Hilo, Hawaii

Looking for the best chillin in Hilo? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Hilo. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Hilo

  • Rainbow Falls, Hawaii

    Explore Rainbow Falls

    4.5
    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous and easily accessible pull-off from Highway 11. This is not really a hike - just a short walk from the parking lot to a gorgeous 80 foot waterfall (making this fun for all ages!). Hit up Cafe Pesto in Hilo for a meal after.  If you want to learn about the mythology sur...
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  • Hilo, Hawaii

    Run at Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens

    1 mi
    Within walking distance of downtown Hilo, jog around Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens for beautiful views of Mauna Kea, the Pacific, and Eastern art! A loop around the park, including Coconut Island, is approximately 1 mile. On your jog, you will see lots of people walking and running in addition t...
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  • Hilo, Hawaii

    Swim at Carlsmith Beach

    5.0
    A beautiful beach for swimming less than 10 minutes from downtown Hilo! Because Hilo is more rocky and jungly than the western side of the island, this beach is more of a swimming hole than a traditional beach. Carlsmith is also frequented by big turtles (like the ones in Finding Nemo!), but plea...
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  • Mountain View, Hawaii

    Drive Chain of Craters Road

    5.0
    37.6 mi
    Starting at the Kilauea Visitor Center, this 18.8 mile drive begins its 3,700 foot elevation change by meandering through the rainforest. Follow signs from the visitor center (near the entrance of the park) to Crater Rim Drive. Chain of Craters Road begins off of Crater Rim Drive, 3.3 miles south...
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  • 12-7194 Kalapana - Kapoho Road, Hawaii

    Kehena Black Sand Beach

    5.0
    This beach lives up to Hawaii’s stunning fame. You can park in the curved area that is set away from the road, or along the street. Follow the little signs down the trail to the beach. It’s a bit of a scamper down some lava rocks to get there, so be careful.  A highlight of this beach is that it...
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  • Hawaii County, Hawaii

    Catch a Sunset and Stargaze at Mauna Kea's Summit

    4.6
    While you can drive right to the summit of Mauna Kea on the 14 mile access road, the last 7 miles are on a very bumpy dirt road, so make sure your vehicle has plenty of clearance and good tires. All wheel drive will help a lot.The drive up is amazing itself. Usually there is some fog lingering ar...
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  • Waimea, Hawaii

    Explore Waipi'o Valley

    5.0
    3 mi
    From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beac...
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  • Waimea, Hawaii

    Photograph Waipi'o Valley

    5.0
    0.4 mi
    Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo. To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to...
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