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 5 km 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 194 km 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 5 km 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 194 km 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 (1,435 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,668 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,630 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,013 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,123 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,700 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,514 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,571 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,343 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,585 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,901 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,116 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (185 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,493 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,663 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,183 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,618 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,564 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (944 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (957 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $231 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $616 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
Hoomaikai Blessings
2 stars
Excellent (9.5, 116 reviews)
$115+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
2 stars
Excellent (9.1, 235 reviews)
$128+
View
Ala Kai Bed & Breakfast
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 95 reviews)
$269+
View
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 464 reviews)
$162+
View
Howzit Hostels Hawaii
1 star
Excellent (8.5, 442 reviews)
$58+
View
SCP Hilo Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, 2120 reviews)
$156+
View

Renting a car in Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo costs $83 per day, on average, or $249 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 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, 5% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $3.18 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 $38.16 and $50.88. 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 $83 per day, on average, or $249 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 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, 5% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $3.18 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 $38.16 and $50.88. 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

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$32/day

Compact

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$33/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Hilo