Hilo District

Island of Adventure - Hilo

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Hilo (Hee-lo) moku was a busy farming and fishing area in ancient times, then evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry. The town of Hilo, built around the crescent-shaped bay, became the seat of county government. In 1946 it was nearly swallowed by a tsunami, and another hit in 1960. But Hilo’s waterfront was rebuilt, and today downtown is an appealing area with restored clapboard buildings, good restaurants, museums, art galleries, a farmers’ market and interesting little shops—all of it great for exploring on foot.

Outrigger canoes by Hilo Bay. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Hilo, with its own international airport, is growing into a small city. It’s always lush and green thanks to being blessed with generous rainfall—though some locals swear most of that must come only between bedtime and breakfast.

On the outskirts of town there’s more—lush parks, pocket beaches, storybook waterfalls, tropical gardens. Bring an umbrella if you wish, but definitely bring yourself to Hilo if you want a true sense of the Big Island.

Hilo Average temperatures: 79° in winter, 83° in summer
Annual rainfall: 132 inches