Vacation rentals in Hilo

Set on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a charming town home to waterfalls, lava rock pools, and black sand beaches. It’s the quintessential Hawaii destination, with a little something for every type of traveler. Discover the many beaches, snorkel with sea turtles, try unique tropical fruits at the farmer’s market, and hike through lush, tropical rainforests. Come with your family, your significant other, or a group of friends to enjoy this Hawaiian paradise.

Choose from a wide range of rentals with the perfect amount of Hawaiian touch in Hilo. There’s something for every type of traveler here, from luxurious rentals to budget accommodations available. Stay in a rental right on the beach with spectacular ocean views from your private balcony. Opt for an oversized rental surrounded by lush gardens and swaying palm trees, with sleek modern amenities and a beachy aesthetic. Rentals with private swimming pools are available where you can splash around and cool off from the hot Hawaiian sun from the comfort of your home. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

If you’ll be arriving to Hilo by plane, the nearest major airport is Hilo International Airport which is just 3 miles away from the downtown center of Hilo. Uber, taxis, and Lyft are available for getting to your accommodation from the airport.

Downtown Hilo is quite walkable, with most places in the city reachable on foot. However, there are many attractions and points of interest located a few miles outside the city which require a car to get to. For this reason, it is highly recommended to rent a car during your time in Hilo.

Hilo is the perfect destination for families of all ages. Head to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, which is the only zoo in the United States that is located in a rainforest. Stroll around the 12-acre zoo and discover over 80 species of animals, along with an abundance of gardens containing unique tropical plants. Hilo is a popular place among visitors for farm tours. Here you’ll find a variety of unique tropical farms growing chocolate, coffee, tea, and vanilla, and you can do a tour of the grounds to learn about the plants. Tours typically include a tasting and last around an hour and a half.

With its picturesque tropical atmosphere, Hilo is the perfect vacation or honeymoon destination for couples. Hike to Rainbow Falls, which are over 80 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide. The falls are very accessible since only a 0.1-mile hike is required to reach them. Go for a swim at Richardson Ocean Park, which is one of the best places to swim and snorkel in Hilo. Here you’ll find a black sand beach surrounded by lava rocks, and even sea turtles if you’re lucky!

Set just a couple of miles outside central Hilo, the 422-foot tall Akaka Falls are a must-see while on the Big Island. This ultra-long waterfall is accessible by a short hike and is surrounded by such green lushness that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Jurassic Park!

Carlsmith Beach Park is a unique, picturesque ocean park with a wide range of features. Snorkel or swim around in the tide pools where you can see colorful fish and sea turtles swimming around. There are also some walking trails where you can wander through lush tropical forests and see plenty of birds and native Hawaiian plant species.

The Hilo Farmer’s Market is considered one of the best farmer’s markets in all the Hawaiian Islands, so a visit here is a must. The market is open two days per week and features over 200 vendors selling a wide range of produce, products, and handmade goods. Stroll through the kiosks as you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and live music. You can even have lunch here since quite a few vendors are selling delicious ready-made meals.

Drive along the most famous stretch of road on the Big Island at the Pepeekoo Scenic Drive. The 4-mile stretch of road passes by a series of scenic surroundings including old bridges, palm trees, and lush tropical forest surroundings. The road is easily reachable and is located just a couple of miles north of Hilo.

Coconut Island is a small island connected to the mainland by a footbridge. It’s located just offshore from the Grand DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. Walk across the incredible footbridge with the ocean just under your feet until you reach the island and enjoy the scenic, calm surroundings and uncrowded beaches. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed picnic lunch.