Things to do in Hilo

Planning questions about Hilo

What are the best things to do in Hilo?

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand is the highest ranked experience in Hilo, scoring 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking from 446 traveler reviews. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour, Ultimate Big Island Experience: Volcano, Waterfall, Beach & Lunch, Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour, Big Island Scenic Tour: Volcano Hilo Town Waterfall Beach & Lunch round out the top five. Outty ranks 58 bookable experiences in Hilo, United States, and 0 of them score 90 or above.

How much do activities in Hilo cost?

The median price across everything we rank in Hilo is $240 per person, and the cheapest starting price is $45 on Meditative Journey through Hilo Gardens. Guided, small-group and skip-the-line versions sit above the median, and peak weekends price higher than midweek mornings.

Can I book something in Hilo for today?

Yes. 58 of the top 58 experiences we rank in Hilo currently show same-day availability. Same-day slots are limited, so book early in the day where you can.

Is Hilo good for families?

Yes. 6 of the experiences we rank in Hilo are family friendly, covering short, low-cost activities as well as full-day outings. Check the minimum age on each experience page before booking.

How many days do you need in Hilo?

Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting: one anchor experience each morning, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

When is the best time to visit Hilo?

Prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

Can I cancel a booking in Hilo?

53 of the 58 experiences we rank in Hilo offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact window is shown on each experience page before you book.

How does the Outty Ranking work?

Every experience in Hilo gets a single 0 to 100 score built from traveler sentiment, the depth of review evidence, recent booking momentum, price fairness against comparable options in the same city, operator standing and cancellation flexibility. Scores are benchmarked within Hilo so a strong local option is not buried by global volume, and anything at 90 or above joins the Outty 90+ Club.