Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Hilo travel guide

Hilo Tourism | Hilo Guide

You're Going to Love Hilo

With a population of 43,263, Hilo is a must-see destination in Hawaii, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Hilo has to offer.

Where to Eat in Hilo

If you’re looking for affordable options, WSW The Steakhouse | Breakfast, Sunday Brunch & Dinner (71 Banyan Dr) and Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar (564 Hinano St) are great picks.

When to visit Hilo

Hilo in May
Estimated package price
$267
2 travelers
Flight to Hilo
3 nights at hotel
Hilo in May
Estimated package price
$267
2 travelers
Flight to Hilo
3 nights at hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Hilo in July, when the average temperature is 77 °F, and the highest can go up to 82.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 64.4 °F, with an average temperature of 71.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in November, when precipitation is around 15.5″. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Hilo, with an average rainfall of 7.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Hilo

Plane

When flying to Hilo, you’ll arrive at Hilo Intl (ITO), which is located 5 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Hilo include Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Hilo departs from Honolulu and takes around 55m.

Car

Another option to get to Hilo is to pick up a car rental from Kahului, which is about 194 km from Hilo. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Kahului.

Plane

When flying to Hilo, you’ll arrive at Hilo Intl (ITO), which is located 5 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Hilo include Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Hilo departs from Honolulu and takes around 55m.

Car

Another option to get to Hilo is to pick up a car rental from Kahului, which is about 194 km from Hilo. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Kahului.

Airports near Hilo

ITOHilo Intl
KOAKona Intl
MUEWaimea (Big Island) Waimea Kohala

Airlines serving Hilo

KLM
Good (1,597 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (8,295 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,279 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,227 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,715 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,650 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,690 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,495 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,897 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,410 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,412 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (13,163 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (252 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,542 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (1,040 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,975 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,218 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,419 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,554 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (621 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $217 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $419 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Aarons Cottage and Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hilo

Most booked hotels in Hilo

See all
Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, 389 reviews)
$294+
View
Keaau Place
0 stars
Excellent (9.2, 228 reviews)
$125+
View
Hoomaikai Blessing's
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 124 reviews)
$99+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 257 reviews)
$130+
View
Howzit Hostels Hawaii
1 star
Excellent (8.4, 503 reviews)
$113+
View
SCP Hilo Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, 2282 reviews)
$123+
View

Renting a car in Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo costs $70 per day, on average, or $209 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Hertz, Budget and Dollar are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Hilo is the Dollar branch at 1 General Lyman Field, which is 1 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $4.47 per gallon in Hilo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.60 and $71.47. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Hilo, while also 43% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Hilo costs $70 per day, on average, or $209 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Hertz, Budget and Dollar are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Hilo is the Dollar branch at 1 General Lyman Field, which is 1 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $4.47 per gallon in Hilo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.60 and $71.47. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Hilo, while also 43% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Hilo

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$38/day

Compact

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$38/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Hilo