Hilo Travel Guide
BIG LOVE for the BIG ISLAND
I used to be so consistent with my blog — and somewhere along the way, I fell out of the habit. Lately, I’ve been building community on IG, TT, and YT… but it hit me — when something goes sideways on those platforms, where do all my babes on a mish actually find me? I wanted to come back to a space I truly own. A place I can build from - not borrow from. So… here we are.
I thought this would be the perfect platform to share all the details from my recent trip to Hawai’i Island (aka the Big Island) - still my personal favorite. Honestly, it’s the island I’ve spent the most time on outside of where I live on Oahu… but what I love most about the Big Island is the sheer contrast. The way the landscapes and the energy shift so dramatically from one side to the other. It’s one of the few places in the world where you could realistically be in cooler, higher elevations in the morning… and in the ocean by the afternoon. With eight of the world’s major climate types, Hawaiʻi Island truly has its own kind of variety.
This past trip brought me back to the east side, the Hilo side & I’ll be honest… I was missing out. BIG.
There is something in the air in Hilo that feels different. Slower. Softer. You can feel the mana of these islands in a way that’s hard to put into words. It feels untouched - not in a perfect way, but in a deeply rooted one. Full of flavor, local boutiques, and the presence of Tūtū Pele felt through Kīlauea’s quiet activity — this side of the island offers so much to experience.
Below are a few of the places I explored and, of course, where I ate.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has been on my bucket list for a long time. I even put Thurston Lava Tube and Kīlauea on my vision board — and somehow, just two months into the year, I found myself standing in the presence of both. I didn’t witness a full eruption, but I did see the soft glow of lava in the distance at night, and honestly… that felt like more than enough. Being here, inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and understanding more deeply what it means to be in the presence of Tūtū Pele, felt incredibly grounding.
It’s a quiet kind of honor — one that leaves you feeling content in ways that are hard to explain.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my Big Island adventure was exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park a place of deep cultural significance and ever-evolving landscape. The park welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, giving you the freedom to explore at sunrise, sunset, or even by starlight. There is a required entrance fee to support stewardship of the land, typically around $30 per private vehicle or $15 per pedestrian or bicyclist and once purchased, your pass is valid for seven consecutive days of exploration within the park grounds.
Steam vents - a quiet reminder the island is still alive. Walking past the steam vents inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park feels quietly powerful. Warm vapor rises straight from the earth, created when rainwater seeps down and is heated by magma beneath the surface of Kīlauea. There’s no spectacle here - just a soft, steady exhale from the land itself. It’s a beautiful reminder that this place is not dormant, and not a backdrop, but a living system still shaping the island in real time. Moving slowly, staying on the marked paths, and giving this space your full attention feels like the most respectful way to experience it.
It was a bit windy and depending on the time of the year it can be quite cold and its very dusty- these boots were perfect. In my last 2 trips to Hilo I packed and wore this exact fit because it was perfect for the climate plus it was cute and functional.
Entrance to Lava Tube
Nāhuku also known as the Thurston Lava Tube
this was one of my very fav experiences!! The walk down is enchanting and it is one of those places that immediately shifts your perspective.
Before the walk down into the tube and the view from deep within the lava tube
This natural tunnel was formed when fast-moving lava hardened on the outside while molten lava continued to flow through the center, eventually draining and leaving the hollow passage behind. Today, you walk gently through what was once a river of fire. The cool air, the dim light, and the quiet echo of footsteps make the experience feel almost meditative. It’s not just a geological wonder , it’s a chance to move through the story of how this island has been built, layer by layer, over generations. Super Rad experience!! Breathtaking truly.
Inside the park is The Rim at Volcano House, an actual lodge located in the park — we didn’t end up eating there, but it’s absolutely worth checking out (and calling ahead for reservations if you plan to).
It sits right on the crater rim overlooking the Kīlauea caldera , and that’s actually where I saw the soft glow of Pele myself !!
Clockwise from top left: outside The rim at Volcano House viewing, the glow of TuTu Pele, from inside the lava tube, red ginger
Rainbow Falls & Boiling Pots
Rainbow Falls was one of those stops that didn’t need a big plan- just a quick pull-over and a quiet moment. Tucked right near Hilo town, it’s an easy, grounding pause between stops. It felt simple, calm, and exactly what this side of the island does best, slow you down in the most effortless way.
Boiling Pots was one of those quick, pull-over-and-stare kind of stops for me. Just minutes from Rainbow Falls, the Wailuku River rushes through these dark lava rock pools and literally looks like it’s bubbling and churning — hence the name. It’s powerful in a quiet way… and a really good reminder to take this spot in from the lookout only and respect how fast and unpredictable the water can be.
This is Boiling Pots
Entire fit is linked here
Other waterfalls are around this area that you can do a little off the road hike to but some spots you just need to drive and explore for your own- I am famous for saying “Hot Girls don't Geo Tag” and I deeply mean that. If you look you will find some other cool spots in this area but without any given names - I want to respect the surrounding neighborhoods and residents of this area.
Where I ate in Hilo
We went for brunch and it was cute and quant- BEST service and the cutest lil shop nestled inside..I got my nephew a fun souvenir! Kīlauea Lodge is a cozy restaurant tucked into Volcano Village, just minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It’s known for its warm, wood-and-fireplace lodge vibe and an elevated, comfort-forward menu — the kind of place you go to slow down, have a real sit-down meal, and unwind after a day in the park. It feels intimate and grounded, and very much part of the local community rather than a tourist stop. I had the burger and it was perfect- good portions and quality food.
Poke Market I say this with conviction and confidence :
this is THE BEST poke bowl I have had to date - ON ANY ISLAND! this bowl brings a variety of flavors & textures- beside the fish!
Poke Market is one of those no-frills, done-right stops in Hilo that reminds you why simple food hits the hardest here. Fresh fish, generous portions, and classic local-style poke — nothing overcomplicated, just really good quality and fast, easy takeout. It’s the perfect grab-and-go stop if you want something light and nourishing, I got the Sesame Soy Ahi Bowl- it comes on top of sushi rice with sweet potato salad, imitation crab salad and house pickles topped with some crunchy tempura. Besides this being so extremely flavorful the price is right and it's worth adding an extra scoop of poke. It's that good!
The Hidden Nēnē is a tucked-away speakeasy in Hilo — low-key, moody, and intentionally off the radar. It’s the kind of place you go for crafted cocktails, soft lighting, and a slower, more intimate vibe. Quiet, cozy, and very much a IYKYK kind of spot — perfect if you’re craving something relaxed and refined rather than a loud bar scene. We didn’t eat but the menu looked tasty! The cocktails are also made with No Alcohol and I got the Tarte de Lima ( virgin ) and it was divine! A few of my girlfriends got the Ko Cane and the simple Amaretto Sour was so damn delish!! I would love to go back asap!!
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay is one of those easy, feel-good stops right on the water in Hilo. It’s relaxed, open, and breezy — with big windows and views out toward the bay that make it perfect for a slow lunch or an early dinner after exploring. The menu leans Italian-inspired with a local twist (pastas, pizzas, fresh fish and island-grown ingredients), and the vibe feels casual but polished — very Hilo, very unfussy, and genuinely welcoming. It’s a great place to reset, refuel, and take in the scenery without rushing.
I was lucky enough to visit in the evening and catch a local performer, Bridge, who I absolutely fell in love with- his voice and range was both impressive and soothing. Service was 10/10 here and seem to have something for everyone. I got the Loco Moco but as a burger on a bun instead of over rice with the gravy on the side and a salad- it was perfect.
Where I shopped in Hilo
Coconut Ave- they have a store on Oahu but the original is here in Hilo Town. The epitome of dressing for this lifestyle, with original prints and flowy clothes a feel-good stop when you want something cute but actually wearable — breezy pieces, swim, accessories… nothing costume-y, nothing loud. Just effortless and easy to wear styles. Below are some of my own pieces and you can use the code TARA15 for all online orders or you can use it for any orders you order online and want to pick up in store so no need to pay fo shipping!
This brand runs pretty TTS for the shorts tho I did size up to a medium for a more relaxed fit, I also took a medium in the onsie - other wise I am a small in everything else!
Hana Hou Hilo — which felt more like a curated little treasure chest. Local brands, thoughtful gifts, and pieces that feel personal, not mass-produced. It’s the kind of shop you browse slowly and end up leaving with something meaningful (even if you swore you weren’t buying anything).
On our way to Kona Town we took the Hāmākua Coast and it was worth the extra 45min to an hour than taking Saddle road- of course this all depends on what vibe you are going for and how much time you have but I highly recommend doing it at least once if you have opportunity.
Driving the Hāmākua Coast out of Hilo felt like one long, soft exhale. You leave town and almost immediately the road starts to wrap through deep green, thick jungle, wide open valleys, old bridges, and sudden ocean views that make you instinctively slow down without even realizing it.
It’s not a dramatic, pull-over-every-five-minutes kind of drive… It's quiet and steady and grounding . the kind that makes your nervous system drop a few notches. This stretch of coast feels untouched in a really honest way. Less polished. More lived in. You pass small communities, farms, and wide open land.
Puʻu Huluhulu Trail via Saddle Road
When we drove over from Kona this past weekend, we took Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) and made a stop at Puʻu Huluhulu — and honestly, it was the perfect reset in the middle of the drive. It’s a short, gentle walk up a hill but the second you start climbing, everything opens up. Wide, quiet lava fields stretch out around you, the air feels cooler and cleaner, and you’re standing right between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa — which feels kind of unreal. Nothing about this stop feels rushed or crowded. It’s calm, windswept, and expansive… one of those places where you instinctively lower your voice, take a deeper breath, and just stand still for a minute before getting back in the car. I posted a video here if you want to see more.
I’ve spent sometime in Kona as well, so if we need a Big Island part 2 Or If you have any recommendations for Hilo that I should add to create a master list for all of us..
please don’t hesitate to comment below!
This was really fun to create again , you can expect some more long form content and just a place for all my links and things here on the blog. I appreciate your time in reading this and as always thank you for being a Babe On Mish with me! Xx Tara