Destinations Cunard recommends World Voyages

Cunard recommends: Hilo

It’s the largest city on Hawaii’s ‘Big Island’ but Hilo has held onto its small-town charm and Aloha spirit. Surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls and volcanoes, this former sugar town remains a pocket of paradise. Guide Kalei Seawater shares her favourite ways to experience Hilo.

3 min 17 Feb 2026

Cunard

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Sights to see

Hilo truly has it all – volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, botanical gardens and historic sites. Little has changed in the past century, offering a glimpse into the Hawaii of old. Start your journey in downtown, built around a crescent-shaped bay where centuries-old wooden storefronts house independent shops and galleries, echoing the town’s sugar-town roots. One of my favorite spots, the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center celebrates our booming art scene, while nearby museums — Lyman House and Pacific Tsunami Museum — provide a fascinating window into Hilo’s rich and resilient past.

For a slower pace, wander through Lili‘uokalani Gardens, a 30-acre Japanese-style oasis of pagodas and ponds that honors the first Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugar fields. Stop by the teahouse for sweeping views of Hilo Bay and the mighty Mauna Kea volcano.

A short drive away, you’ll find Rainbow Falls – an 80-foot cascade where, if you’re lucky, the morning mist catches the sun to reveal its namesake. Legend says the huge cave behind the falls was home of the goddess Hina, mother of the demi-god Maui. Close by, the Shinmachi Memorial stands in honor of the residents who lost their lives in the devastating 1946 tsunami.

Most of all, I love packing a picnic and spending the day at the beach. Richardson Ocean Park, with its black sand and lava-rock-protected waters, is perfect for snorkelling, while the crystal-clear lagoons of Carlsmith Beach Park are often shared with sea turtles drifting by in the shallows.

Experiences to enjoy

Immerse yourself in the island’s breathtaking natural beauty at The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. The only natural rainforest zoo in the US, it’s like stepping into a living jungle. Wander through its lush gardens under the heavy scent of hibiscus and fresh rain.

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory offers a look into one of Hawaii’s most iconic exports: the macadamia nut. Meander through the orchards, witness the careful production process and sample flavors from honey-roasted to wasabi.

Hilo offers many great chances to experience our local culture at its most vibrant, as well as the opportunity to learn more. If you’re interested in the stars, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a must-visit. It’s home to Hawaii’s only planetarium, and guests can discover the ways Polynesian navigators used the stars, as well as how astronomers today unravel the mysteries of the universe. The Astronomy Center is suitable for all ages, so is a great place to go for families, as well as adults.

Roughly a 40-minute drive from Hilo, you will find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Home to two significant volcanoes, this is a must-see spot for anyone interested in geology.

Tastes to try

Hilo’s food scene is worlds away from mainland cuisine. Island life shapes everything – tropical fruits, freshly-caught fish, and Asian influences come together to create something uniquely Hawaiian.

Try poke: the classic Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish atop rice, vegetables and fruit. The best place to sample it is Suisan Fish Market, serving Hilo with the freshest fish for over a century.

Moon and Turtle, a locally-sourced ‘Pacific fusion’ restaurant serves delicious tapas-style dishes, but my favorite eatery is Hawaiian Style Café, serving Hawaii’s favorite comfort foods. From hearty breakfasts to plates of loco moco – steamed rice topped with a hamburger patty, gravy and fried egg – it’s the kind of place that feeds your body and soul. Wash it down with a passion-berry iced tea or follow with a shave ice (finely-shaved ice drenched in tropical syrups) for the full experience.

For something a little stronger, Ola Brewery and Taproom crafts island-inspired beers and ciders using locally-grown ingredients – perfect for sipping after a day exploring.

Shopping

My favorite spot in downtown Hilo has to be the Farmers Market – it’s part marketplace, part meeting place, and easily one of the best open-air markets in Hawaii. It’s open daily – from dawn ‘til it’s gone – but Wednesdays and Saturdays are when it really comes alive. Pyramids of mangoes, pineapples, and strawberry papayas – sweeter and juicier than their yellow cousins – sit beside sacks of locally-grown Kona coffee and macadamias warm from the pan. Artisans sell wind chimes, etched glass, and hand-carved Koa wood treasures – a little piece of the island’s warmth, creativity and Aloha spirit.

For a quintessentially Hawaiian souvenir, you’ll find plenty of shops and boutiques selling ukuleles and classic Aloha wear from colorful shirts to island-print dresses. My advice is to opt for quality, locally-made pieces; they’ll cost a little more but are crafted to last.

No trip is complete without stopping at Big Island Candies, a long-standing Hilo institution. I love watching the confectioners craft their signature treats – hand-dipped chocolate macadamia-nut shortbread and mochi brownies – each a tiny work of art. Take a tour, try a sample and pick a beautifully-packaged box to take home, a delicious reminder of our island.

Being the second largest town in Hawaii, Hilo offers majestic monuments and breathtaking landscapes, plus all the charm of a vibrant city. Want to discover this unforgettable port yourself? Visit Hilo with Cunard - book your voyage today.