Things to do Near Downtown Hilo
Hilo is a historic town on the Big Island of Hawaii with great attractions, shops, and cultural sites along the ocean coast. Hilo is located on the eastern coast and features centuries old wooden storefronts. Downtown Hilo has many unique art galleries with paintings, woodwork, glasswork, jewelry, and tourist shops. It also hosts many museums such as the Pacific Tsunami Museum and Lyman Mission House and Museum. Along with top beaches are nearby, the botanical gardens, and world class waterfall views at Kulaniapia Falls. Experience the aloha spirit and special charm that only exists in Hilo! Here are the top 5 things to do at and around downtown Hilo.
Top 5 Things to do Near Downtown Hilo
Kulaniapia Falls
Carlsmith Park
Honoli’i Beach
Downtown Shops
Farmers Market
Kulaniapia Falls has lush acres and natural beauty. Kulaniapia Falls is Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall, just minutes from downtown Hilo. Kulaniapia Falls has many activities including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, bamboo gardens, nature trails, lush jungle, and a farm tour. Get a daypass and never have to worry about crowds as you explore Kulaniapia Falls private and exclusive waterfall. When river safety conditions permit, you can even swim, kayak, and paddleboard under the falls. One of the top activities at Kulaniapia Falls is waterfall rappelling. If you’re extra adventurous, embark on the adventure of your life and rappel down Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. No matter what you decide to do, you won’t run out of activities at Kulaniapia Falls.
2. Carlsmith Park
Carlsmith Park is one of the best places in Hawaii to swim and snorkel. Lava rocks and a reef create a natural swimming area that is family-friendly. Although there is no sandy beach, there is a lawn and picnic tables that are well-maintained. The water is easily accessible, as the pahoehoe (lava rock) shelf serves as a shoreline and footpath into the lagoon. Turtles often visit the water that is protected by the reef, and the park also includes covered pavilions, barbeque grills, picnic tables, showers, and bathrooms. Carlsmith Park is one of the top things to do near downtown Hilo.
3. Honoli’i Beach
If you’re looking for things to do near downtown Hilo, Honoli’i Beach is always a great option. This beach is perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, and fishing. This beach includes parking, restrooms, showers, a picnic area, and lifeguards. Honoli’i Beach is less than two miles from downtown Hilo and is popular with surfers. It’s less of a swimming beach and more of a spot for experienced surfers. The surf breaks directly offshore over a bottom strewn with boulders, and is one of the most popular breaks in the Hilo area.
4. Downtown Shops
Visiting the downtown shops is one of the best things to do in downtown Hilo. The shops that are downtown are original and inspirational, and hold gifts to cherish and keepsakes to treasure. Some of our favorite gifts are hand-crafted ukuleles and traditional Hawaiian fruits and delicacies. Some of our favorite shops are Big Island Candies, the Hawaiian Crown Plantation and Chocolate Factory, Basically Books, Sig Zane Hilo Store, Hilo Guitars and Ukuleles, and Orchid Land Surf Shop.
5. Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is a great option if you’re looking for things to do in downtown Hilo. The Hilo Farmers Market is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 3 pm. The big market days are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Hilo Farmers Market has a large variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Some of the best fruits from the Hilo Farmers Market are longan, mango, papaya, pineapple, rambutan, and white pineapple. Some vegetable favorites include baby ginger, bitter melon, bok choy, organic spinach, and sweet corn. The Hilo Farmers Market also has specialty food, including awa juice/powder/root, coconut pastries, fresh fruit popsicles, Peruvian tamales, portuguese bread, and local seafood.
Best Things to do Near Downtown Hilo
Hilo is a must-see destination when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii for its tropical paradise. From the host of activities available at Kulaniapia Falls visiting the top waterfall on the Big Island with activities to do on it, to the downtown shops and farmers market, to beaches and parks, there are endless things to do near downtown Hilo.