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Hilo, HI Overview

The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.

Traveler Advice on Hilo

Hotels & Accommodations

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Traveler Reviews

Don's Grill

Jul 24, 2008

My wife's and my hotel owner/manager told us that he felt Don's Grill was the best place to eat in Hilo. I'm not sure that either of us would want to go that far, but when we went for dinner one...more

Ken's House of Pancakes

Jul 24, 2008

The great majority of reviewers of Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo on this site have praised the food at this restaurant along with its relative low cost. They are correct on both accounts. My wife...more

Orchid Tree Bed and Breakfast

4 of 5 stars
Huntington Beach, CA
Jul 22, 2008

We stayed at the Orchid Tree Inn in July 2008, and loved the city of Hilo. We've stayed at many, many bed and breakfasts and this one here on the Big Island was at the top of our list! Steve was so...more

Hilo Forum

Ask a Question or Browse the Discussions
rental house "Noe's Nest" in Hilo, beware! July 22, 2008, 7 replies
Hilo, Keaau or Kapoho July 21, 2008, 8 replies
Questions about Orchid Tree Bed and Breakfast July 18, 2008, 2 replies
Big Island tour with VW camper July 08, 2008, 6 replies
Mikakai in Hawaiian Paradise park subdivision June 24, 2008, 11 replies
Ken's House of Pancakes June 23, 2008, 9 replies
Keaau or Pahoa June 20, 2008, 32 replies
Any reviews on The Palms Cliff House? June 18, 2008, 36 replies
Should we bring our 6 month old baby with us to Hilo? June 17, 2008, 6 replies
Caution - Another drowning at Boiling Pots June 12, 2008, 6 replies
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