Home > Visiting Hilo
Visiting Hilo
Hilo is a little town with a lot to offer! We have listed some of our favorite Hilo organizations and businesses, to help you get started in your exploration of our home town. Just click on a category below to begin. A lot of the places that we want to put on this page don't have websites yet, so check back often as new sites go up!
Museums and Education-
Museums and Education
- Lyman Museum and Mission House
Travel back to Hawaii's missionary era at the Lyman Museum. The museum features the restored Lyman Mission House, as well as all kinds of Hawaiian cultural and natural history.
www.lymanmuseum.org - Pacific Tsunami Museum
Learn all about tsunamis at the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Features historic photographs of the Hilo tsunamis.
www.tsunami.org - Hawaii Island Writer's Association (HIWA)
HIWA organizes and sponsers writing events on the Big Island. Check out their website for a schedule of upcoming events!
www.hawaiiislandwriters.com - Imiloa Astronomy Center
Imiloa is full of fascinating, high-tech displays about astronomy and Hawaiian culture. The Planetarium runs several shows daily. A great place for kids and adults.
www.imiloahawaii.org - Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Learn all about Hawaii's reefs and sealife. Another great place for kids.
www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov - University of Hawaii at Hilo
Our University has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years! There's always something going on at UHH!
www.uhh.hawaii.edu
- Lyman Museum and Mission House
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Organizations
- Penn Hawaii Youth Foundation
Check out BJ Penn's foundation for encouraging positive values in Hawai'i's youth through martial arts.
pennyouth.org - Big Island On The Cheap
A great website featuring free, discount and cheap things to do on the Big Island. A great resource for both residents and visitors!
www.bigislandonthecheap.com - Aloha Hula Arts
Information about hula retreats, individual instruction, classes and workshops with hula instructor Kumu Kiwala'o Taylor.
alohahulaarts.com - Hilo Downtown Improvement Association
Find out what's going on in historic downtown Hilo!
www.downtownhilo.com - I ♥ Hilo
I ♥ Hilo is a non-profit organization deticated to promoting the peace and prosperity of Hilo. What could be better?
www.ihearthilo.com - Hilo Bay BBQ Cook-Off
This year was the first annual Hilo Bay BBQ Cook-Off! We are all looking forward to the second with bated breath...and watering mouths...
www.hilobaybbq.com - Hilo Farmer's Market
The Hilo Farmer's Market is the place to find fresh island produce and flowers, as well as handcrafted jewelry and other surprises. Open every day, but going full swing on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
www.hilofarmersmarket.com - Arnott's Lodge and Hiking Adventures
Arnott's Lodge offers accommodations and all sorts of tours and adventures.
www.arnottslodge.com - Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
See a different side of Hawaii atop Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world.
www.maunakea.com
- Penn Hawaii Youth Foundation
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Hilo Businesses
- Moonsprout
This eco-friendly store offers a variety of unique natural and organic baby products, from cloth dipers and organic clothing to glass bottles and chemical-free stuffed animal friends.
www.moonsprout.net - Sig Zane Designs
That's right—the world-famous Sig Zane is right here in Hilo! In fact, he's right down the street from us.
www.sigzane.com - The Grove Gallery
Great local art of all kinds.
www.thegrovegallery.com - Village Toy Shop
A charming toy shop in the heart of downtown Hilo, their motto is "Toy's That Teach."
www.villagetoyshophilo.com - Hawaiian Arts
T-Shirts and clothing designed and printed right here in Hilo!
www.hawaiianarts.com - Hawaii Art Music
Hawaiian–themed fine art for any occasion.
www.hawaiiartmusic.com
- Moonsprout
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Hilo Resturaunts
- Abundant Life Natural Foods
This local natural food store is celebrating 30 years in Hilo. They've been here even longer than us (and that's saying something!)
www.abundantlifenaturalfoods.com - Cafe Pesto
Cafe Pesto is possibly your best bet for fresh local food on Bayfront. Specializes in "fusion" cuisine using local produce, as well as delicious pizzas and calzones. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner—it gets crowded!
www.cafepesto.com - Hilo Bay Cafe
Don't let its plain exterior fool you—Hilo Bay Cafe is one classy place. It's best to make reservations, as this is one of the most popular up-scale restaurants in Hilo.
www.hilobaycafe.com - Big Island Candies
Hilo's candy factory has all kinds of treats—including their famous chocolate-dipped shortbread!
www.bigislandcandies.com
- Abundant Life Natural Foods