Places to See

Richardson Oceanic & Beach Park

The Barefoot Beach House is directly across the street, and The Nene Hideaway is a 4-minute serene walk to Richardson Beach Park. Richardson Beach is a rare black sand beach known for having the best snorkeling on the island's east side. It is also an excellent place for surfing, bodyboarding, and, in the winter, whale watching. The state fish, Humuhumunukunukukapua'a (a type of triggerfish), and the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (honu) can often be seen swimming in these waters. The park has a lifeguard tower, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. Scroll through the photos below for other suggestions on places to see around Hilo.

The black sand at Richardson Beach in Hilo, Hawaii.

Beaches in Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Richardson Oceanic & Beach Park

Richardson's and Leleiwi (Wai'uli) are the closest beaches to our homes and they just so happen to also be regarded as some of the best on the east side of the island. There is tons of coastline and underwater wonders to explore here. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Carlsmith Beach Park

This incredible park is only 1 mile from our homes. Its white sand bottom and turquoise water are breathtaking. Honu frequents here, and there is a staircase for easier access to the water.

Onekahakaha Beach

Onekahakaha Beach is nicknamed "Keiki" Beach due to its shallow, protected waters, which are perfect for little ones to splash and play in. It is only 1.5 miles from our homes.

Coconut Island (Moku Ola)

This small island is accessible only by a footbridge and is the perfect place for a picnic or to play a game of catch. For those of you who are extra adventurous, check out the jumping towers.

Queen Liliuokalani Gardens and Banyan Drive are in the same area and worth adding on to your adventure.

Reed's Bay

Reeds Bay is located on Banyan Drive, just around the bend from Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. This protected bay is the perfect place to paddleboard, kayak, or swim around. It is popular with families and a fantastic place for a picnic.

Honoli'i Beach Park

The surfer's beach! Swing by and watch the surfers catch waves, especially in the winter and during high wave periods.

Check out our Food on the Go collection for great places to get meals to take to the beach.

Hilo's Historic Bayfront District
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Hilo Farmer's Market

Open every day, with Wednesdays and Saturdays being all vendor days, the rest of the week has produce and a few artisans.

Located in the Hilo Bayfront shopping district.

Bayfront Shopping District

The historical Bayfront shopping district has a store for just about everyone. There are Hawaiian clothing brand stores, art and photography studios, souvenir shops, eateries, bookshops, bakeries, and more.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

This free center on the Hilo Bayfront has a great display of all the Hawaiian Islands, far beyond the main ones. There is also a display about trash and the ocean. And don't miss their giant fish tank.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum

With each exhibit, story, and lesson, the Pacific Tsunami Museum carries forward the vital mission of raising awareness, promoting preparedness, and honoring the memory of those who have faced the awesome and humbling power of tsunamis. Join us in embracing this journey, as we strive to create a safer and more informed world for generations to come (text are from their website).

The Palace Theater

This historical theater has concerts, plays, and movies, many of which are related to Hawaii, so check out their current lineup.

Hawaiian Mako Design Studios

Dive into Shane Molina's pop culture art mind, where Baby Yoda Surfs and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles spearfish.

Lyman Museum

This museum is our favorite of all in the Hilo area. Learn about the History of Hawaii and its geology and geography. It also has a fabulous rock, gem, and shell collection.

Technically, the Lyman Museum is just a couple of blocks uphill from the Bayfront area, but it is can still be included during your wonderings in the area.

Our Places to Eat page has many options in the Bayfront.

(Note: The restaurants with an asterisk * by their name are located in the Historic Bayfront District.)

Other Things to do in Hilo
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Rainbow Falls

This magnificent waterfall is located within Hilo town and a must see. Head that way during the mid-morning hours when the sun pops out for your best chance to see the rainbow.

After Rainbow Falls, head up to the viewpoint for Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls, which are just up the road from here.

The Boiling Pots

Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls is a section of the Wailuku River about a mile up from Rainbow Falls, where the cascades down terraced pools in the lava rock.

Queen Liliuokalani Gardens

These beautiful Japanese-inspired gardens are a wonderful place to walk, take pictures, or have a picnic. It is known for its picturesque bridges, giant monkey pod tree, and cavernous banyan tree. Make sure to venture over to Coconut Island, take in the bay views, and cruise down Banyan Drive while you are here.

Wailoa River State Recreation Area

A picnic at this park and a stroll over the waving bridges is a sure thing to do in Hilo. Nene, Hawaii's state bird and the world's rarest goose, can often be seen strolling around. Check out the King Kamehameha Statue, the Shimanchi Memorial, and the boat harbor. They are located right downtown along the Bayfront.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Pana'ewa is the only zoo in the United States in a tropical rainforest and its gardens and animals are wonderful reflections of its location. To top it all off, its FREE!

Kaumana Caves

This lava tube cave is a great place to explore. Wear sturdy shoes and take a flashlight as there is no lighting.

'Imiloa Astronomy Center

Watch a show at the planetarium and check out the excellent exhibits on science and the history of Hawaii here at Imiloa.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm

Only a few miles from our homes is the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. Follow the self-guided tour, wander the gift shop, taste some samples, have some mac-nut ice cream, and stroll through their lovely gardens. Walking around is FREE, so go ahead and load up on all the flavors of mac nuts you desire.

Nani Mau Gardens

Nani Mau Gardens is a tranquil place where the beauty of nature and the spirit of healing converge. Stroll the gardens, have lunch, or attend a special event surrounded by this hidden gem.

Lavaloha Chocolate Farm

Agri-tourism is popular on the island, and we love discovering where our food comes from. At the Lavaloha Chocolate Farm, you may be surprised to peak into a cacao bean and at the raw bean's taste. After a lovely open-air cart ride through their farm, they will take you behind the scenes to see the whole chocolate-making process. Plus, they give you delicious samples! Before you leave, stock up with items from their gift shop and pause for a moment or two on their porch to take in the view of Hilo Bay. Spectacular! Tour tickets can be bought on their website, which is linked below.

Things to do north of Hilo...

Onomea Fall in Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens near Hilo, Hawaii.

The Hamakua Coast

Driving the Mamalahoa Highway (Hawaiian Belt Road) north out of town will take you along the Hamakua Coast, known for its waterfalls, greenery, and big ocean views. Just a couple miles from Hilo, there is a scenic drive at Onomea Bay Drive, which is a must-do. On this route is the stunning Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens. Consider going again if you have gone on a previous trip, as each season showcases a variety of botanical wonders. Beyond the scenic drive, the highway passes many waterfalls, gulches, and small towns. We particularly like the town of Honomu, where Akaka Falls is. When in Honomu, we always stop at Mr. Ed's Bakery and pick up a variety of tropical jams and cookies. For more spectacular things to do along this coastline, scroll through the photos below.

More Things Do North of Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Vacation Homes

Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii

Reservations

Places to See

Richardson Oceanic & Beach Park

Beaches in Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Check out our Food on the Go collection for great places to get meals to take to the beach.

Hilo's Historic Bayfront District
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Our Places to Eat page has many options in the Bayfront.

(Note: The restaurants with an asterisk * by their name are located in the Historic Bayfront District.)

Other Things to do in Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Things to do north of Hilo...

The Hamakua Coast

More Things Do North of Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Places to See

Richardson Oceanic & Beach Park

Beaches in Hilo Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Check out our Food on the Go collection for great places to get meals to take to the beach.

Hilo's Historic Bayfront District Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Our Places to Eat page has many options in the Bayfront.

(Note: The restaurants with an asterisk * by their name are located in the Historic Bayfront District.)

Other Things to do in Hilo Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Things to do north of Hilo...

The Hamakua Coast

More Things Do North of Hilo Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Beaches in Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Hilo's Historic Bayfront District
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

Other Things to do in Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.

More Things Do North of Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.