| 2026/2027 City Fact | Hilo, HI, Hawaii Quick-Reference |
|---|---|
| State & County | Hawaii · Hawaii County |
| Population, Elevation & GPS | 43,263 · 0 m (0 ft) (19.7299°N, 155.0907°W) |
| Nearest Airport / Amtrak Hub | Hilo International Airport (3.9 km) |
| Local Districts & Neighborhoods | Puueo |
| Nearby Landmarks & Parks | Hilo Historic Downtown, Hawaii County Courthouse Square |
| US Driving, Tolls & Tipping Rules | Electronic tolling (E-ZPass/FasTrak/SunPass); add 6–10% sales tax + 18–22% sit-down restaurant tip |
| Regional Food Specialties | In Hilo (Hawaii County, Hawaii), local tables feature: Signature Hawaii dishes · Around Hilo and across Hawaii, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Hawaii: 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards. |
| Best Season to Visit | Year-round (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov best value) |
Overview
Visiting Hilo, HI in Hawaii County, Hawaii places you near Hilo Historic Downtown, Hawaii County Courthouse Square, with regional access via Hilo International Airport (3.9 km) (elevation 0 m (0 ft), pop. 43,263). Travelers stop in Hilo for classic American main-street dining, state & national park scenic byways, and signature dishes from Hawaii.
Local Food & Regional Specialties — Hilo
1. Signature Regional Dishes
In Hilo (Hawaii County, Hawaii), local tables feature: Signature Hawaii dishes—Fresh ahi poke bowls with limu & kukui nut, Kalua imu-roasted pig & laulau, and Plate lunch with loco moco & macaroni salad.
2. Craft Pours, Wines & Roasters
Around Hilo and across Hawaii, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Hawaii: 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Farmers Markets & Local Specialties
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Hilo (Hawaii), look for: Local specialties across Hawaii: Malasadas, haupia coconut pudding & shave ice, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18–20%)
Classic Hawaii dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a mid-sized city like Hilo (pop. 43,263), visitors will find independent coffee roasters, craft taprooms, regional steakhouses or seafood shacks, and weekend growers markets showcasing Hawaii producers.
Getting There & Local Transit
Direct Pacific flights into Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH), plus inter-island Hawaiian/Southwest flights. From Honolulu (Oahu), Maui, Kauai & Big Island (HNL Daniel K. Inouye Airport (Oahu), OGG (Maui), KOA (Kona) & LIH (Kauai)), major Interstate corridors, Amtrak/regional transit, and airport shuttles connect directly to Hilo (Hilo International Airport (3.9 km)) and neighboring cities across Hawaii County.
Primary Transit & Airport Hub: Hilo International Airport (3.9 km).
What to See & Do — Hilo
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Hilo Historic Downtown · Hawaii County Courthouse Square
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Puueo
- Downtown & Historic Main Street of Hilo: Explore the central courthouse district, independent diners, local coffee roasters, and weekly farmers markets.
- State Parks & Scenic Byways (Hawaii County): Drive or hike scenic overlooks, riverfronts, and trailheads surrounding Hilo (0 m (0 ft)).
Nearby US Cities & Towns near Hilo
Explore the 5 closest neighboring US cities and towns to Hilo by straight-line distance:
- Mountain View, HI (19.4 km)
- Hawaiian Paradise Park, HI (19.6 km)
- Orchidlands Estates, HI (20.4 km)
- Hawaiian Acres, HI (21.7 km)
- Ainaloa, HI (24.8 km)
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov best value). Browse all cities in Hawaii or search the complete directory of 10,714 US cities & towns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Hilo, HI, Hawaii (2026/2027)
How do I get to Hilo, HI, Hawaii by plane, Amtrak, or car?
The nearest primary rail or airport transit hub for Hilo, HI (Hawaii County, Hawaii) is Hilo International Airport (3.9 km). Most visitors fly into the nearest regional airport or Honolulu and rent a car or connect via Amtrak/intercity bus to explore Hilo, HI.
What are the top landmarks and neighborhoods around Hilo, HI?
Key local districts and nearby areas in Hilo, HI include Puueo. Notable landmarks and outdoor sights within driving distance include Hilo Historic Downtown, Hawaii County Courthouse Square.
What local food should I try in Hilo, HI, Hawaii?
When visiting Hilo, HI in Hawaii, try signature regional dishes such as In Hilo (Hawaii County, Hawaii), local tables feature: Signature Hawaii dishes · Around Hilo and across Hawaii, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Hawaii: 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.. Keep in mind that US restaurant menu prices exclude state/county sales tax (6%–10%) and a customary 18%–22% tip for table service.
Do I need a rental car in Hilo, HI, and what is the elevation?
Hilo, HI has a population of 43,263 and sits at an elevation of 0 m (0 ft) (19.7299°N, 155.0907°W). Outside dense downtown transit corridors, a rental car is recommended for reaching trailheads, state parks, and neighboring towns in Hawaii.