Over 45,000 residents call Hilo home, with a median age of about 41 and an average individual income near $28,100. As the Big Island’s largest town, Hilo blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering a vibrant community set against lush rainforests and stunning oceanfront views. Data courtesy of Hawai‘i County’s At a Glance Report.

Natural beauty and vibrant culture define this Big Island hub.

Hilo—the largest town on Hawai‘i Island—sits along the lush windward coast, where tropical rain showers give rise to stunning gardens, waterfalls, and a rainforest-green landscape. Rooted in Hawaiian traditions yet brimming with modern conveniences, Hilo is known for its warm community spirit and rich cultural scene. From the iconic Hilo Farmers Market and Merrie Monarch Festival to panoramic views of Mauna Kea and easy access to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, life here balances small-town charm with big-island adventure. It’s a place where heritage thrives, nature flourishes, and daily living feels refreshingly genuine.

* Spacious homes and estates set among tropical gardens with views of the bay and mountains
* A rich cultural heartbeat, from Hawaiian traditions to a storied plantation past
* A welcoming small-town vibe, where neighbors still know each other by name
* Easy access to waterfalls, rainforest trails, and the dramatic beauty of the Big Island’s east side
* Beautiful residences that harmonize modern comforts with Hilo’s natural charm

Hilo may be best known for its lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls, but its lively food scene is just as captivating. From bustling farmers’ markets brimming with tropical fruits and handmade treats to local eateries serving comforting plate lunches, fresh poke, and island-style sweets, dining in Hilo is as authentic as it is diverse. The town’s cafés and restaurants highlight locally grown coffee, farm-to-table ingredients, and flavors that celebrate Hawai‘i’s cultural melting pot. Whether you’re enjoying a casual bite by the bay or savoring a sit-down dinner downtown, Hilo offers a culinary experience that’s warm, flavorful, and rooted in community.

Hilo, the Big Island’s largest town, blends a lively energy with island charm. Its food scene reflects the area’s rich cultural diversity—think cozy cafés brewing fresh Kona and Kaʻū coffee, farm-to-table restaurants highlighting local produce, and beloved mom-and-pop eateries serving everything from poke bowls to Portuguese malasadas. For a casual bite, stop at Hilo Bay Café for fresh sushi with bayfront views, or enjoy classic island comfort food at Café 100, the birthplace of the famous loco moco.

Hilo Farmers Market is the centerpiece of the community, bustling daily with stalls brimming with tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, and artisan crafts. On market days, it transforms into a vibrant gathering place that captures the spirit of the town.

Art and culture also flourish here—Hilo is home to the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, local galleries, and live performances at the historic Palace Theater. Strolling through downtown, you’ll discover boutique shops, bookstores, and galleries offering one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect Hilo’s creative heartbeat.

Life in Hilo moves with an easy rhythm, grounded in tradition but energized by community and culture. Between its thriving food scene, flourishing arts, and welcoming small-town feel, Hilo offers a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and deeply connected to Hawaiʻi’s spirit.

Hilo is a haven for those who love nature, culture, and community. Surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches, every day here offers a new way to connect with Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty. From strolling through botanical gardens to swimming at calm bays or exploring hidden trails, Hilo invites adventure at a gentler, more down-to-earth pace.

As the island’s largest town, Hilo also serves as a cultural and historic heart of Hawaiʻi. Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum to learn about the town’s resilience, or explore the Lyman Museum, which highlights the region’s natural and cultural history. Landmarks like Rainbow Falls and Wailuku River State Park showcase Hilo’s deep ties to its surroundings, while the historic downtown reveals plantation-era architecture, family-run shops, and local eateries.

Weekends often mean exploring the Hilo Farmers Market, brimming with tropical fruits, flowers, artisan goods, and flavors unique to East Hawaiʻi. You might stop for fresh poke, browse art from local makers, or enjoy live music in the heart of town. In Hilo, life is a balance of natural wonders, rich history, and community spirit, offering a lifestyle that feels both vibrant and rooted in tradition.

Students in Hilo are served by schools within the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s Hilo-Waiākea complex area. Families here have access to a wide range of schools that provide strong academics, cultural programs, and extracurricular opportunities:

* Hilo Union Elementary School
* Hilo Intermediate School
* Hilo High School
* Waiākea Elementary School
* Waiākea Intermediate School
* Waiākea High School