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 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 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 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 Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Kahului.

Airports near Hilo

ITOHilo Intl
KOAKona Intl
MUEWaimea (Big Island) Waimea Kohala

Airlines serving Hilo

Lufthansa
Good (8,297 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,595 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,275 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,242 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,692 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,653 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,712 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,454 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,417 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,832 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,411 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (13,135 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (247 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,954 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,549 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (1,038 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,219 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,428 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,553 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (622 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $224 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $505 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 (9.3, 124 reviews)
$99+
View
Keaau Place
0 stars
Excellent (9.2, 230 reviews)
$126+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 256 reviews)
$131+
View
Howzit Hostels Hawaii
1 star
Excellent (8.4, 499 reviews)
$115+
View
SCP Hilo Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, 2286 reviews)
$122+
View
Kikala Waterfall Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8, 63 reviews)
$143+
View

Renting a car in Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo costs $94 per day, on average, or $282 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, 32% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Hilo costs $94 per day, on average, or $282 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, 32% more expensive than at Hilo Intl.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Hilo

Compact SUV

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Compact SUV

Standard

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$39/day

Standard
Find car rentals in Hilo