Hilo sits in the heart of Hawaii’s Big Island. Travelers can easily reach waterfalls, volcanoes, and black sand beaches with a short drive.
The best day trips from Hilo let travelers explore diverse landscapes and local culture without needing to stay overnight. From lush rainforest trails to quiet coastal towns, there’s something for every pace and interest.
Many visitors use Hilo as a base to see natural wonders like Akaka Falls or the steaming vents of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Some explore nearby bays for snorkeling, while others drive inland through tropical farmland.
Small museums, local markets, and historic sites give travelers a closer connection to Hawaii’s traditions. With so many options nearby, you can easily plan a trip that blends outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.
Best Day Trips from Hilo
Travelers can explore active volcano landscapes, visit scenic waterfalls, and walk along unique black sand shores. Mauna Kea offers a chance to view the night sky from one of the highest points in Hawaii.
Each destination highlights the natural beauty and culture of the Big Island.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lies about 45 minutes from Hilo. The park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most famous volcanoes.
Drivers can follow the Crater Rim Drive to see steam vents, lava fields, and the Kīlauea Overlook. The Chain of Craters Road leads to coastal lava formations and scenic viewpoints.
Short hikes like the Thurston Lava Tube trail let guests walk through a cooled lava tunnel. Travelers interested in volcanic activity should check the park’s updates before visiting.
The park is open year-round, and entry fees apply. You can find more details in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park guide.
Waterfalls Near Hilo
The Hilo area has several waterfalls within a 30-minute drive. Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot cascade in Wailuku River State Park, known for its morning rainbows.
A short drive north brings you to Akaka Falls State Park. The paved loop trail passes 442-foot Akaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls.
The trail is easy to walk and surrounded by tropical plants. Many travelers also visit Pe’epe’e Falls and the nearby Boiling Pots, where pools form in a series of lava rock terraces.
These waterfalls are most impressive after rainfall when the water flow is strongest.
Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches on the Big Island form from volcanic lava that cools and breaks into fine grains. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is about two hours from Hilo and is famous for its green sea turtle sightings.
Closer to Hilo, Richardson Ocean Park has dark sand mixed with green olivine crystals. Snorkelers enjoy its calm, shallow waters.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear because black sand gets hot under the sun. Always check local advisories before swimming.
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain, rises nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. Its summit offers clear night skies thanks to low light pollution and high elevation.
Guided tours provide transportation, warm clothing, and telescopes for stargazing. Independent travelers can drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet for free programs.
Because of the altitude and weather, people with health concerns should consult a doctor before visiting. Find more information on tours through local day trip listings from Hilo.
Nature and Wildlife Experiences
Hilo gives visitors easy access to scenic waterfalls, marine life, and lush botanical spaces. Short drives or guided tours lead to natural landmarks and native wildlife.
Rainbow Falls Adventure
Rainbow Falls sits just minutes from downtown Hilo. The 80-foot waterfall flows over a lava cave and is surrounded by tropical greenery.
Mornings often bring a rainbow in the mist when sunlight hits at the right angle. A small viewing area allows for easy photos without a long hike.
Visitors can follow a short path to the top of the falls for a closer look. Wailuku River State Park nearby offers shaded picnic spots and walking trails.
Sea Turtle Encounters
Hilo’s black sand beaches, such as Richardson Ocean Park, often have green sea turtles resting on the sand or feeding in the shallow waters. Visitors should keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the turtles.
Binoculars or a camera with zoom help capture close-up views. Snorkeling in calm areas gives you a chance to see turtles swimming among colorful reef fish.
Some guided wildlife tours from Hilo include stops at beaches with frequent turtle activity.
Tropical Gardens Exploration
Hilo’s climate supports many tropical plants, making its gardens vibrant year-round. Liliuokalani Gardens features Japanese-style landscaping, koi ponds, and scenic walking bridges.
It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll or picnic. The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden offers a more immersive experience.
Visitors can follow a path through rainforest plants, orchids, and palms, with views of hidden waterfalls and Onomea Bay. Many combine garden visits with other day trips from Hilo since many sites are close to main roads.
These gardens let you see unique species up close and enjoy shaded trails away from crowds.
Cultural and Local Attractions
You can explore historic streets, taste fresh island produce, and walk through lush gardens filled with rare plants. These experiences give travelers a closer look at Hilo’s heritage and daily life.
Downtown Hilo Highlights
Downtown Hilo features historic buildings, small shops, and local cafés. Many storefronts date back to the early 1900s, giving the area a preserved, old-town feel.
Key spots include the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which shares the town’s history with natural disasters, and the Lyman Museum, which covers Hawaiian culture and geology.
Art lovers can browse local galleries with island-inspired paintings, wood carvings, and jewelry. Walking tours are available for those who want guided insights into the architecture and stories behind the streets.
The compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, with shaded sidewalks and ocean views along Banyan Drive.
Hilo Farmers Market Visit
The Hilo Farmers Market runs daily, but Wednesdays and Saturdays have the most vendors. Dozens of stalls sell tropical fruits like rambutan, lychee, and papaya, along with fresh vegetables and homemade snacks.
Visitors can find handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs from local artisans. This supports small businesses and keeps more tourism revenue in the community.
Food stands serve ready-to-eat dishes such as poke bowls and fresh smoothies. Many travelers sample small portions from several vendors to try different flavors.
The market is easy to reach from downtown and is a popular stop on guided Hilo day trips.
Botanical Gardens Tour
Just north of Hilo, the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden displays over 2,000 plant species from around the world. Trails wind through orchids, heliconias, and giant ferns, with views of Onomea Bay.
Clearly marked paths and benches make the garden accessible for most visitors. Guided tours explain plant origins, uses, and conservation efforts.
Photography is popular here, as the gardens feature colorful blooms year-round. Birdwatchers may spot native species among the trees.
Many tours combine the garden visit with nearby waterfalls for a full day of nature-focused activities.
Island-Hopping and Beyond
Travelers can take short flights from Hilo to nearby islands or explore more of the Big Island. Each option offers different scenery and activities that fit into a single day.
Exploring Maui from Hilo
A quick flight from Hilo to Maui takes about 45 minutes. From there, you can rent a car or join a guided tour to see top spots.
Popular choices include the scenic Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, and the historic town of Lahaina. Many choose day tours that include transportation and a set itinerary.
Some operators offer inter-island hopping packages that include airfare, transfers, and guided activities. For those with limited time, focusing on one or two key attractions works best.
For example:
- Morning: Sunrise at Haleakalā or exploring Upcountry Maui.
- Afternoon: Drive part of the Road to Hana or visit ʻĪao Valley State Monument.
Packing light and booking early helps avoid delays, especially during busy travel seasons.
Other Big Island Destinations
The Big Island offers plenty of variety. From Hilo, you can reach Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in under an hour.
The park has active lava zones, steam vents, and scenic drives.
Waterfall lovers can explore ʻAkaka Falls State Park and Rainbow Falls. Both are close to town.
For beach time, visit Richardson Ocean Park. The park has calm waters and black sand.
You can join guided tours like the Hilo highlights and volcano tour. These tours often include Mauna Kea scenic stops, orchid gardens, and coastal viewpoints.
Plan your routes carefully, as distances on the Big Island can be long. This helps you spend more time enjoying each location.
