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32 Free things to do in Hilo

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many books and maps to choose from:

More than a bookstore. . .

a gathering of things Hawaiian.

Explore Hilo

A Sightseeing Guide:
32 Free Things to Do

Talk to the local Hilo residents. They'll tell you what's special about living here.

Hilo has been rated one of America's top 10 most liveable and desireable cities.

Free things to do on foot:

WALKING TOUR
Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Hilo and view historical architecture and cultural sights in this 24 block district with over 200 buildings. Tour brochure available at many downtown businesses as well as the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, the Big Island Visitors Bureau and the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association office.

1. REED'S BAY - Pause at Reed's Bay to view the small boats at anchor and the ships docked at Hilo Harbor in the distance. The chilly water of the neighboring "Ice Pond" is a popular swimming spot for local residents.
2. BANYAN DRIVE - Stroll Banyan Drive and imagine its luxurious banyan trees as little saplings, many of which were planted by celebrities including Amelia Earhart and Babe Ruth.
3. COCONUT ISLAND - Cross the bridge to Mokuola (Coconut Island), used in ancient times as a place for healing. It is now a popular spot for picnics and fishing.
4. LILI'UOKALANI PARK - Circle Lili'uokalani Park, and enjoy the ambience of this 30 acre park designed in Japanese Shinto style. See the Sumo Wrestling Pit, Tea House, Bicentennial Rock Garden and a marble monument commemorating our sister island relationship with Oshima, Japan.
5. SUISAN FISH AUCTION - Experience the sights and sounds of the local-style morning auction of freshly caught fish at Suisan Fish Market, starting around 7 am.
6. HAPPINESS GARDEN - Enjoy this quaint little park overlooking Hilo Bay which offers a commanding view of Hilo's Black Sand Beach, with the majestic mountain, Mauna Kea, as a backdrop.
7. HILO BAY BEACH - Ramble along the crescent shaped black sand beach fronting Hilo Bay at Bayfront Park. While beach-combing, watch for canoe paddlers during race season. This site once hosted the building and launching of a fleet of 800 canoes built by Kamehameha I for his unsuccessful attempt to conquer Kauai.
8. WAILOA STATE pARK - Walk the curving "rainbow" bridges of Wailoa State Park while watching the fishermen at Wailoa Ponds.
9. WAILOA CENTER - See the current Art Show or Exhibit featuring our talented local artists, always free. There is a permanent Tsunami exhibit and video featuring footage of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis.
10. TSUNAMI MEMORIAL - Adjacent to the visitor center, visit the Shinmachi Memorial, erected in remembrance of the residents who were casualties of the 1960 tidal wave that devastated the Shinmachi district of Hilo, in which it is located.
11. VIETNAM MEMORIAL - Pause a moment at the Memorial, which honors soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country.
12. KAMEHAMEHA STATUE - View the Kamehameha Statue, which honors King Kamehameha I, the first chief to unite the islands under one rule and a native of the island of Hawai'i. It is located in the land division of Piopio, which includes Wailoa Pond, one of his favorite fishponds.
13. FARMERS MARKET - Enjoy the colorful flowers, delicious local produce and handcrafted products found at the Hilo Farmers Market and Mamo Market. (Sat., Sun. and Wed.)
14. MO'OHEAU PARK & BANDSTAND Enjoy the charm of the Mo'oheau Bandstand, which hosts concerts by the Hawaii County Band and other community functions. The Information Kiosk located nearby is staffed by senior citizens eager to share information about Hilo. The bus terminal is the hub for public transportation within and outside Hilo.
15. Tsunami Photos - Visit the ongoing exhibit at the historic Kress Building which features photos of tsunamis which devasted Hilo in 1946 and 1960.
16. PACIFIC TSUNAMI MUSEUM - Gaze in awe at videos and displays describing the devasting effects of catastrophic natural forces at work in Hawai'i, including earthquakes and tsunami (tidal waves). In the fromer First Hawaiian Bank Bldg., designed by C. W. Dickey, built in 1931 ~ Wed. thru Sat, 10-4.
17. EAST HAWAII CULTURAL CENTER View works of the talented local artists currently exhibiting and enjoy live theater, dance or special presentations.
18. KALAKAUA PARK - Saunter through Kalakaua Park and pause at the statue of King Kalakaua, who designated this site as a park during his reign. A memorial to soldiers of several wars overlooks the pond.
19. FEDERAL BUILDING - Observe the stately architecture of the historic building originally constructed in 1917. It houses government offices, including the downtown branch of the U.S. Post Office. The frog fountain provides a whimsical centerpiece.
20. WAILUKU RIVER - While crossing the Wailuku River bridges, watch with fascination the waters of the Wailuku River swirling around the natural rock formation known as "Maui's Canoe".
21. NAHA STONE - Test your strength on the Naha Stone at the Hilo Public Library. Weighing an estimated 3.5 tons, it was reputed to have been moved by Kamehameha, fulfilling prophesies concerning his great future. The smaller stone at its side is said to have been an entrance pillar of the Pinao Temple, thought to have been located near the Wailuku River.
22. WAIAKEA TSUNAMI MEMORIAL CLOCK Experience the poignancy of viewing the clock that stopped forever when the tsunami struck at 1:05 a.m. on May 23, 1960. It had been the centerpiece of a community that was previously devastated by the April 1, 1946 tsunami.

Free things to do on wheels:

23. PANA'EWA RAINFOREST ZOO - Experience the beauty of America's only rainforest zoo environment at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. Off Hwy. 11
24. RAINBOW FALLS - Early morning is the best time to view rainbows at the world-famous Rainbow Falls. Turn right off Hwy. 200, up Waianuenue Ave.
25. BOILING POTS - On a clear day enjoy the breathtaking view of Mauna Kea from the lookout above Boiling Pots on the Wailuku River. Gaze in awe at the power of the water that has carved swirling pools into the river's bed. Turn right off Hwy. 200, up Waianuenue Ave.
26. KAUMANA CAVES - Climb down into the bowels of the earth to see the lush ferns of Kaumana Caves in this natural cave, a lava tube formed by the flow of 1855. Hwy. 200.
27. KEAUKAHA - Drive along the scenic shoreline following Kalaniana'ole Ave. through Keaukaha to Richardson's Beach. Hwy. 19.
28. ONEKAHAKAHA BEACH PARK Stop at Onekahakaha Beach Park to explore the tide pools and refresh yourself at the natural wading pool. Hwy. 19 in Keaukaha.
29. FOUR MILE BEACH - Plunge into the spring fed shoreline waters at Four-mile Beach Park. Across the street is an aquafarm raising trout and tilapia. Hwy. 19 in Keaukaha.
30. RICHARDSON'S OCEAN CENTER - Experience the abundance of Hawaii's seashore environment and swim or snorkel at Richardson's Ocean Center and Park. Hwy. 19 in Keaukaha.
31. HONOLI'I BEACH PARK - Climb down the steps to this popular local surfing site at Honoli'i Beach Park, where Honoli'i Stream empties into the Pacific Ocean. Hwy. 19, at Alae Point
32. SCENIC ROUTE - Drive the scenic route of the old Mamalahoa Highway north of Hilo to step back into old Hawaii. Hwy. 19, at Onomea. This is a part of the Hilo-Hamakua Heritage Coast, extending from Hilo to Honoka'a through the lushly scenic windward side of the island of Hawai'i.

NOT FREE, BUT NOT TO BE MISSED:
Lyman House Memorial Museum / 276 Haili Street