on the side of the road outside of the parking lot.

    Half the pathway was closed so it meant the pathways were a little more crowded.

    Walk wasn’t long, but had plenty of stairs.

    Falls were neat and there were lots of cool trees and flowers.
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emma W
    Auckland, New Zealand696 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This small waterfall is nice, an easy walk up a few steps and only a 5 minute drive from central Hilo. Boiling Pots are another 5 minutes up the road. A nice easy afternoon drive.
    Written 17 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah L
    Leander, TX7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a gorgeous park with huge towering banyan trees, bonsai, and plenty of places to have a picnic or take a rest. Enjoy the beautiful weather and shade. Great for families, picnics, and a cheap outing!
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • omeganatasha
    Poole, UK94 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a really pretty waterfall, the guide explained that a goddess lived in the cave behind it, and if you stared at the waterfall for 10 seconds, then looked at the surrounding cliff, they would appear to move up! I tried it, they really did, it was fascinating. Great unobstructed view.
    Written 16 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • momofstudents
    Oakland, CA9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extraordinary museum. Learned a lot by going on the tour of the home. Appreciated the science displays and how they were so well crafted to teach but not to overwhelm. The 2nd floor native Hawaiian exhibits were also outstanding. Totally exceeded our expectations for such a small museum.
    Written 24 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dave S
    Batavia, IL66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Food area has very narrow aisles but has a good selection. Clothing/gift area has super friendly folks & wide selection.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anon8815
    Trenton, NJ751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lava tubes = the coolest. Bring long sleeves as it will get cooler the deeper you go and will help protect you from scratches. But more importantly bring a headlamp. Ideal to go with a companion as it quickly gets pitch dark.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mike P
    Anchorage, AK1,782 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great beach and park. In addition to covered picnic tables, there is ample grassy area for laying out/ picnicing. Stairs lead to the lagoon for swimming and turtle sightseeing. There is a restroom.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pistachon279
    Cancun, Mexico10,979 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice small zoo, free entrance wich is cool, 25 minutes from town, very natural different that the others zoo, nice walk. 100 %recommended
    Written 15 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small but lovely beach park. We saw 3 turtles today!! Park had bathrooms and pavilions for picnics. Beach is rocky, but many people swim or snorkel.
    Written 5 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne T
    Austin, TX38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a lovely drive, highly recommend. Drive slowly and with Aloha :-) We parked beside the road and walked down to Onomea Bay. The views were beautiful, and we saw humpback whales, including one that breached completely out of the water!
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emma W
    Auckland, New Zealand696 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were keen to drive up to the Maunakea Visitor Information Station to experience driving up to 2800m, since one of New Zealand's highest public roads is only 1100m

    We didn't feel any affects of the altitude on the drive up but everyone will be different. We checked out the Information Station before asking a ranger where we could go for a walk. The ranger was a bit dismissive so we ended up walking up a hill directly across from the Information Station.

    The views were good but not amazing due to cloud cover on the day. The interesting thing was how tired we got going for the short walk up the hill, do not underestimate the altitude!
    Written 19 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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