HILO ATTRACTIONS
The Big Island, also known as the Island of Hawaii, is considered the most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, the most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea (measured from the ocean floor to the highest peak).
Nestled at the foot of Mauna Loa is the friendly coastal city of Hilo. The lush landscape and rich volcanic soil make Hilo an agricultural paradise where tropical fruit and flowers flourish. To fully experience Hilo and the Big Island, check out these local attractions and let the adventures begin.
HILO HERITAGE MUSEUM
Located on the lobby of the Hilo Seaside Hotel, this unique museum offers a cultural perspective and a glimpse into Hilo Town's rich heritage. Free admission to hotel guests and the public.
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
One of the most treasured parks in America and just a 45 minute drive from the Hilo Seaside Hotel. Hike and explore active volcanoes, including the world’s largest, Mauna Loa. Enjoy the Thurston Lava Tube or drive the Crater Rim.
MAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE VOLCANO
DIRECTIONS TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL VOLCANO PARK
MAUNA KEA SUMMIT
The clearest place on the planet to stargaze is atop Mauna Kea. Three telescopes offer the best amateur observation site in the world where one can see clusters of stars, planets, and galaxies.
DIRECTIONS TO MAUNA KEA SUMMIT
AKAKA FALLS
A breathtaking 442-foot waterfall that spills into a deep pool leading to the ocean. Scenic and spectacular, the Akaka Falls is visible from the easy-to-walk loop trail.
RAINBOW FALLS
You are sure to find a “rainbow” in the mist of this waterfall, located just outside of Hilo town. Easy to see, Rainbow Falls is not as powerful as Akaka Falls, but equally dramatic and worth the visit.
KAPOHO TIDE POOLS
Ideal for snorkeling and discovery, this unique collection of tide pools is filled with a variety of tropical fish in clear, tranquil water.
DIRECTIONS TO KAPOHO TIDE POOLS
HISTORICAL BANYAN DRIVE
Mere steps from the Hilo Seaside Hotel, this beautiful and famous tree-lined street was planted in the early 1900s by celebrities including Babe Ruth, King George V, and Presidents Nixon and Roosevelt.
VISIT THE TROPICAL WALK OF FAME
LILIUOKALANI GARDENS
Lush and tropical Japanese style gardens within walking distance of the Hilo Seaside Hotel.
DIRECTIONS TO LILIUOKLANI GARDENS
NANI MAU GARDEN
The rich volcanic soil provides Hilo with exceptionally beautiful gardens. The Nani Mau Garden is especially beautiful and features native and exotic flowers and orchids.
53 ACRES OF GORGEOUS TROPICAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS
PANA’EWA RAINFOREST ZOO & GARDENS
The only natural, tropical rainforest zoo in the United States is located in Pana’ewa, just north of Hilo. Admission is free.
IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER
This center provides a unique experience for visitors and students to explore the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and astronomy. Fun for the whole family! Open Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm.
DIRECTIONS TO IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER
PACIFIC TSUNAMI MUSEUM
Learn through rich interpretive displays about the destruction of the tsunamis that hit the town of Hilo in the 1900s.
DIRECTIONS TO THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI MUSEUM
HILO FARMERS MARKET
One of the State’s best fresh food markets offering a delicious sampling of Hilo’s farm-to-table lifestyle.
BIG ISLAND FESH, HILO FARMERS MARKET
DIRECTIONS TO THE HILO FARMERS MARKET
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO
4000 students believe the Big Island is the best place in the world to study environmental and marine science, astronomy, and Hawaiian Studies.
LEARN ABOUT THE UNIVERISTY OF HAWAII
DIRECTIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO
HILO AIRPORT
The Eastside airport is just a few minutes by car to the Hilo Seaside Hotel.
FLY INTO THE HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DIRECTIONS TO THE HILO AIRPORT
LAVA OCEAN TOUR
There’s nothing quite like the piercing beauty of hot lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Small groups looking for a big adventure will be treated to panoramic views of Hawaii Volcanoes, dramatic views of volcanic activity, lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls and exotic black sand beaches. Guests of the Naniloa Hotel have direct boarding access to the tours from our ocean pier. Contact Kapohokine Adventures for more information.
HILO ZIP LINING
Experience the beauty of Big Island by air. Kapohokine Adventures offers a variety of adventure tours, including ziplining packages for both Hilo and Kona adventures. Soar over the Kilauea Volcano, zipline through a tropical jungle and see gorgeous views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Contact Kapohokine Adventures for more information.
KONA ATTRACTIONS
Located in the heart of sunny Kona is the historical seaside village of Kailua-Kona home of the Kona Ironman Triathalon and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Once the playground of Hawaiian royalty, Kona boasts the best weather on earth and is known for its ocean adventure activities off of the Kailua Pier and its sublime golden coast coffee. Awaken your senses and let the adventures begin!
KAILUA BAY & PIER
Home to the start of the world famous Ironman Triathlon, Kailua Bay offers warm, crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, surfing, canoeing, or stand up paddling. Rentals and excursions readily available at Hypr Nalu Hawaii which departs on the beach right in front of our hotel.
RENT TODAY AND EXPLORE THE BAY
KAHALUU BEACH PARK
Kahaluu is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island and is also simply referred to as “Snorkel Beach”. Fed by a fresh water spring, these waters are almost always calm, with colorful corals, rock formations, and 100+ species of fish.
DIRECTIONS TO KAHALUU BEACH PARK
KEALAKEKUA BAY
The historical landing place of British explorer, Captain James Cook, the bay’s pristine, crystal clear water is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful places for snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
THE “OLD AIRPORT”
A multi-purpose sports complex with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor stadium, baseball and soccer fields.
DIRECTIONS TO THE “OLD AIRPORT”
HULIHEE PALACE
Located on Ali’l Drive, just a few minutes from the Kona Seaside Hotel, it served as the vacation residence of Hawaiian Royalty and houses historical Hawaiian artifacts.
MOKUAIKAUA CHURCH
Built in 1820, it was the first Christian church in Hawaii.
DIRECTIONS TO MOKAUIKAUA CHURCH
AHUENA HEIAU
This holy site was the personal heiau (temple) of King Kamehemeha the Great and is located across the street from the Kona Seaside Hotel.
VISIT THE KING'S AHUENA HEIAU TEMPLE
KONA COFFEE FARMS
Grown on the golden coast of Kona, Kona coffee is a favorite of coffee connoisseurs. Within 30 minutes of Kailua-Kona, you can tour locally owned coffee orchards and experience the tradition of Kona coffee.