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 October
Estimated package price
$515
2 travelers
Flight to Hilo
3 nights at hotel
Hilo in October
Estimated package price
$515
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 Japan Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian 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 Ace and Dollar, 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 Japan Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian 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 Ace and Dollar, among others, in Kahului.

Airports near Hilo

ITOHilo Intl
KOAKona Intl
MUEWaimea (Big Island) Waimea Kohala

Airlines serving Hilo

KLM
Good (1,432 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,631 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,010 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,579 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,093 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,683 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,506 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,527 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,337 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,460 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,895 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,484 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (178 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,107 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,658 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,186 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,632 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,557 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (942 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (946 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $230 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $619 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Aaron's Cottage and Wild Ginger Hotel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hilo

Most booked hotels in Hilo

See all
Hale paradise
0 stars
Excellent (9.7, 91 reviews)
$118+
View
Hoomaikai Blessings
2 stars
Excellent (9.5, 116 reviews)
$111+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 231 reviews)
$125+
View
Keaau Place
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 261 reviews)
$131+
View
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 464 reviews)
$161+
View
SCP Hilo Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, 2117 reviews)
$132+
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. Thrifty, Alamo and Payless 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Full-size (Kia Optima or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 21% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Hilo costs $70 per day, on average, or $209 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Thrifty, Alamo and Payless 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Full-size (Kia Optima or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 21% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Hilo

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$30/day

Compact

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$34/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Hilo