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.
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
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.
Thing to do south of Hilo...
Active Volcano Areas
To get to the active volcano region of the island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, drive south out of town on Kanoelehua (aka the Belt Route or Volcano Highway). The national park is roughly 30 miles away and has incredible sights, fantastic hiking, and an excellent visitor's center. Traveling the highway beyond the park, you will find Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, South Point, and the Kuhuku Unit of the national park - all of which are fun adventures.
Back towards Hilo on the Volcano Highway is a turn-off towards Keaau/Pahoa, which will take you into unique areas shaped and affected by the most recent lava flows. We suggest you first stop at the Lava Museum in Pahoa for information and guidance on exploring the area. We love driving the Red Road out to Pohoiki (Isaac Hale Beach Park), where you will travel along the coastal cliffs, through the jungle, and over the 2018 lava flows. Scroll through the photos and details below for further information.
More Things Do South of Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.
Thing to do west of Hilo...
Saddle Road
The shortest route to Kona from Hilo is the Saddle Road. This road gets up to 6,632 feet in elevation and can experience whiteout conditions, extreme rain, and gusting winds, so check the weather before you go and bring a jacket.
When the weather cooperates, it is a fantastic drive between the towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. As you drive, you traverse through many layers of lava, vegetation, and climate zones. Below are some sights along the way: