Cory’s Hilo guidebook
Food scene
Make sure to make reservations before eating at the Hilo Bay Cafe for lunch or dinner. This restaurant offers the best ocean view outdoor, or indoor dining overlooking the Hilo Bay. A modern, and newly renovated casual experience. Definitely try to eat here on a sunny day!
137 locals recommend
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StMake sure to make reservations before eating at the Hilo Bay Cafe for lunch or dinner. This restaurant offers the best ocean view outdoor, or indoor dining overlooking the Hilo Bay. A modern, and newly renovated casual experience. Definitely try to eat here on a sunny day!
The home of Hawaii's famous Loco Moco dish. Cafe 100 is an excellent place to stop for a quick breakfast or lunch. Call ahead for a faster service, they do not currently offer indoor or outdoor seating due to COVID-19.
27 locals recommend
Cafe 100
969 Kilauea AveThe home of Hawaii's famous Loco Moco dish. Cafe 100 is an excellent place to stop for a quick breakfast or lunch. Call ahead for a faster service, they do not currently offer indoor or outdoor seating due to COVID-19.
Locally sourced produce, and an all organic grocery store located in the heart of downtown Hilo. Only a 5 minute drive, or 15 minute walk from the condo. Free parking is located right outside the store, along with numerous other small business local retail shops close by.
17 locals recommend
Abundant Life Natural Foods
292 Kamehameha AveLocally sourced produce, and an all organic grocery store located in the heart of downtown Hilo. Only a 5 minute drive, or 15 minute walk from the condo. Free parking is located right outside the store, along with numerous other small business local retail shops close by.
The best place in Hilo to find fresh raw fish and poke caught directly off the local boats which are located behind the business. They offer excellent outdoor shaded seating here to enjoy a poke plate lunch. Take a walk around Liliuokalani Gardens Park before or after which is located in this direct area as well. I would recommend to go to Suisan first once they open because they are know to sell out fast due to high demand. The park offers excellent walking trails with ocean views of the Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea Mountain.
88 locals recommend
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StThe best place in Hilo to find fresh raw fish and poke caught directly off the local boats which are located behind the business. They offer excellent outdoor shaded seating here to enjoy a poke plate lunch. Take a walk around Liliuokalani Gardens Park before or after which is located in this direct area as well. I would recommend to go to Suisan first once they open because they are know to sell out fast due to high demand. The park offers excellent walking trails with ocean views of the Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea Mountain.
Ken's is open 24 hours, and is a great place to eat for breakfast. They have been in business since 1971! Afterwards go snorkel, swim, or walk around Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson Ocean Park which is a 5 minute drive from this restaurant.
83 locals recommend
Kens House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha AveKen's is open 24 hours, and is a great place to eat for breakfast. They have been in business since 1971! Afterwards go snorkel, swim, or walk around Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson Ocean Park which is a 5 minute drive from this restaurant.
An excellent place for a fine dining dinner experience and ambiance. A short 10 minute walk from the condo. Check out the Temple Bar next door to enjoy drinks after dining. Or the Magic Pineapple Shack for ice cream which is a 2 minute walk from here!
55 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
64 Keawe StAn excellent place for a fine dining dinner experience and ambiance. A short 10 minute walk from the condo. Check out the Temple Bar next door to enjoy drinks after dining. Or the Magic Pineapple Shack for ice cream which is a 2 minute walk from here!
An excellent place for dinner. Quaint, and located in the downtown Hilo area.
139 locals recommend
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveAn excellent place for dinner. Quaint, and located in the downtown Hilo area.
A great place to buy 100% sourced local made in Hawaii candy! Watch the workers make the candy right in front of you while strolling through the store.
67 locals recommend
Big Island Candies
585 Hinano StA great place to buy 100% sourced local made in Hawaii candy! Watch the workers make the candy right in front of you while strolling through the store.
A coffee shop and juice bar located in the downtown Hilo area walking distance from the condo.
Nector Cafe
216 Kamehameha AveA coffee shop and juice bar located in the downtown Hilo area walking distance from the condo.
One of the couple craft brewery’s in the Hilo area. Excellent drinks and food, great for lunch or dinner.
21 locals recommend
Ola Brew - Hilo
1177 Kilauea AvenueOne of the couple craft brewery’s in the Hilo area. Excellent drinks and food, great for lunch or dinner.
Awesome open air seating located in the middle of downtown Hilo close to the Farmers Market and local shop boutiques. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
128 locals recommend
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe StAwesome open air seating located in the middle of downtown Hilo close to the Farmers Market and local shop boutiques. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
You must stop here while in Hilo and try their world famous Hawaiian Mochi! Locals through out the Hawaiian Islands makes special trips to come here. There might be a long line outside usually, but it moves very fast. My favorite is the strawberry mochi! Mochi is soft chewy rice baked with flour and sugar, topped with various flavors like chocolate, fruit and more.
44 locals recommend
Two Ladies Kitchen
274 Kilauea AveYou must stop here while in Hilo and try their world famous Hawaiian Mochi! Locals through out the Hawaiian Islands makes special trips to come here. There might be a long line outside usually, but it moves very fast. My favorite is the strawberry mochi! Mochi is soft chewy rice baked with flour and sugar, topped with various flavors like chocolate, fruit and more.
Sightseeing
Richardson Beach Park has fairly shallow and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. The reef provides protection for marine life allowing aqueous species to move between the open ocean and the tide pools. Fresh water flowing into the area from nearby springs helps create a good environment for marine life to thrive.
Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles frequent this area. So please be aware and respectful of these endangered species. Stay at least 10 feet from a Green Sea Turtle and if there is a Hawaiian Monk Seal, please call the 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765.
The most common activities you will see here are snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and picnicking. There are plenty of trees for shade and some grassy areas. Lifeguards are also on duty as ocean currents can produce hazardous waves, currents and footing during high surf.
Hours:
Daily 7 AM-7 PM
Amenities
Parking
Lifeguards
Picnic Areas
Outdoor Showers
Restrooms
Location:
2349 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
176 locals recommend
Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole StRichardson Beach Park has fairly shallow and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. The reef provides protection for marine life allowing aqueous species to move between the open ocean and the tide pools. Fresh water flowing into the area from nearby springs helps create a good environment for marine life to thrive.
Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles frequent this area. So please be aware and respectful of these endangered species. Stay at least 10 feet from a Green Sea Turtle and if there is a Hawaiian Monk Seal, please call the 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765.
The most common activities you will see here are snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and picnicking. There are plenty of trees for shade and some grassy areas. Lifeguards are also on duty as ocean currents can produce hazardous waves, currents and footing during high surf.
Hours:
Daily 7 AM-7 PM
Amenities
Parking
Lifeguards
Picnic Areas
Outdoor Showers
Restrooms
Location:
2349 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
A short 5 minute drive from the condo! Easy parking and access to a beautiful tropical waterfall. An excellent spot to take photos! It falls over a lava-cave that is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. A perfect place to visit early in the morning for a picnic or perhaps even before breakfast.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
A short 5 minute drive from the condo! Easy parking and access to a beautiful tropical waterfall. An excellent spot to take photos! It falls over a lava-cave that is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. A perfect place to visit early in the morning for a picnic or perhaps even before breakfast.
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa PlHawaii Volcanoes National Park
Family-friendly, warm, and always welcoming, Carlsmith Beach Park is well-maintained and easily accessible. With lifeguards on duty during the weekends and holidays, it’s an excellent option for those who want a carefree beach experience with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging.
Carlsmith Beach Park has plenty of shaded areas for beachgoers with a pahoehoe (lava rock) shelf serving as a shoreline and footpath into the lagoon. Consisting of several large lagoons, the coves have a soft sand bottom and because the waters are protected by a reef, it makes for very tranquil swimming and snorkeling. Freshwater flows up in several areas, making for some refreshing, cooler spots throughout the lagoons. The ponds are surrounded by coconut palms and lush tropical plants giving the place a Polynesian South Sea feeling.
Green Hawaiian Sea turtles can often be seen here enjoying the shallow pond and feeding. They are very friendly, however, even if they swim up to you when snorkeling, remember not to touch these endangered species as they are vulnerable to human bacteria. As a legally protected species, visitors are required to stay at least 10 feet away from these beautiful animals.
Carlsmith Beach Park also has an expansive lawn area, covered pavilions, barbeque grills, picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, and full restroom facilities to keep you and your family comfortable and relaxed throughout your fun filled beach day.
Hours
Daily 7 AM-8 PM
Amenities
Lifeguards
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Pavilions with Electricity
Drinking Water
Picnic Area
Parking
Location
1815 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
140 locals recommend
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StFamily-friendly, warm, and always welcoming, Carlsmith Beach Park is well-maintained and easily accessible. With lifeguards on duty during the weekends and holidays, it’s an excellent option for those who want a carefree beach experience with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging.
Carlsmith Beach Park has plenty of shaded areas for beachgoers with a pahoehoe (lava rock) shelf serving as a shoreline and footpath into the lagoon. Consisting of several large lagoons, the coves have a soft sand bottom and because the waters are protected by a reef, it makes for very tranquil swimming and snorkeling. Freshwater flows up in several areas, making for some refreshing, cooler spots throughout the lagoons. The ponds are surrounded by coconut palms and lush tropical plants giving the place a Polynesian South Sea feeling.
Green Hawaiian Sea turtles can often be seen here enjoying the shallow pond and feeding. They are very friendly, however, even if they swim up to you when snorkeling, remember not to touch these endangered species as they are vulnerable to human bacteria. As a legally protected species, visitors are required to stay at least 10 feet away from these beautiful animals.
Carlsmith Beach Park also has an expansive lawn area, covered pavilions, barbeque grills, picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, and full restroom facilities to keep you and your family comfortable and relaxed throughout your fun filled beach day.
Hours
Daily 7 AM-8 PM
Amenities
Lifeguards
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Pavilions with Electricity
Drinking Water
Picnic Area
Parking
Location
1815 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Akaka Falls State Park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike.
The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.
Follow the loop trail around the bend, and you'll discover towering Akaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Beautiful Akaka Falls is perhaps the island of Hawaii's most famous waterfall. Easily accessible, this hike takes less than an hour.
Bring cash for park entrance, shoes are recommend, pack light while hiking and stay on the trail as signs will guide you along the way.
875 Akaka Falls Rd
Honomu, HI 96728
Park hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm. Daily
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdAkaka Falls State Park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, you can see two gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike.
The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill hike will take you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.
Follow the loop trail around the bend, and you'll discover towering Akaka Falls which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge. Beautiful Akaka Falls is perhaps the island of Hawaii's most famous waterfall. Easily accessible, this hike takes less than an hour.
Bring cash for park entrance, shoes are recommend, pack light while hiking and stay on the trail as signs will guide you along the way.
875 Akaka Falls Rd
Honomu, HI 96728
Park hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm. Daily
Kaumana Caves Park is a skylight in a 25-mile long lava tube that was created by the 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. You can explore the lava tube a short way in both directions before the lava tube enters private property.
65 locals recommend
Kaumana Caves
1492 Kaumana DrKaumana Caves Park is a skylight in a 25-mile long lava tube that was created by the 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. You can explore the lava tube a short way in both directions before the lava tube enters private property.
The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-visit if you are in town on a Wednesday or Saturday. Over 200 local farmers and artists sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere that recalls back to the old “plantation” days of early Hilo.
246 locals recommend
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo StreetThe Hilo Farmers Market is a must-visit if you are in town on a Wednesday or Saturday. Over 200 local farmers and artists sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere that recalls back to the old “plantation” days of early Hilo.
The Hilo and Hamakua coasts are filled with rainforests, waterfalls, and tropical flowers. These natural treasures can be most easily seen in one of the botanical gardens on the Big Island.
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThe Hilo and Hamakua coasts are filled with rainforests, waterfalls, and tropical flowers. These natural treasures can be most easily seen in one of the botanical gardens on the Big Island.