What About The Rain?
No worries, we got you covered!
Not only does it rain in Hilo, it really rains in Hilo! Hilo is said to be the rainiest city in the United States of America and averages about 130 inches of rain a year! That's a ton of rain. So, how does one deal with all that rain, especially while on vacation? We have six insights for you on how to keep the rain from interfering with your Hawaiian vacation fun; some of them might surprise you.

Rainy Nights, Sunny Days
Sleeping to the Sound of Rain
Number 1: Most of the rain comes at night. The truth is that most days in Hilo are sunny, with only a scattering of fluffy white clouds and temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees. It's not until about midnight, when everyone is fast asleep, that the rain tends to pick up. It then falls on and off until morning, when the sun comes out and burns off most clouds. So, if you love sleeping to the white noise of rain falling, Hilo is your place!


The Sunny Secret
Stay With Us!
Number 2: Stay in sunny Keaukaha towards the end of Kalaniana'ole Street near Richardson Beach Park. If you stay in one of our two vacation rental homes (Barefoot Beach House and The Nene Hideaway), that's precisely where you will be! The Richardson Beach Park area receives about half the amount of rain as downtown Hilo! That's right... half!
The island's volcanic mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, put atmospheric pressure on the incoming moisture-ridden clouds, causing them to drop their precipitation on the island's windward (east) side. Downtown Hilo is at the base of those mountains and the target for those rains. Richardson and our vacation rental homes are three miles out from the base of the mountains and downtown Hilo. These three miles make a huge difference, so we are often dry and sunny while it's raining in Hilo Town.
Grab an Umbrella & Go
The Local Way
Number 3: Don't skip out on your plans; grab an umbrella and go. Do as the locals do and still go (unless it is a significant event). If this sounds like something you are up to, put on your slippers (flip-flops), grab an umbrella, and head out the door. Click here for some Things To Do.
If you still aren't up for venturing out in the rain, keep reading...

Seek Out Sheltered Fun

No Umbrella Required
Number 4: Find something indoors or covered to do. Below, we have included a list of things to do in and around Hilo that are sheltered from the rain.
Sheltered things to do to get out of the Hilo rain...
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.
Those places with an asterisk (*) by their name are located in the Historic Bayfront District.
Go a Few Miles Down the Road
You May Find Sun
Number 5: Go for a scenic drive. The weather patterns on the island can vary significantly from location to location and can change drastically within a few miles. So, what is happening in one area may not happen a few miles down the road. This is why one of the go-to answers for what to do when it is raining is "go a few miles down the road; it won't be raining there."
A scenic drive might be the perfect way to escape the rain as long as it's just your standard Hilo rain and no travel warnings have been issued. Here are a few of our favorites:

Scenic Drives From Hilo
Click on photos for further details and links to find out more.
The Kohala Coast

A Sunny, Dry Desert
Number 6: If all else fails, go to the Kohala Coast. On the rare occasion when the Hilo rains aren't giving you a break, a day trip to the Kohala Coast may help you find the sun. The Kohala Coast is on the island's west side, north of Kailua-Kona. It is the driest area on the island and gets less than 8 inches of rain annually. It is almost always sunny and has wonderful white sand beaches.
You can reach the Kohala Coast by driving straight over Saddle Road or north up the Hamakua Coast and down through Waimea. Both routes have fantastic scenery and views, but they are very different. Consider taking one route there and the other on the way back.