Big Island Visitor Tips
While planning your visit to ‘Imiloa, be sure to check out nearby other cultural, historic and natural destinations that will enrich your experience on this side of Hawaii Island commonly known as the "Big Island". There’s so much to discover here.
So much to explore in Hilo
Hilo is the Big Island's heartbeat, where life is a little slower, a little more relaxed, but also richer and more complex.
- Nearby lava flows in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kilauea volcano continues to add new land to the Big Island.
- Home to the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of culture, tradition and the unique beauty of hula.
- Your portal for exploring the universe, through the leading-edge work of the world's greatest astronomical observatories on Maunakea.
- "Old Hawaii" at its finest, with surfers and outrigger canoes in the harbor, a riot of exotic fruits and flowers in the world-famous Farmer's Market, and visitors strolling the shops and gardens along the bayfront.
- Rainforests and waterfalls, botanical gardens and orchids, music, hula, hiking and history.
Other Attractions in Hilo
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Merrie Monarch Festival
The Lyman Mission House and Museum
East Hawaii Cultural Center
The Palace Theater
Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Hilo Farmers Market
Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Hawaii EDventure (Eco-tourism program at UH-Hilo)
UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center
Restaurants and Lodging in Hilo
DowntownHilo.com – Restaurant Guide TripAdvisor.com – Hotels in Hilo
TripAdvisor.com – Bed & Breakfast lodging in Hilo
For maps of the Big Island, with driving times and distances to and from Hilo, visit the Big Island Visitors Bureau website.
