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Hilo, HI

Hilo, on Hawaii's Big Island, is a lush, rainy town offering volcanic parks, waterfalls, and authentic local culture.

About Hilo

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is Hilo. It is the seat of Hawaii County and the largest city on Hawaiʻi Island, commonly known as the Big Island . The county (Hawaii County) encompasses the entire island and is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, active volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and a diverse range of climate zones, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and even snow-capped peaks .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Hilo does not have widely known historical names from before the European contact period. Its name, Hilo, is ancient and its meaning is often associated with the first night of the new moon or a Polynesian navigator, though the exact origin is part of native oral history. It has been known simply as Hilo since Western contact. A modern nickname for the Big Island, which Hilo is a part of, is "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state's name . Hilo itself is sometimes called the "East Hawaii Gateway" because it is the primary entry point for exploring the lush, windward side of the island and the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

Founding Date and Age

The Hilo area has been settled by Polynesians since around 1100 CE, making it over 900 years old as a place of human habitation . These early communities established agricultural and fishing villages along the fertile bay. The modern town of Hilo began to take shape in the 19th and early 20th centuries, growing as a center for Christian missionaries (arriving c. 1822), the sugar plantation industry, and commerce .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Hilo is located on the northeastern shore of Hawaiʻi Island at coordinates 19°42′20″N, 155°5′9″W . It sits at the base of two massive volcanoes, Mauna Loa (active) and Mauna Kea (dormant), and overlooks Hilo Bay . The city is nestled along the coast with the Wailuku River flowing through the area. The center of Hilo is at a low elevation near sea level, though the terrain rises quickly as it meets the volcanic slopes. It is classified as a coastal town and is the southernmost city in the United States .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Historically a center for the sugar industry, Hilo's economy has diversified. Today, it is primarily an administrative center (as the county seat) and a service hub for the surrounding agricultural region. Key economic sectors include:

Population and Demographics

As of recent estimates, the population of Hilo is approximately 44,186 . It is classified as a small city and is the largest settlement on Hawaii Island, though it is less populous than Honolulu on Oahu. Hilo has a relaxed, local pace of life and is known for being less touristy than western resort areas like Kailua-Kona .

City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)

Hilo is the lush, authentic heart of the Big Island, a gateway to volcanic wonderlands and tropical rainforests. Visitors come here to experience genuine Hawaiian culture, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, witness powerful waterfalls like Rainbow and Akaka Falls, and stroll through serene Japanese gardens, all while enjoying the slow pace of a historic plantation town .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Hilo has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) . It is famously one of the wettest cities in the United States, thanks to its location on the windward (eastern) side of the island where northeast trade winds bring consistent moisture . Temperatures are warm and stable year-round, with high humidity.

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures in Hilo are very consistent throughout the year, with average daily highs ranging from 79-83°F (26-28°C) and lows from 64-69°F (18-21°C) . The warmest months are typically August and September, with highs around 85°F (29°C), and the coolest months are January and February, with lows around 65°F (18°C) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Hilo receives an immense amount of rainfall, averaging around 130 inches (3300 mm) per year at the airport, with some higher elevation areas receiving over 200 inches . The wettest months are from November through March, with December and January typically seeing the most rain . Even the driest months, like June and July, still experience frequent passing showers . Humidity is consistently high, usually ranging from 70-80%, which contributes to the region's lush, green landscape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hilo for the most favorable weather is during the drier months from April through September . This period offers more sunshine and fewer rainy days, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Volcanoes National Park or visiting waterfalls.

Landmarks

Pacific Tsunami Museum

Rainbow Falls

Located on the Wailuku River in Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is one of Hilo's most iconic natural landmarks. The waterfall plunges approximately 80 feet (24 meters) over a lava cave, traditionally considered in Hawaiian mythology to be the home of the ancient goddess Hina . The falls get their name from the rainbows that frequently form in its mist on sunny mornings, making an early visit the best time to see this phenomenon .

Liliʻuokalani Gardens

King Kamehameha Statue

Erected in 1997 at Wailoa State Park, this impressive 14-foot tall statue of King Kamehameha I is considered by many to be the most striking of the four statues of the monarch found throughout the state . It was originally a gift for Kauai, which returned it due to the island's historical significance as the only one not conquered by Kamehameha the Great. It now overlooks Hilo, where the first king of Hawaii established his royal court .

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

Transport

Main Airports

Main Highways

Public Transportation

Port

Hilo Harbor has a deepwater port protected by a large breakwater . It is a popular port of call for cruise ships touring the Hawaiian Islands, bringing thousands of visitors to downtown Hilo . The harbor also supports a fishing fleet and cargo operations. For private sailors, there is anchorage and stern-tie facilities at Radio Bay, though cruisers should check current conditions .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Hilo is widely celebrated as the birthplace of one of Hawaii's most iconic comfort foods and is home to a vibrant mix of local eateries that reflect the island's plantation-era heritage and diverse cultural influences.

Loco Moco

This quintessential Hawaiian dish was invented in Hilo in the 1940s. It is believed that Nancy Inouye, wife of the Lincoln Grill owner, created it as an affordable and hearty meal for local children . The classic loco moco consists of a bed of sticky white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and finished with a generous ladle of rich brown gravy . Today, it's a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed by surfers and locals alike as a satisfying meal. Café 100, which opened in Hilo in 1949, proudly calls itself the "home of the loco moco" and serves over a dozen varieties, offering options like Spam, Portuguese sausage, or a veggie burger in place of the traditional hamburger patty .

Gravy Burger

A unique offshoot of the loco moco, the gravy burger is a specialty you'll primarily find in Hilo. It's essentially a loco moco in burger form: a standard burger or cheeseburger is simply smothered in the same savory brown gravy used for its famous cousin . This messy, delicious creation can be found at local drive-ins like K's Drive-In, offering a portable way to enjoy the iconic Hilo flavors .

Fresh Poke

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with small pieces of fresh, raw fish seasoned with classic island ingredients. While variations are endless today, traditional versions use ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) or octopus, mixed with sweet onions, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and limu (brown algae) . Hilo's Suisan Fish Market, a local institution for over a century, is the go-to spot for exceptionally fresh poke, offering both wholesale and retail options for the perfect poke bowl .

Strawberry Mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen

For nearly 30 years, Two Ladies Kitchen has been a local staple, famous for its exquisite Japanese confections, particularly its strawberry mochi . This sought-after delicacy features a whole fresh strawberry enveloped in a layer of smooth, sweet azuki bean paste, all encased in a soft, handmade mochi (rice cake) . Its popularity is so immense that it often requires pre-ordering .

Okazuya from Kawamoto Store

Okazuya are Japanese-style delis that are living relics of Hawaii's plantation era, where workers would pick up a variety of side dishes for their lunch. Opened in 1947, the family-owned Kawamoto Store in Hilo is the premier spot for this experience, famous for its maki sushi, shrimp tempura, and nori chicken .

Museums

Hilo offers a range of museums that delve into the region's natural history, cultural heritage, and artistic expressions.

Pacific Tsunami Museum

This significant museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the cataclysmic tsunamis that struck Hilo in 1946 and 1960, events that forced the city to rebuild further inland . The museum chronicles these natural disasters through exhibits that educate visitors on the science of tsunamis and their profound impact on the community.

Lyman Mission House & Museum

This site features a historic house built in 1839 by American Christian missionaries, offering a glimpse into 19th-century missionary life in Hawaii . The adjacent museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including those related to Hawaii's natural history and the diverse immigrant groups that shaped the islands.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

This center brings to life the culture, history, and pristine natural environment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands . It features educational exhibits on coral reefs, unique ocean ecosystems, and native species, including a full-size model of a Hawaiian monk seal and interactive displays for kids .

The Exhibit

Opened in 2015 by local artist and curator Mia Johnson, The Exhibit is a contemporary art space in downtown Hilo . Housed in a modern, eco-friendly structure, it serves as a platform for local and visiting artists, featuring a rotating collection of installations ranging from visual art to interactive media . Admission is free, making contemporary culture accessible to everyone .

East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center

As the central hub of Hilo's art scene, this center is dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural, creative, and traditional arts on the island . It hosts rotating exhibits in its galleries, featuring paintings, woodwork, and jewelry from local artists with a unique island perspective.

Sport and Sporting Legends

Sports in Hilo are centered around the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and its teams, the Vulcans, who compete in NCAA Division II.

Hawaii–Hilo Vulcans

The Hawaii–Hilo Vulcans are the athletic teams representing the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo . They compete as members of the Pacific West Conference in NCAA Division II, sponsoring 12 varsity sports (5 for men and 7 for women) .

The Vulcans have a notable history, particularly in women's volleyball. The program, established in 1978, has won two national championships (in 1979 and 1981) and secured 12 regular season conference championships .

The teams play at various venues around Hilo:

Universities and Academic Institutions

Higher education in Hilo is defined by its public university, which leverages the Big Island's unique environment as a living laboratory.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo)

UH Hilo is a public university and part of the ten-campus University of Hawaiʻi system . The university is distinguished by its location on Hawaiʻi Island, which it uses as a "natural living laboratory" of active volcanoes, deep oceans, world-class telescopes, and a rich cultural landscape . It offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that take advantage of this unique setting, encouraging hands-on research in areas like restoring native forests and revitalizing Hawaiian language and culture . UH Hilo is also home to the Hawaii–Hilo Vulcans athletics program .

Hawaiʻi Community College (Hawaiʻi CC)

Based in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College is another key institution within the UH system . It offers associate degrees, certificates, and non-credit programs with a practical focus, ranging from health services and hotel operations to business and trades . It provides accessible education and workforce training for residents of Hawaiʻi Island.

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

The primary healthcare facility in Hilo is a major medical center serving the entire East Hawaiʻi region.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center

Formerly known as Hilo Medical Center, this is the main acute care hospital serving Hilo and the surrounding East Hawaiʻi region . Located at 1190 Waianuenue Ave., it is an affiliated inpatient acute care facility that accepts various insurance plans including HMO, Senior Advantage, and Medicaid (QUEST) .

The center is part of the East Hawaii Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), which also includes Hale Hoola Hamakua, Kau Hospital, the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and the East Hawaii Health Clinics . It serves as a critical hub for healthcare on the island, and plans are advancing to build the new Keaau Benioff Health Center to further expand services, including urgent, primary, and behavioral health care, to the Puna and Kau Districts . The medical center is also actively involved in the community, with its affiliated physicians offering scholarships to local high school students .

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