Hilo

Hilo is also home to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which has two active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Big Island. The National Park itself spans 335,259 acres and there are 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters and rainforests. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and more recently Kilauea last erupted in 2018, which makes it the most visited attraction in Hawaii and the most visited volcano in the world.

Hilo also has the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan named, Liliuokalani Gardens, and features fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens. With its laid-back charm, Hilo has plenty to offer visitors from hiking to dazzling waterfalls, gardens, parks, restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums and the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo – the only rainforest zoo in all of the United States.

And if you’re looking to get a taste of Hilo, stop by the Hilo Farmers Market where you can try a wide variety of fresh produce from fruit to vegetables, or buy unique crafts from local vendors which make perfect souvenirs. A visit to Hilo is something everyone should do for an ultimate bucket list adventure.