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, Hilo Bay Cafe (123 Lihiwai Street) and Hula Hulas (93 Banyan Drive) 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 American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta. 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 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 American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta. 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 Ace and Dollar, among others, in Kahului.

Airports near Hilo

ITOHilo Intl
KOAKona Intl
MUEWaimea (Big Island) Waimea Kohala

Airlines serving Hilo

KLM
Good (1,406 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,541 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,993 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,487 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,998 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,482 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,661 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,378 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,214 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,333 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,906 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (278 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,078 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,467 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (174 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,596 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,155 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,674 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,561 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (929 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Hilo

Where to stay in Hilo

Average rates range from around $227 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $527 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Dolphin Bay Hotel and Aaron's Cottage.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hilo

Most booked hotels in Hilo

See all
Hale paradise
0 stars
Excellent (9.6, 88 reviews)
$119+
View
Hoomaikai Blessings
2 stars
Excellent (9.5, 114 reviews)
$115+
View
Keaau Place
0 stars
Excellent (9.2, 264 reviews)
$125+
View
Ocean Breeze Inn
2 stars
Excellent (9.1, 226 reviews)
$122+
View
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 462 reviews)
$161+
View
SCP Hilo Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, 2091 reviews)
$164+
View

Renting a car in Hilo

Renting a car in Hilo costs $60 per day, on average, or $180 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.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 5% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Intermediate (Class Intermediate Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 19% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Hilo costs $60 per day, on average, or $180 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.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 5% cheaper than airport locations in Hilo.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Hilo is Intermediate (Class Intermediate Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 19% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Hilo

Compact SUV

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$34/day

Compact SUV

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$36/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in Hilo

Hilo Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Hilo city guide for the best Hilo travel tips. To help you organize your Hilo trip ideas, this Hilo visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.