Hawaii Island] About Hilo (Hawaii Island) with its colorful cityscape! 10 Popular Sightseeing Spots around the Area & Recommended Activity Experiences

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

The Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, nicknamed the "Big Island," has a lot to offer.

The island has a variety of faces, with magnificent nature, of course, but also rustic towns and even luxury resort areas.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The island of Hawaii, which is about the size of Gifu Prefecture, has two mountains taller than Mt.

Therefore, you may need warm clothes as well as tropical clothing. Be sure to prepare clothing for the places you will be sightseeing.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Kona International Airport (Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport) and Hilo Airport.

Kona International Airport has direct flights from Japan, but Hilo Airport is more convenient if you want to visit the east side of the island, including Kilauea Volcano.

There are more than 20 daily flights from Honolulu Airport (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport) on Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is quite possible to sign up for a day tour from Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Formed by volcanic eruptions, the Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its many black beaches made of lava. It is not uncommon to see green sea turtles lazily drying their shells.

During the winter months, it is a popular spot for whale watching. Many of the sites are also associated with royalty of the past and are cherished by the locals as sacred places.

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

The untouched wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii is characterized by its many waterfalls.

There are several waterfalls that have become tourist attractions, including Akaka Falls, the subject of a song, and Rainbow Falls.

You can sometimes play in the waterfall basin, so bring your swimsuit!

 

A powerful volcano

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located in the south of the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Kilauea Volcano, where lava is still flowing, is particularly impressive!

You can take a helicopter ride to view the spectacular scenery from the sky, or you can go trekking and walk through the unique volcanic terrain. Feel the breath of the earth!

 

Beautiful Beaches

Many of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii are not suitable for swimming due to the fast currents, so it is recommended to spend a relaxing time on the sandy beaches.

With permission, camping and barbecues may be allowed.

It is better to sign up for a tour for snorkeling and other activities, as there are limited places where equipment can be rented.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

If you are interested in traditional Hawaiian crafts and local delicacies, Hawaii Island shopping centers are the place to go.

You're sure to find something you like at King's Shops in the famous tourist destinations of Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast.

You can also try some of Hawaii's specialty foods such as macadamia nuts and Kona beer.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many ruins from the Kingdom period.

The Ahuena Heiau, an ancient temple site, and an area in Waikoloa where petroglyphs (hieroglyphs carved in stone) are protected are typical examples.

If you are interested in history, there are many places to visit!

 

What kind of place is Hilo?

Hilo is the second largest city in the state of Hawaii after Honolulu. Located in the eastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii, it is a rainy place, also known as the Rainy City.

The area has a strong connection with Japan, as it was once home to Japanese who migrated there for sugarcane plantations.

Although the 1960 tsunami left no trace of the Japanese town, there are still remnants of it in places such as the Liliuokalani Gardens.

 

How to get to Hilo

Access from Hilo Airport is by far the most convenient, as it is only a 10-minute drive from Hilo Airport to the city of Hilo.

When you arrive at Hilo Airport, take a cab or rent a car. It takes more than 2 hours from Kona International Airport.

 

Hilo's Attractiveness

Hilo's appeal goes beyond its strong local flavor. With its many murals and galleries, the city has a strong interest in art and culture.

The Merry Monarch Festival, the world's largest hula festival, is also held here.

 

Colorful streets that are sure to be a hit on social networking sites

The brightly colored streets are sure to be a hit on social networking sites!

Many of the buildings on Kamehameha Avenue are over 100 years old and some are on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Lots of popular tourist attractions.

There are many tourist attractions in and around Hilo, including Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Richardson Beach Park, which will be introduced later.

It is also convenient to Kilauea Volcano, which is a World Heritage Site.

 

Enjoy the local atmosphere!

The townscape is full of nostalgia and emotion, and is recommended for enjoying the local atmosphere.

There are many signs with Japanese names, and you can feel the strong connection with Japanese Americans. Since most of the customers are locals, you will feel that you are in a foreign country.

 

Local food is also recommended

Hilo is also famous as the birthplace of loco moco.

There are many places to enjoy local delicacies, such as cafes where you can enjoy Hawaiian pancakes, which are popular in Japan, and the Hilo Farmer's Market, where you can procure local ingredients.

Reasonable prices are also a key recommendation!

 

10 recommended sightseeing spots around Hilo

Most of the tourist attractions around the city of Hilo are only a 10-minute drive from the city center and are easily accessible.

It is characterized by many places where one can feel close to the great outdoors.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano, with its active volcanic activity, is a recommended spot for those who want to experience the workings of nature.

The slope is not too steep, so it can be enjoyed as a hiking course.

 

Recommendations

Kilauea Volcano may conjure up images of lava tours, but it also offers a variety of natural landscapes, including a forest of tropical plants and a lava tunnel.

It is said that if you take home a stone from the lava plateau as a memento of your visit to Hawaii, Pele, the fire god, will get angry and bad things will happen to you.

 

Access

Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)

Address P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052

From Hilo Airport, drive south on Route 11. 45 minutes you will see a landmark sign, follow the directions.

 

King Kamehameha the Great Statue

Hilo's King Kamehameha the Great statue is located in Wailoa State Park and was a gift from Kauai in 1997.

There are three statues of the Great King in the United States, and the one in the Hilo area is the newest.

 

Recommendations

The statue of King Kamehameha the Great, built in a location overlooking Hilo Bay, is taller than the other two statues and looks very majestic.

It can be seen from Kamehameha Avenue, so it is a good place to stop by during a walk or drive.

 

Access

King Kamehameha the Great Statue

Address Wailoa River State Park, Hilo. Hawaii USA

The trip from Hilo Airport takes about 10 minutes by car.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls, famous as a waterfall where rainbows can be seen, is recommended for those who want to get in touch with nature.

The parking lot is close by and wheelchair access is available for families.

 

Recommendations

Rainbows occur in the morning hours when the sun is shining.

And you will be quite lucky if you can see a rainbow, since it must have rained just before and increased the volume of water in the falls!

The area around the waterfall is lush with tropical plants, including a large Vanian tree, which gives the area a tropical feel.

 

Access

Rainbow Falls

Address 40 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 USA

It is only a few minutes by car from downtown Hilo.

 

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is just as famous as Rainbow Falls. Restroom facilities are available, and a short walk away, another waterfall, Kahuna Falls, can also be seen.

 

Recommendations

The 135-meter-high waterfall is very powerful!

Many tropical plants grow on both sides of the paved hiking trail, making you feel that you are in a tropical country.

A stroll through the small town of Honom, just before the falls, is also recommended.

 

Access

Akaka Falls State Park

Address End of Akaka Falls Road, Off Highway 220, Hilo, Hawaii 96728 USA

It takes about 20 minutes by car from downtown Hilo.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, which is taller than Mt. Fuji, is perfect for astronomical observation. It is now an extinct volcano, and in winter there is sometimes snow on the summit.

The mountain has been cherished as a sacred place since ancient times.

 

Recommendations

We recommend going out during the daytime to observe the alpine flora that grow only in the Himalayas and on Mauna Kea.

If you are aiming for the summit, take a break at the Onizuka Visitor Center along the way to allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude before moving on. Don't forget to prepare warm clothing.

 

Access

Mauna Kea

Address Mauna Kea Forest Reserve

It takes about one hour by car from downtown Hilo, but the mountain roads are dangerous, so it is better to sign up for a tour.

 

Liliuokalani Garden

Named after the last queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the garden was created in honor of the first group of Japanese immigrants who moved to Hawaii to work on sugar cane plantations.

Tea ceremony classes are also offered in a tearoom in the beautiful Japanese garden.

 

Recommendations

There are many attractive photo spots, including pine trees planted from the Hitachi Shrine, a drum bridge, and a beautifully landscaped lawn.
It is also a popular location for photo weddings.

 

Access

Liliuokalani Garden

Address 300 Wai Nani Wy Hilo, HAWAII 96720 USA

It is about a 5-minute drive from downtown Hilo.

 

Hilo Farmers Market

Hilo's Farmer's Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce direct from the farm!

The event is held daily, but on Wednesdays and Saturdays, nearly 200 stores gather to sell a wide variety of local crafts and other items that make great souvenirs.

 

Recommendations

You can find delicious tropical fruits at very low prices! If you are staying in a condo with a kitchen, this is a great place to stock up on produce.

You will find a wide selection of freshly squeezed juices, handmade breads, and Asian delicacies.

 

Access

Hilo Farmers Market

Address 400 Kamehameha Avenue , Hilo, HAWAII 96721 USA

It is held in downtown Hilo.

 

Richardson Beach Park

Richardson Beach Park, a stretch of black lava rock unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, has restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Lifesavers are also stationed at the beach, so swimming can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

 

Recommendations

This beach is also reputed for its high probability of encountering green sea turtles, also known as Honu, the guardian god of the sea.

It is also a good snorkeling spot, as the shallow waters are home to numerous coral reefs and tropical fish.

 

Access

Richardson Beach Park

Address 2349 Kalanianaole Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 USA

It is a 10-minute drive from Hilo Airport.

 

Coconut Island

Coconut Island is a sacred place known as Mokuora (Island of Life) in the local language.

There are many coconut trees, and locals often use the area for picnic purposes.

 

Recommendations

There are benches and tables, so why not buy lunch and spend your lunch time there?

Some coconut trees are wrapped with a band that represents the damage caused by the tsunami from the 1960 Chilean earthquake.

If you are interested, please check it out.

 

Access

Address 77 Keliipio Pl, Hilo, Hawaii USA

It is connected to Liliuokalani Garden by a small bridge.

 

Kaumana Cave Park

Kaumana Cave Park is a cave formed by lava that flowed out of Mt. Mauna Loa when it erupted in 1880. Part of the 40-km-long cave is walkable.

 

Recommendations

There are no boardwalks or other trails, so you can explore a natural cave. There are no lights in the caves, so be sure to bring a flashlight.

There seems to be about 3 km of walkable area, but it is wise not to force yourself to go deeper as the footholds are not good.

 

Access

Kaumana Cave Park

Address Kaumana Drive, Mile Marker 4, Hilo, Island of Hawaii USA

It takes about 10 minutes by car from downtown Hilo.

 

Recommended Activities in Hilo

After a day of sightseeing in Hilo, how about an activity to experience the great outdoors? You can enjoy Hawaii Island in various ways.

 

Lava Tour

Lava tours are a unique activity on the Big Island of Hawaii. The flowing lava is a must-see!

Participants must be at least 13 years old.

 

Recommendations

Lava tours are a great way to witness the living earth.

This tour is held only when the ocean entry, where lava flows down to the sea, can be confirmed, so if the timing is right, you should definitely sign up for this tour.

 

trekking

Trekking is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages because, unlike mountain climbing, it does not involve aiming for the summit.

Anyone with comfortable clothing, athletic shoes, and a hat can participate.

 

Recommendations

When it comes to trekking around Hilo, tours of Kilauea Volcano National Park are popular.

Only on the Big Island of Hawaii can you experience walking through rising steam vents and stepping on lava plateaus! You can also observe rare and endemic plant species.

 

stargazing

The island of Hawaii has many clear days, making it a great place for stargazing. There are few flashy neon signs or street lights, and even the smallest stars can be seen without climbing high mountains.

The roads are dark at night, so be very careful when traveling by rental car.

 

Recommendations

In addition to Mauna Kea, where many star gazing tours are organized, the starry sky from Kilauea Volcano is also beautiful.

It is also recommended to observe constellations in the southern hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross, which cannot be seen in Japan.

 

Recommended Tours

Finally, here are three tours that will take you to Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Kea.

Since an international driver's license is not required in Hawaii, it is possible to rent a car for sightseeing, but driving on unfamiliar mountain roads can be dangerous.

We recommend that you join a tour that allows you to visit the area efficiently and safely.

 

Kilauea Volcano National Park first thing in the morning &.
Enjoy nature on a lava hike!

Kilauea Volcano National Park & Lava Hiking in the Morning! is a tour organized by Maikai Ohana.

In addition to Kilauea Volcano, you can cover all the major tourist attractions in and around Hilo, including Coconut Island, Rainbow Falls, and Kaumana Cave Park.

There is also a shuttle service to and from Hilo Airport, so day trips from Oahu are also possible.

 

Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stargazing Tour

The "Mauna Kea Sunrise & Stargazing Tour" is a popular tour that requires early reservations.

Experienced guides will take photos with the sunrise at the summit of Mauna Kea in the background.

Warm clothing is available for rent, but please dress as warmly as possible.

 

Kilauea World Heritage Site with a certified Mauna Kea National Park guide & full day sightseeing on the island & star gazing on Mauna Kea Main Sightseeing Tour of Hawaii Island

Kilauea World Heritage Site & Mauna Kea Stargazing with a certified Mauna Kea National Park guide" is a tour organized by Masashi Nature School.

This tour allows you to visit Mauna Kea and Kilauea Volcanoes, the two major tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, in one trip.

During stargazing on Mauna Kea, you will observe the moon and Saturn through an astronomical telescope. A Japanese-speaking guide will accompany you, so it is recommended for those who are not comfortable with English.

 

summary

The Big Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is a popular tourist destination with many repeat visitors. Hilo, a town on the east side of the island, is recommended for those who want to enjoy Hawaii's unique culture.

There are many historical buildings, and the colorful pastel streets are a joy to walk through.

Fresh local fruit and local gourmet food are also very attractive. When you travel to Hawaii, be sure to stop by.