Hilo

Although the largest city on the Big Island, Hilo is a small city (43,263 in the 2010 Census) with a relaxed pace of life. It is on the rainier, less touristy east side of the island, and the city itself is not a huge draw for tourists, but there is an excellent farmers' and craftsmen's market on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and in addition to the attractions within city limits, there is good snorkeling nearby, extremely lush botanic gardens in the area, and Volcanoes National Park is a splendid day trip.

Climate

Hilo has a mild, somewhat muggy subtropical climate, with a lot of rain. In fact January and February are the only months with less than 20 rainy days on average.

Most of the visitors bound for Hilo will arrive via one of the inter island airlines (Hawaiian), or as a day stop from one of the frequent cruise ship visits. Unless you're sailing your own craft, this is only way of getting in by sea, as inter-island boat services were suspended in 2009.

By plane

• Hilo International AirportIs the main airport serving Hilo and the eastern side of the Big Island. The majority of flights to Hilo originate from Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines. There is also one flight from Kahului daily, and one non-stop flight from LAX daily, operated by United Airlines. The airport terminal is rather small, with a relaxed atmosphere. Long lines for security are unlikely.

By car

From elsewhere on the Big Island: for visitors, this would mean taking the Mamalahoa Highway (HI-190), the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (via a right turn) and the Saddle Road (HI-200, but without signposted route numbers on the road) across the interior of the island from Kailua-Kona at the western end, where the other commercial airport is located. Allow at least 2 hours for that trip, which goes through some curvy, hilly terrain.
Alternatively, you can take the Hawaii Belt Road (HI-19) around much of the northern shore of the island, going inland through Waimea. You may find this an easier drive, and possibly a more pleasant one if you'd like to go through more villages and see fewer starkly beautiful views of Mauna Kea and other hilly inland scenery. To be on the safe side, you should allow at least 2.5 hours for the northern route, though you may want to stop in one or more towns along the way.
Direction signs are fairly good on the Big Island, though not always with much advance notice for the driver. Traffic drives slowly (usually 25-35 miles per hour), and it's ordinary for unobstructed traffic to go slower than posted speed limits.
If you don't have a car, hitching a ride is very easy on the Big Island.

By bus

Hele On Bus systemMost buses on the island are designed for commuters and run a couple times in the early morning and a couple times in the evening.

• Hilo-Kona routeThere is only one bus that connects Hilo directly to Kona. There are 2 runs in the early morning from Kona to Hilo and 1 run in the afternoon back to Kona.

• Hilo-Kau routeThere is a bus route that begins in Hilo and connects to Volcano Village and Volcano National Park on its way to Kau. It operates 5x a day in each direction.

Many of Hilo's points of interest are concentrated in quite a small area in the western end of Kamehameha Avenue. There you can get around by foot easily. However, some natural attractions, beaches and shops are a mile or more away from there.
The county's Hele-On Bus system ($2 fare) serve Hilo International Airport eight times per day (except on Sunday). However, virtually all visitors rent a vehicle from one of the many rental agencies upon arriving at Hilo International Airport. It's a good idea to make car reservations in advance, as special events or active conditions at the Volcanoes National Park can quickly deplete the supply of available vehicles. If you do plan on taking the buses, look up the schedules ahead of time and keep in mind that they will leave on time from the beginning of their routes (usually the Mo'oheau Bus Terminal in downtown Hilo) but will possibly be delayed for subsequent stops depending on traffic, weather and stops.
As an alternative, taxis are also available at the airport though renting a car is almost always more practical.
There are also a few bicycle shops on and around Kamehameha Avenue, if you would like to rent or buy a bicycle.

• Pacific Tsunami Museum

  phone: +1 808 935-0926
  address: 130 Kamehameha Ave
  Serves as a living memorial, and a reminder for a generation yet to experience such fright. A tsunami, Japanese for "harbor waves" are a fact of life in Hawaii, especially Hilo. On 1 April 1946, and 23 May 1960, Hilo suffered devastating tsunamis that reshaped its social and economic structure.

• The Lyman House Museum

  phone: +1 808 935-5021
  address: 276 Haili St
  This museum features a restored missionary house. They also have a small collection of local artwork, historical exhibits, and the 9th-best mineral collection in the United States. Tours at 11AM and 2PM.

• Rainbow FallsIf you don't have time to make it up to Akaka Falls, or you don't like hiking, Rainbow Falls is worth a visit. Try to visit early in the day. You have a better chance to see the rainbow created by the mist. Drive up Waianuenue Avenue from downtown, following the signs. If you pass the hospital, you have gone too far. Very wheelchair accessible, but the Boiling Pots will require some hiking.

• King Kamehameha StatueErected in 1997 at Wailoa State Park, the statue of King Kamehameha is perhaps the most impressive of the four found throughout the state. A gift from the island of Kauai who failed to erect the statue due to the historical significance of being the only island never to be conquered by Kamehameha the Great. Standing at 14 feet tall, the statue now overlooks Hilo where the first King of Hawaii established his seat of government.

• Naha Stone

  address: 300 Waianuenue Ave
  It was prophesied that the man who moved the Naha stone, which weighs nearly 5000 pounds, would unite all of the Hawaiian islands and be the greatest king of all Hawaii. Kamehameha, at the age of fourteen, not only moved the stone, but lifted it end over end, and he eventually fulfilled the prophesy. The Pinao stone, which sits next to the Naha stone, once guarded an ancient temple. The stones are culturally significant and touching or pretending to lift them is not allowed.

• Lili'uokalani Gardens

  address: 189 Lihiwai St
  Located on Banyan Drive, this authentic Japanese garden was built in the early 1900s as a memorial to the immigrant Japanese who developed the old Waiakea Sugar Plantation and is named in honor of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.

• MokuolaA small public park near Lili'uokalani Gardens is connected to mainland by a pedestrian bridge.

• Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

  phone: +1 808-498-4709
  address: 76 Kamehameha Ave
  Provides information for the Hawaiian World Heritage site, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Housed in Hilo’s historic, century old Koehnen Building, Mokupāpapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English.

Many of the activities that are available are strictly daytime, and focus on the ocean. Surf culture is big, and boards may be rented from , located in the Bayfront district. Stan, the owner, will be happy to fill you in on where to go as well as the current conditions.

• Richardson's Ocean ParkThis is a popular spot for family cookouts, and has occasional waves. Snorkeling is a popular activity here. You can also find people relaxing on the beach or in the grass reading and visiting.

• Four MileA popular swimming spot, also located on Kalanianaole, before you get to Richardson's. Though there is no 'beach', it is rather like a large salt water swimming pool, with a sandy bottom, protected from the ocean by a reef. The brackish water is colder, a mix of the ocean and fresh water springs.

• Paradise CoptersFlights over macadamia nut plantations to the lava flows at Kilauea. Because Kona is twice as far from the volcano as Hilo, tours that leave from Kona are generally 2 hours long and accordingly more expensive. You may choose to drive 2¼-hr to Hilo if money is a consideration. Morning helicopter flights tend to have the least cloud cover, but also book first. If taking photos, wear dark clothing to avoid reflections from windows. A special mention should be made about the "doors off" helicopter tour, which lets you smell the lava and feel its heat.

• Kaumana cavesFun to explore and it's free. You should bring your own flashlight.

• Lava Ocean Tours

  phone: +1 808 966 4200
  To get as far as possible to the lava flowing into the ocean, get onto a boat from just outside Hilo. Sunset tours are an excellent opportunity to see the lava in a lower light setting while mostly avoiding riding the boat at night.

• Big Island Aina Tours

  phone: +1 808 315-3097
  Tours to the Volcano National Park, waterfalls and black sand beach. Small group tours for cruise ships. Private tours also available

Events

• 
  

Hilo has two main shopping areas, each about a mile away from most of the hotels on the Banyan Drive loop. Follow Kamehameha Avenue west from Banyan Drive, and you will arrive at Downtown Hilo, which is home to many quaint shops and restaurants. Follow Highway 11 (also Mamalahoa Highway or Kanoelehua Avenue) south from Banyan Drive, and you will arrive at the Prince Kuhio Plaza. There are larger retail stores in and around the Prince Kuhio Plaza area. KTA Superstores, Long's Drugs, and a Wal-Mart are all present on the island.

Downtown Hilo

Most Downtown Hilo stores are located along the "Bayfront", or Kamehameha Avenue, though the side streets are also packed with excellent finds and shops to explore. The Hilo Farmer's Market is also located downtown. You can easily spend a day walking around Downtown Hilo, browsing and shopping.
While Downtown Hilo itself is walkable, parking spaces can be hard to find midday. It is possible to walk from your Banyan Drive area hotel to Downtown, though it is approximately one mile.

• 2 the Point Acupuncture

  phone: +1 808 938-6007
  address: 83 Maikai St
  Skilled in the art and science of natural medicine. Applying the ancient Asian tradition of Seitai Shinpo Acupuncture with modern science, Kim is able to treat not only the ailments that bring you to see them, but also to safeguard your long term health and quality of life, so that your path in life is pain free and easy.

• Basically Books

  phone: +1 808 961-0144
  address: 160 Kamehameha Ave
  This family-owned independent bookstore in the heart of Downtown Hilo is the perfect place to purchase books on Hawaiian culture, history and language. Excellent selection of Big Island maps.

• Chase Gallery

  address: 100 Kamehameha Ave
  Located in Hilo's scenic Bayfront district, along highway 19, this gallery features an excellent collection of local artwork.

• EightyTwo Creations

  phone: +1 808 969-3670
  address: 82 Ponahawai St
  Eightytwo creations has two sections in its business: retail clothing and art in the showroom, and full-service custom printing in the back. The retail section includes clothing from 808 Empire, Lemon Hawaii, Upper Playground, Restless kids, Fumanchu, Acrylick, American Apparel, etc. They also feature art by local artists. Printing services include stickers, banners, wall graphics, t-shirts, hats, and heat transfers.

• Hilo Farmer's Market

  phone: +1 808 933-1000
  Purchase the freshest, cheapest produce in Hilo at the Hilo Farmer's Market. You can also find fresh fish, fresh-cut flowers (anthuriums, protea, and other local varieties), Hawaiian-style jams, prepared snacks, typical flea market goodies and artisanal jewelry and crafts. Be prepared to haggle. Get there early, like the locals do, before everything sells out.

• Hilo Guitars & Ukuleles

  phone: +1 808 935-4282
  address: 114 Ponahawai St
  Specializing in acoustic instruments, they also have the best collection of ukuleles in Hilo. Good store for Hawaiian music song books.

• Hilo Surfboard Company

  phone: +1 808 934-0925
  address: 84 Ponahawai St
  The Big Island's surf shop for surfers. This little shop has Hawaii Islands largest selection of new, used, and custom surfboards. There is also a huge selection of bodyboards. They have rentals and on site board repair. Also find Hilo Surfboard Company t-shirts and many local brands. Owner Scott Murray will be stoked to see you and talk story!

• Kahuina Gallery

  phone: +1 808 935-4420
  address: 128 Kilauea Ave
  A cooperative of island artists and musicians. A variety of cards, posters, CDs, original works of art, and small publications are available from local artists and musicians. Each Friday night is free open mic and music.

• Kathmandu Trading Company

  address: 35 Waianuenue Ave
  A fascinating new addition to the Hilo Bayfront district, Kathmandu Imports sells a collection of Tibetan and Nepali items. Located on Waianuenue Ave.

• Sig Zane Designs

  phone: +1 808 935-7077
  address: 122 Kamehameha Ave
  Sig Zane Designs is one of the premier clothiers in Hawaii. They are known for their original textile prints, which depict indigenous and culturally-significant Hawaiian plants and flowers. The shop offers aloha shirts, ladies' blouses and dresses, handbags, and furniture. Sig Zane's aloha shirts and clothing items are priced higher than brands available at Hilo Hattie, though the quality and look is worth the extra cost.

Prince Kuhio Plaza Area

The Prince Kuhio Plaza is the main retail center in Hilo. It is surrounded by many larger retailers and shops. It is best to have a car, as Highway 11 from Banyan Drive to the Plaza is not the most pedestrian-friendly boulevard.

• Big Island Candies

  address: 585 Hinano St
  Big Island Candies is renowned for their chocolate hand-dipped cookies and confections. They even dip dried squid in chocolate! This is one of the most popular gifts for visitors to take home from Hawaii. Products are packaged perfectly for gift-giving.

• Big Island Delights

  phone: +1 808 959-7868
  address: 762-4 Kanoelehua Ave
  Big Island Delights cookies. A local favorite when visiting Hilo and bringing back "omiyage", which means a gift to take back home when traveling.

• Discount Fabric Warehouse

  address: 933 Kanoelehua Ave
  This unassuming warehouse offers the largest selection of Hawaiian-print fabrics on the Big Island. This is a must-stop for anyone who loves to sew or craft! Very reasonable prices on all fabrics, especially the cotton Hawaiian prints.

• Kawate Seed Shop

  phone: +1 808 959-8313
  address: 1990 Kinoole Ave
  Some say Kawate makes the best shave ice in Hilo. With about a dozen flavors, visitors can add ice cream, azuki (red bean paste), or condensed milk to their shave ice. Kawate is also a great place to purchase local-style snacks such as Chinese li hing mui and other "crackseeds".

• Prince Kuhio Plaza

  phone: +1 808 959-3555
  address: 111 E Puainako St
  Hilo's main shopping center features a number of standard retail stores including American Eagle Outfitters, Hot Topic, GameStop, and Foot Locker. Macy's and Sears are the department store anchors. There are a few local shops such as Big Island Surf Company and Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry. Also has a movie theater and food court.

Hilo is known for its locally-made ice cream. It's some of the best on earth and can be found several places, including Hilo Homemade Ice Cream downtown at 41 Waianuenue Avenue.
The Hilo Farmer's Market, on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street, has lots of cheap eats. If you love tropical fruit, this is the place to go. There's a great tamale stand in the west corner of the market serving very tasty $2 tamales. Market open daily 7AM to 5PM, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The small town of Pahoa offers The Pahoa Market, which is a flea market open on Sundays and has more prepared food. Take Highway 130 on the way to Pahoa.

Budget

• Blane's Drive-Inn

  address: 150 Kino'ole St, 217 Waianuenue Ave
  Falling into the category of "plate lunch" place, Blane's has a large, inexpensive menu. Perfect for a heavy lunch after surfing for a couple of hours. A plate lunch usually consists of two scoops of steamed rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and your choice of a variety of extremely fattening delicious goodness. For the less adventurous, they also serve up burgers, fries, chili, etc. They are famous for their loco mocos.

• Cafe 100

  phone: +1 808 935-8683
  address: 969 Kilauea Ave
  In honor of the famed 100th Infantry Army Battalion, Mr. Miyashiro who served in the 100th during World War II, established this local restaurant with his wife in 1945. Destroyed twice by the devastating tsunamis, Cafe 100 offers good food at a great price. Known for their "Loco Moco" consisting of a bowl of rice with a hamburger patty, gravy and an egg, it is one of the best places to "grind" on the island and a local favorite.

• Hilo Coffee Mill

  phone: +1 808 968-1333
  address: 17-995 Volcano Hwy, Mt. View
  Great light breakfast and locally made lunch specials daily. Some of the best Portuguese Bean Soup around, shoyu chicken, kalua pork, chicken and veggie wraps made to order. Lots more. Friendly staff, great smell of coffee, tours and unique coffee from around the state. Full espresso bar. Coffee roasted on site.

• Ken's House of Pancakes

  phone: +1 808 935-8711
  address: 1730 Kamehameha Ave
  Don't let the name of this place throw you off. They have an amazingly varied menu, and perhaps more importantly, they are the only 24-hour eatery in Hilo.

• Kuhio Grille

  phone: +1 808 959-2336
  address: Prince Kuhio Plaza Ste 106A
  Home of the one pound Lau Lau!

• Ocean Sushi Deli

  address: 250 Keawe St
  Ocean Sushi features low-cost original and creative sushi along with local-style Japanese food. Some favorite sushi: eel with cream cheese, scallop roll with melted cheese on topyum!

• Suisan

  phone: +1 808 935-9349
  address: 85 Lihiwai St
  Many varieties of poke sold by weight - take your package to the park across the street and enjoy a picnic!

Mid-range

• Cafe Pesto

  phone: +1 808 969-6640
  address: 308 Kamehameha Ave
  If you have a memory of coming to Hilo as a child, and eating in a reasonably nice restaurant with a view of the bay, chances are it was Cafe Pesto. They have a wide range of food, everything from pizzas to furikake-crusted ono. It's also open late, which is a definite plus in Hilo.

• The Hilo Bay Cafe

  phone: +1 808 935-4939
  address: 315 Makaala St #109
  This restaurant was started by the owners of a local health food store (Island Naturals) and features excellent cuisine, featuring local organic produce, etc. A great place for a date. Try a Mojito. The name is somewhat misleading, since it's actually located in the Prince Kuhio Mall, close to Wal-Mart. Strange location, fabulous place. Reservations may be required on Friday or Saturday nights.

• Naung Mai Thai Kitchen

  phone: +1 808 934-7540
  address: 86 Kilauea Ave
  Flavorful Thai food with very fresh ingredients. If you want it spicy, you have to ask for that.

• Reuben's

  phone: +1 808 961-2552
  address: 336 Kamehameha Ave
  Hilo's best (and perhaps only) Mexican restaurant. Large portions of surprisingly authentic and tasty Mexican staples. Sue, the co-owner and bartender, pours the best (and VERY strong) margaritas in town.

• Sunlight Cafe

  phone: +1 808 934-8833
  address: 1261 Kilauea Ave
  Japanese 'izakaya' type menu.

• Sushi Bar Hime

  address: 14 Furneaux Ln
  Place sits only 10 people--cozy.

Splurge

• Coconut Grill

  address: 136 Banyan Way
  Excellent entres including Chicken Mauna Kea, Fillet Mingnon, fresh fish dishes and desserts such as Naughty Hula Girl Mud Pie (enough for a family of 4!) and mac nut ice cream.

• Restaurant Miwa

  phone: +1 808 961-4454
  address: 1261 Kilauea Ave
  An upscale Japanese restaurant, ask about their famous Chirashi bowls, you won't be disappointed.

• The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm

  phone: +1 808 935-8825
  address: 1790 Kalanianaole Ave
  One of the best places to be served an "ono" and fresh seafood lunch or dinner. Seaside can be found on Kalanianaole street across from 4-mile beach.

Bars

Hilo is a small town, and as such, there is not a lot of public drinking to be done. Despite a very lackluster nightlife, almost every bar has a cover charge. Still, there are a few places to wet your whistle, and maybe catch a live act.

• Detour

  address: 124 Makaala St
  A relatively new bar catering mostly to an Asian/Hawaiian clientèle. There is a dance floor with music supplied by a house PA system, there is no DJ. There is a bar/lounge area with pool tables, darts, TV's and sofas and a separate dance floor area. Fights tend to be common here also.

• Cronies

  address: 11 Waianuenue Ave
  General sports bar not a spot for nightlife.

• Hawai'i Nui Brewing Company

  phone: +1 808-934-8211
  address: 275 E Kawili St
  Also known as Hilo Brewing Co, this company is the result of merger between Hawai'i Nui and Mehana. Small batch craft beers are brewed at this location, 6 are rotated on tap for tastings. They can not serve pints at this location, only tastings. They also sell logo wear, 6 packs, individual cans of beer, growlers and fills or kegs rentals. They are the only brewery in the islands that produce and bottle all of their beers on site. Their hours vary by season and during events.

Coffee

• Bear's Coffee

  address: 106 Keawe St
  Good waffles, lame hours.

• Just Cruisin Coffee

  address: 835 Kilauea Ave
  Great sandwiches and pastries and 100% pure Kona coffee.

• Hilo Sharks Coffee Shop

  address: 41 Waianuenue Ave
  Has delicious icecream and spectacularly delicious coffee.

• Surf Break Cafe

  address: 17 Haili St
  Great food, wonderful coffee, and the best atmosphere.

Budget

• Arnott's Lodge

  phone: +1 808 339-0921
  address: 98 Apapane Rd
  Ranges from hostel bunks and campsites to three-bedroom suites with kitchens. The owner also runs tours and hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

• Big Island Hostel

  phone: +1 808-731-6731
  address: 804A Kilauea Ave
  Within walking distance of Hilo farmers market. Aircon in every room. Free wifi, parking, linens, lockers.

Mid-range

• Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel

  phone: +1 808 935-0861
  address: 87 Banyan Dr
  Inexpensive rates and excellent location, but poor value due to old, unclean, noisy rooms and spotty service. Should be considered only as a last resort if everything else is booked. 145 rooms.

• Pakalana Inn

  phone: +1 808 935-0709
  address: 321 Punahoa St
  5 nice, newly restored rooms in the second floor of an old building in downtown Hilo. Free Wi-Fi, ocean or mountain views, key-less doors, very short walking distance to all the downtown Hilo offerings. Be there Wednesday or Saturday mornings for the Hilo Farmer's Market action.

Splurge

• Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

  phone: +1 808 935-9361
  address: 71 Banyan Dr
  Older hotel of 286 rooms that has as of 2015 been renovated and with great views. It is clean and the staff are friendly. Internet access in rooms, but the TV is 15 inches.

• At the Beach with Friends Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 808 934-8040
  address: 369 Nene St
  Custom built as a B&B on a lagoon at Hilo's favorite swimming beaches. One of a kind tropical setting, privacy, comfortable rooms, friendly, good food, and a great location. Beautiful house and garden with great tropical fish and plant collections. Computer station and WiFi. Cable TVs, and private phone lines in all the rooms. Lounge with books and music.

• Hilo Bay Hale

  phone: +1 808 640-1113
  address: 301 Ponahawai St
  A restored 1912 plantation home that features 4 guest suites with private baths and lanai (porches) overlooking koi ponds, streams and Hilo Bay.

• Dolphin Bay Hotel

  phone: +1 808 935-1466
  address: 333 Iliahi St
  Modest, clean accommodations. 13 rooms.

Rentals

• Hilo Vacation Rentals

  address: 2256 Kalanianaole Ave
  Oceanfront homes front best swimming and snorkeling beaches in Hilo bay. Choose from 1-4 bedroom beach houses. Guests enjoy complete oceanfront privacy in fully-equipped vacation rental homes. Available for nightly, weekly, and extended stays. All properties are privately owned and managed by the same family.

Hilo is generally quite safe. There are usually homeless people loitering around public parks and sometimes they can be a little eccentric, so keep your distance.
If an earthquake were to strike and a tsunami warning were issued, if you are at the beach, there would be tsunami evacuation signs to guide you to a safe distance.

• Haole = White person: Though many think that "haole" just means white person, it refers more to an attitude than anything else. Hilo is a workaday town that sees few tourists. Locals aren't as accustomed to tourists as they are in the resort areas, so respecting the local people and culture is very important. Treat the locals with respect, and the same respect will be returned to you. There are a few Native Hawaiians who have a generally negative attitude to Haoles, and may express this attitude through looks or comments. You are best to simply ignore comments to avoid provocation. You may also find that other Native Hawaiians are quite friendly and warm if you take the time to speak with them and be friendly, yourself.

Locals refrain from wearing aloha outfits, either full body attire or partial outfits. Clothes are very casual to resort casual at best.

• Akaka Falls State ParkThis awe-inspiring waterfall is the highest falls on the island, tumbling 440 feet to its base. The loop trail is an easy walk through the tropical rainforest, and provides several viewing opportunities. Kahuna Falls can also be viewed from the trail, though it is much less impressive than Akaka Falls.

• Nani Mau Gardens

  phone: +1 808 959-3500
  address: 421 Makalika St
  Nani Mau, which translates as "forever beautiful", features over 50 acres of artistically-landscaped displays of native and exotic tropical flowers and plants, a spectacular orchid garden, rare palms and tropical fruit orchards. First opened to the public in 1972, this tropical garden claims to have every flowering plant in Hawaii.

• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

  phone: +1 808 964-5233
  An expansive garden of rainforest plants, with meandering trails passing through palm forests and past waterfalls and orchids.

• Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

  phone: +1 808 959-9233
  This is the only zoo in the U.S. situated in a tropical rainforest--a playground for exotic birds and animals, including a white Bengal tiger and pygmy hippos. Three squirrel monkeys from the old Pearl City Tavern (now closed and razed, replaced by a auto dealership) are there as well. Tiger feeding daily at 3:30PM.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - The entrance to the park is in Volcano Village, roughly 40 minutes' drive from downtown Hilo. Many people can spend several days exploring all that the park has to offer. There are a number of excellent hikes, showcasing most of the flavors of Hawaiian geological activity. Of course, the thing that most people come to see is the active flow zone of Kilauea. Entrance fees are consistent with other U.S. National Parks.

• Mauna Kea

  phone: +1 808-961-2180
  The largest mountain in the world (measured from its base), this dormant volcano has become an international center for astronomy, with multiple observatories located on its summit. The austere Mars-like landscape is dotted with technological marvels, and on a clear day you might be able to see other Hawaiian islands in the distance as well as the other mountains of the Big Island. The elevation is high, and there are few tourist support facilities so hiking and exploring are discouraged. The Visitor Center offers free star gazing parties every night of the year from 6PM-10PM, with staff and volunteers giving verbal star tours and setting up a various array of telescopes for you to look at the skies through. An optimal view of the night sky can be seen there after sunset, enhanced by large telescopes set up for free viewing. Four-wheel drive is required to reach the summit (check with your car rental company before driving to the summit), but the visitor center, which is at approximately 9,300 feet, is reachable by a good 2-wheel drive car with excellent brakes (for the descent — the road up Mauna Kea is very steep). Make sure to bring warm clothing with several layers; temperatures in the 40s or lower are common at night, even in the summer, and a stiff wind is almost guaranteed.