Exploring the Big Island feels like opening a book full of adventures. Hilo is the perfect starting point.
Some of the best day trips from Hilo include visits to scenic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful black sand beaches. I always find something new and exciting each time I set out for a day away from town.
From the lush gardens of Liliʻuokalani Park to the dramatic views at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, every stop feels special. If you enjoy spotting wildlife, exploring downtown, or relaxing by the ocean, you’ll find plenty to love in and around Hilo.
Need more inspiration? Check out the many top attractions and tours near Hilo for your next day trip.
Top Day Trips in and Around Hilo
Hilo bursts with stunning nature, famous landmarks, and unique beaches. It’s easy to visit breathtaking waterfalls, explore a world-famous volcano, and relax on black sand shores, all within a short drive.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
I always make time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park when I’m on the Big Island. The park sits about 45 minutes from Hilo by car.
Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, draws many visitors. I walk and drive along paths to see craters, steaming vents, and hardened lava landscapes.
The Thurston Lava Tube stands out as a highlight. I enjoy exploring this natural tunnel that flowing lava formed.
Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, rises in the distance from the park’s lookouts. Guided tours teach me about volcano science and Hawaiian culture.
I pack sturdy shoes, rain gear, and a camera for the steam and open crater views. The park blends adventure and learning.
Waterfalls and Scenic Vistas
Dramatic waterfalls and lush surroundings fill the Hilo area. Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park sits just minutes from downtown Hilo.
I often watch water drop 80 feet over a lava cave. When the sun shines, I sometimes see rainbows in the mist.
A short drive brings me to Akaka Falls State Park. The walk to the lookout is an easy stroll along a paved path through tropical forest.
Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet and stands as one of Hawaii’s tallest and prettiest waterfalls. I also like visiting smaller Kolekole Falls and relaxing at picnic spots under banyan trees.
For more views, I drive along Hilo Bay and the coastal highways. Scenic pull-offs offer photo opportunities of the ocean and green fields.
Black Sand Beaches and Unique Shores
I visit some of the most unusual black sand beaches from Hilo. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous.
The sand here is black because volcanic activity created it. Sometimes, I spot Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the shore.
Richardson Ocean Park is the easiest black sand beach to reach from Hilo. I like its calm tide pools and clear water, making it a safe spot for swimming and snorkeling.
I often see colorful fish and notice how peaceful the area feels. Other unique shores near Hilo have rocky outcrops and tide pools shaped by ancient lava flows.
Each spot shows how Hawaii’s volcanic past shaped the coast in beautiful ways.
Exploring Hilo’s Local Attractions
Hilo welcomes me with a mix of history, food, and nature. I always find something unique, whether it’s a lively market, a museum, or gardens filled with rare plants.
Downtown Cultural Highlights
When I walk through downtown Hilo, I see a blend of old and new. The streets hold pieces of history, like a statue of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands.
I like stopping by the East Hawaii Cultural Center, where local artists display their work. The center often has art exhibits, classes, and workshops.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum teaches me about Hilo’s past disasters and how the town rebuilt. Small shops sell handmade crafts, local books, and souvenirs.
Cafes, bakeries, and restaurants fill the area, offering fresh meals and a chance to meet friendly residents. Walking around helps me learn what makes Hilo special.
Hilo Farmers Market Experience
I love strolling through the Hilo Farmers Market. The market buzzes every day, but Wednesday and Saturday are the busiest, with more vendors and choices.
It’s a great spot to try Hawaiian treats—fresh coconuts, tropical fruit, sweet malasadas, and hot meals. I often pick up local fruit like lychee, rambutan, and apple bananas.
Vendors also sell flowers, handmade jewelry, and gifts. Sometimes, musicians play live music, making the trip even more enjoyable.
Getting here early helps me avoid crowds and find the freshest produce.
Gardens and Botanical Wonders
Hilo is home to beautiful gardens. Liliuokalani Gardens is one of the prettiest places I’ve visited.
This large, peaceful Japanese-style garden has stone bridges, koi ponds, cherry blossoms, and tropical flowers. I love wandering the paths and watching the reflections on the water.
A short drive from town, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens lets me see hundreds of blooming orchids. There are rare and unusual types here, so I often find a flower I haven’t seen before.
Table: Notable Gardens in Hilo
| Garden Name | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Liliuokalani Gardens | Japanese bridges, koi, cherry blossoms |
| Akatsuka Orchid Gardens | Rare orchids, tropical plants |
These gardens offer a quiet space to relax and appreciate Hilo’s natural beauty.
Nature and Outdoor Adventures Near Hilo
I love exploring Hilo for its mix of volcanic peaks, sparkling ocean, and lush farmland. There are incredible things to see and do if I want to connect with Hawaii’s landscapes.
Mauna Kea Stargazing and Summits
Mauna Kea stands over 13,000 feet tall and offers some of the clearest skies in the world. Guided stargazing tours make it easy for beginners to enjoy the views with telescopes and expert tips.
The air is thin and chilly, so I always wear warm clothes. Sunset from the summit paints the sky with deep reds and oranges.
On my trips, I stop at the Visitors Center to learn about Hawaiian astronomy and the sacred nature of the mountain. The Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo has hands-on exhibits about Hawaii’s stars, which helps me appreciate the traditions behind stargazing.
If I want to avoid the summit’s high altitude, I hike on the lower slopes. These hikes offer great views of the Big Island’s volcanic landscape and Mauna Kea’s rare plants.
Snorkeling, Whale Watching, and Ocean Activities
Hilo Bay is a great spot for water adventures. Snorkeling lets me see colorful fish and coral close to shore.
Tour companies guide trips to the best reefs, so I don’t need to bring my own gear. Between December and April, I can join whale watching tours to spot humpback whales migrating near the coast.
Dolphins are also common during these months. The ocean is perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Some companies run eco-tours that teach me about marine life and ways to protect these fragile ecosystems. For more options, I check out this list of nature and wildlife tours in Hilo to fit my schedule and interests.
Macadamia Nut Farms and Tropical Flavors
I love visiting local macadamia nut farms. These farms offer self-guided tours, samples, and a chance to see how the nuts are harvested and processed.
Big Island Candies and Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center are two popular places. Many of these farms have tasting rooms where I try roasted nuts in flavors like honey or chocolate.
Some even serve fresh tropical fruits and local coffees. I enjoy walking through the lush macadamia orchards, which provide a peaceful spot to unwind and learn about this unique Hawaiian crop.
For more suggestions about outdoor adventures and tasting tours, I like to review detailed lists of activities around Hilo.
Island-Hopping: Day Excursions from Hilo
From Hilo, I can use Hilo International Airport to hop to other Hawaiian islands for quick but memorable day trips. Each island offers its own famous landmarks, nature spots, and unique experiences.
Oahu Highlights: Pearl Harbor and More
Oahu is packed with some of Hawaii’s most famous sights. If I want to visit Pearl Harbor, I can fly into Honolulu and see the USS Arizona Memorial, a moving place that helps me better understand American history.
Guided tours and museums here explain the details of the attack in 1941. After my visit to Pearl Harbor, I explore more of Honolulu.
Waikiki Beach is a spot where I can swim, surf, or relax on the sand. Restaurants and shops line the waterfront.
Another top stop is Diamond Head. I take a short hike to the top and enjoy views of the city and ocean.
To finish the day, I drive along the coast to see Hanauma Bay. The bay’s clear water and coral reef make it perfect for snorkeling or watching colorful fish.
Flights from Hilo are short and run several times daily.
Maui’s Natural Marvels
Maui offers dramatic scenery.
If I fly in from Hilo, I can reach Haleakalā National Park. This park is famous for its giant volcanic crater.
Many visitors, including myself, try to see the sunrise or sunset from the summit. The views are colorful, and the air is chilly up high, so it’s smart to bring a jacket.
I also enjoy driving the Road to Hana. Even a short part of this drive lets me stop at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and tropical gardens.
The coastal scenery and rainforest create a special contrast at every turn.
Maui’s beaches are a highlight. I can visit spots like Kaanapali Beach or Wailea Beach for swimming or relaxing.
Local food stands along the way serve fresh fruit and island treats.
Discovering Kauai
Kauai, the “Garden Island,” has lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs. I can take short flights from Hilo and visit for just the day.
When I land, I head to the North Shore. The area has green valleys and quiet beaches like Hanalei Bay.
I love exploring the Nā Pali Coast. I can take special boat tours or helicopter rides to see the rugged coastline.
Some short hikes also offer stunning views. The cliffs rise straight out of the ocean and create a beautiful backdrop.
I like to visit Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” I can drive there easily and stop at overlooks to see red rocks, waterfalls, and deep valleys.
Kauai’s slow pace helps me relax and enjoy every moment. I never feel rushed on the island.
