We ended up loving Hilo far more than we had anticipated, with a laid-back local vibe, breathtaking forest backdrop, and plenty of activities.

Nearly 45,000 people call Hilo home on the east coast of the Big Island, making it the largest city on the island more than three times its size relative to Kailua Kona.

Hilo is more of a local, residential city than its tourism-oriented relative, Kona. Both residents and visitors will find a good mix of edgy, bohemian attitudes here. On this side of the island, the costs are often less, and the vibe is more relaxed back.

Hilo is also notorious for rain; hence, be sure to carry an umbrella and a raincoat. The good news is all the rainfall (140 inches yearly) makes this region exceptionally lush and verdant, with numerous of waterfalls.

Street art, university students, attractive cafés, and plenty of open space all make Hilo a town that you definitely shouldn’t miss during your visit on the Big Island. Hilo astonished us; we just wish we had spent more time discovering this city.

6 Things To Do In Hilo

1. Marvel At Akaka Falls

  • Plunging 442-feet into a verdant-framed valley below, Akaka Falls is a Big Island gem.

  • Arguably Hawaii's most well-known waterfall and most certainly one of the not-to-miss activities in Hilo, this is breathtaking as well as easily accessible.

  • On this fast visit, you will walk a circle path within Akaka Falls State Park that is just 0.5-miles with minor elevation gain- very little work for remarkably big return. You’ll also spot the 100-foot Kahuna Falls along the way.

2. Cuddle Goats

6 Things To Do In Hilo

  • We came onto the Honomu Goat Dairy Farm purely by mistake, but it ended up being one of our greatest memories from the Hilo region.

  • Located at the beginning of the route you’ll drive to Akaka State Park, this little goat farm is absolutely free to see. The goats are incredibly friendly and love to approach tourists. For just $1 you can purchase goat feed to encourage them to go even closer!

  • Our daughter, Juniper, had a pleasure seeing all the goats up close, but it was also just as exciting for grownups!

  • The workers here are incredibly pleasant (not pushy in any manner to buy anything) and just delighted to greet you. This adorable goat farm makes a memorable trip and is one of our favorite free things to do in Hilo.

3. Wander The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

  • Acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots in all of Hawaii, the Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is a plant-lovers dream in the verdant Onomea Valley.

  • Just over a mile of paths exhibit over 1,800 distinct varieties of rare and exotic plants from all throughout the world.

  • You’ll feel as though you’ve walked into a new universe as you uncover flora you may have never seen or heard of before.

4. Take A Day Excursion To Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

  • Both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park preserves some of the most distinctive cultural and geological settings in the world.

  • Kilauea, the most active volcano on Big Island and Mauna Loa, the world’s biggest active volcano are the two centerpieces of the park.

Read Also: Eco Friendly Road Trip Tips

5. Tour A Cocoa Farm

6 Things To Do In Hilo

  • Hawaii’s “bean-to-bar” chocolate is regarded as some of the best in the world.

  • The rich volcanic soil and clear rainfall of the islands helps to manufacture their distinct and tasty chocolates.

  • You won’t need much persuasion to carry a couple bars back home, yet you may indulge in them all before then!

6. Skip The Line And Obtain These Renowned Mochi

  • While delving deep into our research of things to do in Hilo, we found all sorts of recommendations for Two Ladies Kitchen, a pocket-sized business selling all varieties of colorful and fun-flavored mochi.

  • If you’re not acquainted with this Japanese dessert, mochi are rice cakes baked with a short-grain sticky rice. It is flexible and chewy, but alone, it doesn’t have any taste. When fruits and fillings are added, you get a delightfully chewy (and colorful!) treat with a range of taste possibilities.