From Museums to Waterfalls: Enjoy a Perfect Weekend in This Hawaii Town

Choosing one single town for a perfect weekend in Hawaii is almost impossible. No matter the island, there are incredible small towns and cities full of charm, hidden gems, delightful businesses, and so much more. However, as I’ve been planning a visit to the Big Island, I’ve discovered Hilo may just check off all the boxes for the perfect weekend in Hawaii. From walking through museums to chasing waterfalls, Hilo, Hawaii, is paradise.  

Hilo is certainly no secret destination. Located on the Big Island, Hilo is one of the largest cities in the state. While Hilo may be a larger city on the island, it still boasts a small-town feel. You’ll want to spend some time walking around its historic downtown, which was built on the crescent-shaped bay. Here, you’ll not only find many locally-owned shops and galleries to explore but also museums such as the Lyman Mission House and Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.

Also downtown is the popular Hilo Farmer’s Market. This market is open seven days a week at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue. At this bucket-worthy market, you can find the freshest fruit and vegetables grown on the Big Island, including rambutan and white pineapple. Grab some beautiful flowers, handmade products, and even specialty food items like coconut pastries and seafood during your visit.

For outdoor lovers like myself, you won't want to miss Wailuku River State Park. This Hawaii park is small but is well known because of Rainbow Falls, a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall. This incredible natural wonder receives its name from the rainbow that is often formed in the morning from the waterfall's mist. There is also a cave beneath the waterfall that legend says is home to Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui.

If you want to chase even more waterfalls, approximately 11 miles north of Hilo is ʻAkaka Falls State Park, where you’ll find the breathtaking ʻAkaka Falls. This 442-foot-tall waterfall will instantly take your breath away. You can view this waterfall, and also Kahuna Falls, on the Akaka Falls Trail, an easy, 0.4-mile loop.

I also recommend nature lovers spend part of their weekend at Liliʻuokalani Gardens, which is the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. This 24-acre garden is absolutely stunning with fishponds, rock gardens, gorgeous vegetation, and so much more. This garden is open 24 hours and admission is free.

Adults and kids alike will also love a visit to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, which is a smaller 12-acre zoo, but it has many claims to fame. For example, it is the only zoo in the United States located in a rainforest. It is home to dozens of animals, including a Bengal tiger and a white Bengal tiger.

And when you just want to relax and enjoy the beauty that Hawaii is known for, a cozy vacation rental is perfect. Hilo is home to several options, including this oceanfront Airbnb where you can sit on the porch and spend hours staring at the ocean. The views are so gorgeous that you may just never want to leave.

Hilo, Hawaii has something for everyone, whether you love museums and art or want to spend all of your time outdoors. It’s the perfect place for a weekend in paradise. Why not pack your bags and see for yourself?

And if you're headed to the Aloha State, be sure to check out our itinerary planner. Here, you'll be able to find personalized recommendations on how to make your Hawaii vacation even more memorable.