We did not stay in Hilo, but drove around to the east side of the island to see the sights. Hilo is not considered to be a touristy area although there are a few hotels, and the cruise ships make a stop here. The area receives considerably more rain than the west side, supports many gardens, and is the center of Hawaii's orchid and anthurium industry. Many scenic waterfalls can be seen from or near the highway. Volcanoes National Park located to the south, is a favorite tourist destination.
We stayed in Waikoloa, on the west side which is about 20 minutes north of Kona. Most visitors stay in the Kona/Waikoloa area of which there are many hotels, resorts, and numerous golf courses. Please refer to my "Kailua-Kona" page for more photos (sunsets) and info on the big island.
- Pros:Lush & tropical, beautiful gardens, not as touristy as the west coast
- Cons:Don't know of any
Reviews (3)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park...
Things to Do
(3)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Established in 1916, with one of the world's most active volacanoes. A definite MUST... more travel advice
Akaka Falls State Park
Things to Do
(3)
Akaka Falls State Park Located in a tropical rain forest, this park is known for 2 waterfalls, Akaka Falls (shown) which... more travel advice
Hawaii Tropical Botanical...
Things to Do
(3)
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. A beautiful display of rare and endangered plants from around the world and those... more travel advice
Have you been to Hilo? Share your travels with the world!
Hilo Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Business Center of the Big Island"
- "The lush windward coast"
- "Big Island - Big Sights"
- "Rainforest Trip"
- "Hilo and surroundings"
- "Hilo - the rainiest city in the United States?"
- "Hilo Not as rainy as claimed:)"
- See All...
Badges & Stats in Hilo
- 3 Reviews
- 20 Photos
- 4 Forum posts
- 88 Comments
- 8,340PageViews
- See All Stats
- See All Badges (28)
Have you been to Hilo?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Hilo
- updated a Hilo Travel Page ""The Big Island" - East Side"
- Uploaded a Photo to ""The Big Island" - East Side"
- Wrote a Review Hawaii Volcanoes National Park... in Hilo Things to Do
Top 10 Pages
-
Iceland
Intro, 16 reviews, 62 photos, 6 travelogues
-
Top 5 Page for this destination
Channel Islands National Park
Intro, 16 reviews, 59 photos, 4 travelogues
-
Aruba
Intro, 32 reviews, 40 photos, 2 travelogues
-
Victoria
Intro, 26 reviews, 43 photos, 2 travelogues
-
Top 5 Page for this destination
Death Valley National Park
Intro, 27 reviews, 37 photos, 2 travelogues
-
Reykjavík Region
Intro, 23 reviews, 40 photos, 3 travelogues
-
Yosemite National Park
Intro, 21 reviews, 39 photos, 5 travelogues
-
Top 5 Page for this destination
Poipu
Intro, 25 reviews, 31 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Yellowstone National Park
Intro, 27 reviews, 28 photos
-
Santa Barbara
Intro, 21 reviews, 34 photos, 1 travelogue
Friends
See All Friends (38)Latest Hilo hotel reviews
- Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- 657 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Naniloa Volcanoes Resort
- 212 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2012 - Hilo Seaside Hotel
- 287 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 26, 2012 - Uncle Billys Hilo Bay
- 182 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2012 - Naalii Plantation
- 6 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Aug 2, 2009 - Hilo Bay B&B
- 65 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 23, 2012 - Country Club Hawaii Condo Hotel
- 36 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2012 - At the Beach with Friends Bed & Breakfast
- 45 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 8, 2012 - Arnott's Lodge
- 107 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2012 - Wild Ginger Inn Bed and Breakfast
- 42 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 6, 2012 - Waiakea Villas
- 18 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 5, 2012 - Maureen's Bed & Breakfast
- 30 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 23, 2012 - Hilo Backpackers Hostel
- 16 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 29, 2012 - The Bay House
- 162 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2012 - Oceanfront Big Island Beach House
- 1 Review & Opinion

National/State Park
Birdwatching
Beaches
Comments (87)
Great pictures! I'm getting excited for my trip next month!
Hello, I visited the volcano in September and I thought it was awesome! Great photo!
The place is very much improved since 2002. New management, new Garden Director. Give it a second chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised!
The volcanoes of the Big Island are amazing, as you demonstrate. I recommend The Green Dolphin as a place to stay in Hilo if you like stay on the damp side next time;-]
Wonderful shot of the Hawaii volcanoes park! So you're beating me to the punch every time I look up.
Wonderful page and AMAZING, professional pictures especially of flowers in travelogue - better than in National Geographic Magazine :-))).
Wonderful. I really enjoyed your volcano and botanical gardens travelogues.
Very nice pics. I like the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park one.
what a wonderful page!
Very beautiful pictures
1 - 10 of 87
View 77 More