Hilo is mostly popular as a getaway to
Volcano National Park, home to one of the most active volcanos in the world – the
Kilauea Volcano and the world’s most massive shield volcano –
Mauna Loa. There are many highlights of the park, but we are listing here are favourites. The park is open 24/7 and many of the sites are best seen at night. Bear in mind that some of them may be temporarily or permanently closed. The
Kilauea Iki Overlook is spectacular at just before dawn and at dusk. Learn more about volcanology at the
Jagger Museum with well executed and easy to understand displays. The museum is open until 8 pm. The
Thurston Lava Tube (official name Nahuku) is a 500 years old cave, formed when a river of lava gradually builds solid walls and ceiling, that remain after the river has passed downhill. The
Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs are more than 23,000 ancient Hawaiian Petroglyphs – images of cupules or holes, circles and other geometric forms, cryptic designs and human representations, canoe sails, etc., carved into lava rock. Don’t miss the
Sulphur Banks Trail – an impressive reminder of the volcanic activities in the park, where volcanic gasses raise above the ground through cracks in the unusual colourful mineral deposits. Prepare yourself for the rotten eggs smell of sulphur. Please bare in mind that you are not guaranteed to see volcano eruptions or lava flows.
Tsunami Museum is dedicated to the history of the 1960 Tsunami that destroyed much of the East coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo. The wave knocked down hundreds of buildings and claimed 220 lives. The museum’s mission is to educate people about tsunamis and prevent such devastation from happening again, as well as serve as a commemoration to those who lost their lives in past tsunami events.
If you have time to see only one waterfall in the Big Island, let that be Rainbow Falls. This beautiful picturesque waterfall with many rainbows, formed by the rays of sunshine, falling on the broken mist is very accessible, close to Hilo Town. You can also stay relatively close to take those best holiday snaps – go early in the morning if possible.
There is a lot more to do in Hilo, visit the Macademia Nut Plantation, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, the Farmer’s Market, the Lyman Museum. Enjoy the lush greenery and lovely warm weather at the many scenic waterfalls – the Akaka Falls, Pe’epe’e Falls, Umauma Falls, Hi’ilawe Falls. Although Hilo is famous for its volcanos, and not beaches, there are a few beautiful beaches for choose from – the Coconut Beach State Park, Kahalu’u Beach Park, Hapuna Beach State Park. Take a relaxing warm dip in Champagne Pond, drive along Hamakua Coast or Banyan drive and admire the scenery, hike to the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, take a stroll through the Japanese Gardens Liliuokalani Park & Gardens.