There are so many must-see places and must-do activities on Big Island. It can be a little overwhelming to decide what you want to do if you don’t narrow down activities based on your location. The Hilo-Hamakua Coast encompasses Akaka Falls, Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive, Rainbow Falls, and so much more. There are many outdoor activities and local points of interest to enjoy while staying near Hilo. Keep in mind that Hilo is on the green, lush, and wet side of Big Island so make sure you pack a raincoat or poncho in your suitcase.
Editor’s Note (August 2025): This post has been updated to remove the former Mehana Brewing Company, which has since closed, and reflects the coming price increase at Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo.
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls State Park is home to the iconic Akaka Falls. This 422-foot tall waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls on Big Island. It is conveniently located on a very easy loop trail that is hikable for the whole family. The Akaka waterfall plunges down into a deep gorge and there are several spots along the trail where you can view this amazing natural wonder. Akaka Falls on Big Island, Hawaii, there is also another waterfall on this same loop trail within Akaka Falls State Park. It is the 400-foot tall Kahuna Falls. This waterfall is more hidden than the Akaka Falls but there is a small overlook point to use for viewing. This waterfall is the easiest to see after a heavy rainfall because the trees tend to shield most of this waterfall from view.
Big Island Zipline Tour
At Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours, our Kolekole Waterfall Zipline Adventure tour takes you across 7 ziplines, including a thrilling finale over a 250-foot waterfall. See the beauty of Hilo from a whole new perspective — with our expert local guides ensuring your safety and revealing Hawaii’s rich natural wonders.
And if heights aren’t your thing, our guided Waterfall Hike & Swim Adventure keeps you grounded. Explore 300 private acres of Hilo’s lush rainforest and take a plunge beneath a roaring waterfall.
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
Rainbow Falls is said to be home to the Hawaiian goddess of the moon and mother of Maui; Hina. You might also recognize Hina and Rainbow Falls from the Legend of Maui Catching the Sun. The waterfall is 80 feet high and flows over a lava cave. This is a fantastic place to venture to during the early morning because many rainbows appear in the falls as the sun rises into the sky. Rainbow Falls, Big Island, Hawaii Rainbow Falls is located the northwest side of Hilo so it is very easy to get there and there is not much walking involved. In fact, it is less than 100 feet from the parking lot to the first scenic overlook.
Local Hilo Craft Beer
While the local favorite Mehana Brewing has closed its doors, the Hilo craft beverage scene is thriving. For a taste of the island, we recommend a visit to the Ola Brew Co. taproom in Hilo.
What makes Ola Brew special is its mission to support the local agricultural economy. They actively purchase ingredients from Hawaii-based farmers to create their ciders and beers, meaning you’re often tasting tropical fruits like white pineapple and jaboticaba that were grown just miles away. “Our goal is to grow the agricultural economy in Hawai’i by creating delicious beverages that are sourced from our island’s farmers,” says their mission statement. The Hilo taproom has a lively, casual atmosphere perfect for sampling a flight after a day of exploring.
Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is one of six farmers markets in the area. Over 200 local vendors sell produce, gifts, crafts, and flowers. The market is held every Monday through Saturday in historic downtown Hilo. The “Big Market” days, when the most vendors are at the market, are Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Hilo Farmers Market is the largest and most popular farmers market on Big Island. Farmer’s Market on Big Island
Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive
The 45-mile stretch of road that connects Hilo to Waipi’o Valley is the most scenic drive on Big Island and arguably one of the most beautiful routes in the Hawaiian Island chain. This coastal road is lined with waterfalls, canyons, water-carved gulches, and lush rainforest scenery. It is an experience unlike any other that you have to see to believe.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano on Big Island with an elevation of 13,796 Feet. If you plan to drive to the summit of the dormant volcano, it is highly recommended that you drive a true four-wheel drive vehicle because of the steepness of the road. It is worth the trip because Mauna Kea is one of the best places to see the sunset on Big Island. After the sun goes down, stick around for a stargazing experience unlike any other. Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only natural rainforest zoo in the United States. Endangered Hawaiian species like the Nene, ‘Io or Hawaiian Hawk, and the Pueo or Hawaiian Owl. This zoo is truly one of a kind because the exhibits in this zoo are designed to blend in with the natural vegetation of the Pana’ewa Forest Reserve. This rainforest gets more than 125 inches of rainfall per year so be sure to bring your rain jacket.
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is currently free. However, new for 2025, “Parks and Recreation is implementing an admission fee structure that is expected to begin September 1, 2025,” according to hawaiicounty.gov. Admission tickets are expected to start at $4 for residents and $12 for non-residents.
See Hilo from A Whole New Angle on a Zipline Tour
These are just a few of the many unique places to visit in and around Hilo. Remember to pack your raincoat and enjoy every second of your adventure in Hilo on Big Island!