What are the best things to do in Hilo?
Top picks in Hilo include Pacific Tsunami Museum, The Lyman House Museum, King Kamehameha Statue, Lili'uokalani Gardens. See the full list and itinerary on this Hilo travel guide.
Photo: Dinker022089 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Hilo
Travel guide for Hilo, United States — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Hilo is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Pacific Tsunami Museum, The Lyman House Museum, King Kamehameha Statue instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–280 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures
Weather
Diverse — temperate to subtropical
Experiences
Things to do in Hilo
1
Pacific Tsunami Museum
2
The Lyman House Museum
3
King Kamehameha Statue
4
Lili'uokalani Gardens
5
Richardson's Ocean Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Hilo
Lili'uokalani Gardens
Richardson's Ocean Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Hilo itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Pacific Tsunami Museum
- Visit The Lyman House Museum
- Visit King Kamehameha Statue
- Eat at Blane's Drive-Inn
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Lili'uokalani Gardens
- Visit Richardson's Ocean Park
- Eat at Cafe 100
Budget
Hilo trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–280
per person / day
Luxury
USD 320–530+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Hilo, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Hilo
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Hilo mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–280 · luxury 320–530+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Blane's Drive-Inn
Cafe 100
Hilo Coffee Mill
Ken's House of Pancakes
Kuhio Grille
Ocean Sushi Deli
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Arnott's Lodge
Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel
Pakalana Inn
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Dolphin Bay Hotel
Shopping
- 2 the Point Acupuncture
- Basically Books
- Chase Gallery
- EightyTwo Creations
- Hilo Farmer's Market
- Hilo Surfboard Company
Nightlife
- Detour
- Cronies
- Hawai'i Nui Brewing Company
- Bear's Coffee
- Just Cruisin Coffee
- Hilo Sharks Coffee Shop
Museums & culture
- Pacific Tsunami Museum
- The Lyman House Museum
In pictures
Hilo gallery
Photos: Dinker022089, Unknown authorUnknown author, Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided, Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Hilo travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Hilo?
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
How many days do I need in Hilo?
Plan at least 2 days in Hilo for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Hilo?
Popular stays in Hilo include Arnott's Lodge, Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel, Pakalana Inn. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Hilo cost?
On the ground in Hilo (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–280, and luxury about 320–530+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Hilo, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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