Hilo: Nature, History and Culture

When planning a trip to Hilo, you can start by considering which topics interest you most: natural water features, gardens, local history or cultural exhibits. Hilo’s attractions each focus on different things and offer concrete starting points for planning your trip.

Water Features and a Tropical Garden

The 80-foot-high Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park is known for the rainbows that form in its mist on many mornings. The Boiling Pots offer a different kind of water feature: a series of large pools connected by underground currents or cascades. The water rolls and bubbles there as if it were boiling. The park areas are in Downtown Hilo. Thus, within the same park, rainbows in the mist and the characteristic movement of water in the pools offer two distinct natural attractions.

Plants and gardens are another focus. The Native Garden at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is a living exhibit featuring endemic, Indigenous and Polynesian-introduced plants. Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical rainforest. The two places offer different perspectives on plants and tropical environments: the Native Garden groups plants by origin, while the zoo is distinguished by its unique rainforest setting.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens combine landscaped grounds with history. The Japanese garden covers a little more than 20 acres within a 24.67-acre park complex. The land at Makaoku was designated as a public park on April 3, 1917, by Act 53 of the Legislature of the Territory of Hawaiʻi, and dedicated to the memory of Queen Liliʻuokalani. The acreage gives you an idea of the garden’s size; its historical dedication tells the story of how it was established as a public park.

Cityscape, Museums and Tsunami History

You can also explore Downtown Hilo through its historic architecture: its centuries-old wooden storefronts include many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lyman Mission House in historic Downtown Hilo was built in 1839 and is the oldest wood-frame building on the island of Hawaiʻi. The Lyman Museum features exhibits on Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural history. Together, the cityscape, historic house and museum offer different ways to learn about the island’s history—from a preserved building to exhibits on nature and culture.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum has permanent exhibits on tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, the history of tsunamis in the Pacific region, and public safety measures during tsunami disasters. The museum also offers a self-guided guide to historic tsunami sites for walking and driving tours. Check whether this guide is available before your trip. Wailoa Center in Wailoa River State Recreation Area offers a different cultural focus: its two galleries host art and cultural exhibitions, each lasting one month.

Market and Travel Planning

The Hilo Farmers Market is an open-air market in the city center. It offers locally grown foods, tropical flowers, handmade jewelry and crafts. Locally grown and roasted coffee, exotic tropical fruits and sweets such as butter mochi are also available. The market brings food and crafts together; visitors especially interested in local products can find several types of goods described in one place.

The attractions each offer a different focus: Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots showcase water features, the gardens highlight plants and design, and the museums and historic buildings explore history and culture. The Farmers Market adds food and crafts to the mix. Hilo is also home to Hilo International Airport; check flight times separately. When planning your stay, you can prioritize nature, history, culture and market life according to the topics that matter most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Waimea, Kailua Kona, Paauilo, Captain Cook, Papaikou, Fern Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Pepeekeo

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