The Hawaiian Islands are home to several towns surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, but this one stands out in a crowd. With a population of approximately 43,000, Hilo is the state’s fourth largest city. Unlike many Hawaiian cities, Hilo has never experienced huge tourist draws, which means it has stayed true to the state’s pre-World War II persona and is home to plantation-style architecture and historic storefronts.
But it’s the natural beauty you’ll find in this town nestled on Hawaii Island’s eastern coast that is truly remarkable. It is within city limits that you will find breathtaking beaches, dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and magnificent gardens. From popular state parks to hidden oases, here are 10 destinations that prove Hilo absolutely deserves the honor of being Hawaii’s most naturally beautiful town. We can’t wait to show you around.
- Let’s start with the obvious Hilo Bay.
KanoaWithington/Wikipedia
T Sea/Flickr Hilo is, quite obviously, nestled along the shores of Hilo Bay, one of Hawaii’s most scenic and serene bays. From the right spot, you can even see Mauna Kea in the background!
- Witness the stunning cascade that is Rainbow Falls…
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name — waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian. From the lookout area, you can also take a series of slippery steps to view the waterfall from
- …or check out the nearby Pe’epe’e Falls.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Frank Hamm/Flickr Located just past the famous Rainbow Falls on Wailuku River is Pe’epe’e Falls. Connected by a series of cascading waterfalls along columns that were formed from the slow cooling of basalt lava, these pools appear to be bubbling — almost as if they were boiling.
- Drive down the road lined with beautiful Banyan Trees.
Amanda/Flickr This tree-lined street on the coast is often known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame,” for the numerous banyan trees planted by celebrities. The first trees were planted in the 1930s, and have withstood several tsunamis throughout the decades. This is one pretty drive, wouldn’t you agree?
- Don’t forget to stroll through the stunning Liliuokalani Park & Garden.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields. With views of Hilo Bay, there is much to take in while exploring the winding paths that meander through this peaceful park.
- Splash around at Richardson Ocean Park.
Steve Shupe/Flickr Hawaii Island is known for their breathtaking black sand beaches, but Richardson Ocean Park is often overlooked for more popular coastal destinations. Perfect for snorkeling and swimming, the entire family will love this marine conservation area.
- Head underground at Kaumana Cave.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube gets all the credit, but Kaumana Cave, located near Hilo, is certainly worth the visit. The skylight entrance drops into two miles of pitch-black caves, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as vines and roots falling from the cave’s roof.
- Hang out on Coconut Island.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Ed Suominen/Flickr Also known as Mokuola, this small offshore island is connected to the mainland via a small footbridge and is home to a lovely little park. Mokuola translates as “healing island” or “island of life,” and it was once the site of an ancient temple dedicated to healing.
- The ocean is calling at Honoli’i Beach.
Jenn Kahalau Photography/Flickr This rocky beach in Hilo is popular among surfers and features a tree-shaded grassy area and shower facilities. As an added bonus, the views are phenomenal!
- Explore the underrated Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Frank Hamm/Flickr The Wailoa River State Recreation Area is often overlooked for the nearby Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. However, this state park is often much less crowded, equally as picturesque, and the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or boat fishing.
And that’s not all you’ll find in this naturally gorgeous town. Natural beauty abounds in Hilo, and you can even find views like this from a local bridge. How stunning!
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Want to learn more about this terrific town? Click here to learn all about Hilo, Hawaii’s oldest town.
KanoaWithington/Wikipedia
T Sea/Flickr
Hilo is, quite obviously, nestled along the shores of Hilo Bay, one of Hawaii’s most scenic and serene bays. From the right spot, you can even see Mauna Kea in the background!
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name — waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian. From the lookout area, you can also take a series of slippery steps to view the waterfall from
Frank Hamm/Flickr
Located just past the famous Rainbow Falls on Wailuku River is Pe’epe’e Falls. Connected by a series of cascading waterfalls along columns that were formed from the slow cooling of basalt lava, these pools appear to be bubbling — almost as if they were boiling.
Amanda/Flickr
This tree-lined street on the coast is often known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame,” for the numerous banyan trees planted by celebrities. The first trees were planted in the 1930s, and have withstood several tsunamis throughout the decades. This is one pretty drive, wouldn’t you agree?
Featuring the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan, this 24-acre park and garden was named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugarcane fields. With views of Hilo Bay, there is much to take in while exploring the winding paths that meander through this peaceful park.
Steve Shupe/Flickr
Hawaii Island is known for their breathtaking black sand beaches, but Richardson Ocean Park is often overlooked for more popular coastal destinations. Perfect for snorkeling and swimming, the entire family will love this marine conservation area.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube gets all the credit, but Kaumana Cave, located near Hilo, is certainly worth the visit. The skylight entrance drops into two miles of pitch-black caves, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as vines and roots falling from the cave’s roof.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Ed Suominen/Flickr
Also known as Mokuola, this small offshore island is connected to the mainland via a small footbridge and is home to a lovely little park. Mokuola translates as “healing island” or “island of life,” and it was once the site of an ancient temple dedicated to healing.
Jenn Kahalau Photography/Flickr
This rocky beach in Hilo is popular among surfers and features a tree-shaded grassy area and shower facilities. As an added bonus, the views are phenomenal!
The Wailoa River State Recreation Area is often overlooked for the nearby Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. However, this state park is often much less crowded, equally as picturesque, and the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or boat fishing.
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