Hilo

Picturesque Hilo, located on the lush eastern coast of the Big Island in the USA, is a gateway to a world of tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. This city, preserving the charm of the old Hawaiian atmosphere, attracts those seeking an authentic experience away from bustling resorts.

You can reach this unique corner in various ways: most travelers arrive by plane directly to the local airport; however, a journey by car or bus from other parts of the island will also offer unforgettable views.

The fastest way to find yourself in a tropical paradise is to fly into Hilo International Airport (ITO). This aviation hub receives many flights and is located very conveniently in relation to the city infrastructure, allowing tourists to begin their holiday almost immediately after landing.

If there are no direct tickets, travelers often choose to fly to neighboring airports, for example, to the city of Kailua-Kona or Waimea, which also serve the island. From there, one can reach the east coast by ground transport. There is also an air connection with the location Pohakuloa Training Area, but the main flow of tourists still passes through the island's main air gateways.

When planning a route to Hilo, it is important to consider that there is no railway service on the Hawaiian Islands, and there are no standard train stations here. This is a feature of the region, where the terrain and island infrastructure have made cars and buses the main modes of transport.

Even if you are in settlements such as Waimea or Kailua-Kona, getting to the east coast by train is not possible. Travelers are advised to consider alternative transport options in advance to comfortably cover the distance between cities.

Traveling by bus around the Big Island is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the changing scenery. If you are traveling from the city of Waimea, the road will take about 2 hours (94 km), passing through picturesque hills and pastures. The route from the location Pohakuloa Training Area is shorter and will require approximately 1.5 hours of time.

For those departing from the sunny west coast, from Kailua-Kona, the trip will be the longest — about 3.3 hours. Despite the distance of 160 km, such a transfer allows you to see the diversity of the island's nature: from dry lava fields to the lush jungles of the east.

Car rental provides maximum freedom of movement around the island. A trip to Hilo from the city of Kailua-Kona will take approximately 1.5 hours (125 km) if driving along the highway crossing the island. From the city of Waimea, the road is even more picturesque and shorter — about 1.2 hours on the way.

The fastest route runs from the point Pohakuloa Training Area: covering 58 km is possible in just 40–45 minutes. Taxis are also available, but due to significant distances between cities, many tourists prefer to rent a car immediately upon arrival.

Hilo is a city with a unique character and climate, so preparing for a trip here requires attention to detail. To ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. Hilo is known for its rainfall, so a light raincoat or umbrella is mandatory at any time of year. Bring comfortable shoes for walking on lava and tropical trails, as well as swimwear.
2. Transport. Public transport, the Hele-On Bus, runs infrequently and does not cover all attractions. The best solution is car rental to freely visit waterfalls and volcanoes.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for farmers' markets and gratuities will be useful.
4. Health and Safety. The sun in Hawaii is very active — use cream with high SPF. Be careful with the ocean: currents can be strong, so swim only at designated beaches.
5. Communication. Everyone speaks English. Locals appreciate friendliness, so learn a couple of words, for example, "Aloha" (hello/goodbye) and "Mahalo" (thank you).
6. Local Etiquette. In Hawaii, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home. Treat nature and culture with respect: do not take stones or sand with you — this is considered a bad omen.
7. What to Avoid. Do not leave valuables in the car in plain sight, especially at parking lots near attractions. Avoid walking on unmarked trails on lava fields.
8. Extra Tip. Be sure to visit the local farmers market (Hilo Farmers Market) — this is the best place to buy fresh exotic fruits and souvenirs at excellent prices.

Following these simple rules will help you embrace the "Aloha" spirit and receive only positive emotions from traveling through this green corner of Hawaii.