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 September
Estimated package price
$180
2 travelers
Flight to Hilo
3 nights at hotel
Hilo in September
Estimated package price
$180
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 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Hilo include Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and American Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Hilo departs from Honolulu and takes around 53m.

Car

Another option to get to Hilo is to pick up a car rental from Kahului, which is about 120 miles 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 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Hilo include Alaska Airlines, Japan Airlines and American Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Hilo departs from Honolulu and takes around 53m.

Car

Another option to get to Hilo is to pick up a car rental from Kahului, which is about 120 miles 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

Lufthansa
Good (8,175 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,553 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,148 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,487 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,634 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,736 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,059 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,427 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,425 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,763 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,308 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (230 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,523 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,471 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,892 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (1,013 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,564 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,079 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (627 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,849 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $244 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $559 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Aarons Cottage and Wild Ginger Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hilo

Most booked hotels in Hilo

See all
Hoomaikai Blessing's
2 stars
Excellent (9.5, 121 reviews)
$105+
View
Keaau Place
0 stars
Excellent (9, 242 reviews)
$127+
View
Hawaiian Ohana Home
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 552 reviews)
$101+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 250 reviews)
$132+
View
Howzit Hostels Hawaii
1 star
Excellent (8.6, 480 reviews)
$115+
View
Ala Kai Bed & Breakfast
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 96 reviews)
$295+
View

Renting a car in Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo costs $81 per day, on average, or $243 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Payless, Hertz and Alamo 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 mile from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. Intermediate (Class Intermediate Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Hilo, while also 47% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Hilo costs $81 per day, on average, or $243 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Payless, Hertz and Alamo 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 mile from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. Intermediate (Class Intermediate Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Hilo, while also 47% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Hilo

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$43/day

Intermediate

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$46/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Hilo