As we wandered throughout Hilo and its surrounding areas, we heard more true Hawaiian spoken by locals than we have heard in all our visits to the islands. From 436 Hilo attractions, Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. The harbor has been instrumental in the formation of the city of Hilo. On the Big Island, ziplining was particularly fun because the lines cross over multiple waterfalls, deep ravines and gorgeous jungles full of tropical trees and colorful flowers. With no light pollution from big cities and developments nearby, the night sky opens up in its most beautiful form. There’s so much to do see and do around the Hilo area, we’re already plotting a return visit to pick up where we left off. Immediately upon arrival at Richardson Beach Park just 10 minutes from downtown Hilo, we sank our toes into the warm sand that looked so very different from our beaches at home in California. Some tours are on horseback, while others shuttle visitors down to the valley floor for a deep dive into Hawaiian history and culture. Embedded video for Island of Hawaii Travel Tips: Travel Pono, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Sign Up for the Island of Hawaii eNewsletter. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Luxury and rugged nature blend on this enticing island. The Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). With its incredible natural beauty, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, plus loads of culture and history added for good measure. 34 Big Island jobs available in Hilo, HI on Indeed.com. Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. This seven-acre State Monument is home to unusual lava tree structures that rise up out of the ground. Even if your family has little kids in the mix, our list of fun activities in Hilo for adventurous families takes all ages and abilities into account. If you’re driving along the Hamakua Coast be sure to stop to explore some of its hidden gems, including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Situated on the island of Hawaii’s eastern coast, Hilo is a charming community rich with natural beauty and cultural delights. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast. Plan your big day, or get away afterward. Another thing we noticed about Hawaii Island is the incredible friendliness of its residents. Akaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet). Related: Tips for visiting Volcanoes National Park. Located on the Big Island's east coast just north of Hilo, Honoli'i Beach Park … Please note: We apologize for any inconvenience, but our enewsletter signup is in English only. Locals tell us the turtles are hardly ever missing, and they were right. Hilo Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. The island of Hawaii is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawaii” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast. Hawaii's Big Island is Hawaii's most ecologically diverse with natural environments ranging from the desert plains of KaÊ»u to the rain forests above Hilo… With Hawea Waipio Valley Adventure, tour guides show you the terrain on ATVs while you sample local fruits and even help plant or harvest in the taro fields. This makes the Hilo district tropical and lush, and fills the surrounding (rain)forests with colorful flowers and waterfalls. The Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaii, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts. This famous black sand beach is a great photo opportunity and is almost as popular with honu (green sea turtles) as it is with visitors. Because there is dark lava rock everywhere along the coast here, it is naturally ground by the surf into particles of sand – black sand. Published by: John C. Derrick Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The southern-most point in the Hawaiian Islands (and the United States) offers beautiful ocean views. Depending on when you travel, you may see lava flowing or even more violent eruptions. One of the state’s most famous attractions is a testament to the power of nature and a rare opportunity to see an active volcano. Rooster tails of wet mud spray into the air as you channel your inner Mario Andretti along the jungle and meadow courses. Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds. Keeping our kids off their devices has become the battle of our lifetimes, and we plan vacation activities that will entertain us all and keep us present in the moment. If you don’t mind getting dirty and laughing until your face hurts, ripping through the jungles of Mauna Kea on Polaris RZRs is for you! Hilo is the fourth wettest-city in America. Cost: Snorkel rental in Hilo averages about $15, Plan: Bring a towel and a picnic lunch, wear water shoes to scramble on the volcanic rocks. On the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens. It’s other-worldly and amazing – we all loved it. 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The southernmost point in the U.S. is Ka Lae on Hawaii. Of course, there are modern conveniences as well as hotels and restaurants that cater to vacationers’ whims. Group leaders guide the buggies up and down hills, through trails and mud bogs that would make the best hogs happy. It’s also home to Hilo International Airport and is a convenient stop on your way to. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. However, it has only 13% of HawaiÊ»i's people. After all, we’re told mud baths are good for the skin! Participants hold onto a surfboard with lights facing down into the water, and the manta rays are attracted to the light and glide up to say hello. Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy at Hulihee Palace, located right on Alii Drive in the heart of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). COLDWELL BANKER ISLAND PROPERTIES - HILO. You can now upgrade your next Amtrak trip with new bidding system, but is it worth it? We have split the activities and attractions in Hilo into two parts: Experience a true Hawaiian feast during your visit. Honestly this one the best zipline experience we’ve ever had. Waipio on Horseback: $105 for visitors 7+ (kids younger than 7 not allowed). Must weigh 35 pounds minimum and 275 maximum, no heart, neck or back problems and no pregnant women. With an area of 4,060 square miles, it has more land than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The “Heart of Hawaii” is home to Honolulu and much more. Hawaii is the youngest of all the islands. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Since 1988 the Hilo Farmers Market has showcased some of the island’s best and freshest produce and goods. One’s love for the planet is an inseverable relationship. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. The people who live there are extremely proud and protective of their slice of paradise, and for good reason. The green sea turtles like it here too, and they flock together to play in the surf just off the coast. Where: Waipio Valley is located about 50 miles north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast. Cost: $199 for 18+ driver, $149 for 18+ ride along, $99 for 5–17 ridealong, Plan: Wear clothes that can get dirty, a towel, and a plastic bag to protect your stuff. *Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. HawaiÊ»i is the largest island located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The Big Island is bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. The rain forests of Hilo provides a mixture of sunny weather and refreshing rainfall. Plus BBQ lunch was included and it was delicious. Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens. Where: It’s also possible to drive a rental car up Mauna Kea and view the stars with the naked eye. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. $250,000. Historic buildings from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s line the streets of downtown. Leeward is the side of the island that faces away from the incoming winds. Plan: Bring a light jacket – it gets chilly at this elevation. Earn 2x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Rent snorkel gear from a number of spots throughout Hilo and head out into the warm waters to see them. Kona means ‘Leeward’ side. Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. See dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools. Plan: Bundle up, there’s often snow at the top! The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii. Situated on the rainy windward side of the Big Island, Hilo (see more photos) is the wettest city in the United States with an average rainfall of 128 inches (325 cm) annually.The University of Hawaii and Hilo International Airport serve the education and transportation needs of the community. $390,000. We loved hearing the language and knowing it is very much alive and in use by the people of the Big Island. Known as one of the very best places for stargazing in the world, the Mauna Kea Observatory Complex is perched at nearly 14,000 feet. Home to the University of Hawaii Hilo, the town is the epicenter of regular life and is less ‘touristy’ than other parts of the Big Island. Hotel in Hilo. Once a historic town partially destroyed by lava, now a lava viewing area on the southeastern coast of the island of Hawaii. On the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens. A little more than an hour’s drive up the gorgeous Hamakua Coast from Hilo, the Waipio Valley is like a throwback to ancient Hawaiian traditions and rituals. If you question that ziplining may be outside your comfort zone, know that in our group were two kids under 8 years of age, and an older couple in their 70s joined another group. Hilo (Island of Hawaii) Pack your bags for paradise and visit Hilo (Island of Hawaii). It’s over 400 feet tall … There are plenty of natural and manmade treasures to discover here. Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is more than 4,000 square miles. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Plan: Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a swimsuit, towel and change of clothes. The valley itself is hard to reach without a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and it’s best to take an organized tour. Read on for some top picks. King Kamehameha the Great was born on the Island of Hawaii. Hilo is the capital of the Big Island and lies on the windward (East) side of the Island. With an area of 4,028 square miles, it has 63% of the Hawaiian archipelago's combined landmass, and is the largest island in the United States. Things to Do in Hilo, Island of Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 66,835 traveler reviews and photos of Hilo tourist attractions. The west side is more dry, sunny and has more attractive beaches. It was all really charming and wonderful. Located on the coastline of Hilo Bay, the … Among the snowcapped mountains of this dormant volcano, visitors can rise above the clouds for a crystal clear view of the heavens. Check out our list for adventurous families of all ages. See if you’re targeted for 125k or 100k Amex Platinum offer, 75k Amex Gold offer via CardMatch, How I’m earning Marriott Platinum status in 2021 in as little as 5 nights, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks — your options are plentiful. For any family, that seems too much to ask when there are so many beautiful reasons to be out of the car. SAVIO REALTY LTD. - HILO OFFICE. Yet there is a wonderful sense of yesteryear that lingers in a good way. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. The island of Molokai remains true to its island roots. The equipment is state-of-the-art safe, and the guides were so fun, energetic and personable. Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton. In a family with two teen girls, we’ve evolved into action-oriented vacations that are mingled with downtime. We have reviews of the best places to see in Hilo. Some interesting facts about Hawaii Island: Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles. (Source: Weather Atlas: Kona and Hilo) The difference in rainfall is the main reason Kailua-Kona has become the main tourist destination on the Big Island. We even took a break to dip into a remote waterfall and have some lunch. Even if there is no visible activity, the crater at Kilauea is still plenty impressive. See, comply with Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing policy, 5 things to know about visiting a reopened Hawaii, How to choose the right Hawaiian island for you, The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles, Tips for visiting Volcanoes National Park. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Big Island as the name suggests, is the largest island among all Hawaiian islands. Learn about Hawaii’s customs and traditions. Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island of Hawaii. Near sunset, KonaStyle’s boat takes off from the dock for a snorkel tour. We passed Sulphur and steam vents along the path, with big plumes wafting into the clear air from cracks and gullies in the rocks. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. The perfect place to explore local shops, a famous farmers market, beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls. The boat has an easy staircase that leads down into the water (no ladders to scale) and it’s suitable for all ages. Related: These are the best times to visit Hawaii. The architecture matches these eras, and there does not seem like a strong reason to change it. You may also enjoy the freedom to come and go as you please. Lush green cliffs tumble down to ancient taro fields, waterfalls, black sand beaches and more. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Unspoiled by modern sprawl, the Waipio Valley has been maintained in its original state as the Valley of Kings. The best place to do this is from the Kona side of the island, so best to make a day of it and drive over early to enjoy the drier terrain and beaches here. The Pololu Valley Lookout offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololu Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline. Explore an essential element of Hawaiian culture. 2,659 sqft lot - Lot / Land for sale; 30 days on Zillow. No kids under 5 years old. Hilo Harbor is located on the east coast of the Big Island, about 2.5 miles from the Hilo International Airport, and just over 2 miles from downtown Hilo, Hawaii's second-largest city.