- The list below includes 51 free or cheap things to do in or near Hilo, Hawaii, including 38 different types of inexpensive activities like Observatories & Planetariums, Beaches, Hiking Trails and Natural History Museums.
- From Akaka Falls State Park to Arnott's Lodge & Hiking Adventures, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Hilo and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Pahoa, Volcano, Hakalau and Honomu.
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0.0 Miles
Hike between volcanos, or explore black sand beaches, look for sea turtles and see active volcanic craters and steam vents
9.3 Miles
Lush vegetation and scenic views can be seen on the trails of Akaka Falls State Park. The waterfall has a height of 442 feet.
3.2 Miles
Arnott's Lodge & Hiking Adventures offers trips where tourists can watch Hawaiian sunrises and sunsets, stargaze, explore volcanoes and visit valleys and waterfalls. They can also accommodate multi-day hikes and custom hikes.
1.4 Miles
With a Japanese inspired design, the Liliuokalani Gardens have ponds, bridges, rock gardens, pagodas, and a tea-house. It covers 30 acres and it is dedicated to the first Japanese who have worked on the sugar cane fields.
2.6 Miles
Known for its favorable snorkelling conditions, Richardson Beach Park includes a black sand beach, with several tide pools creating by natural lava sea walls. Surf, kayak, snorkel or swim among coral reef marine life and sea turtles.
1.4 Miles
The Rainbow Falls is a 80 foot-long drop, and gets its name from the rainbows formed by the mist in the morning.
1.5 Miles
The 30 acre Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, named after the last reining Hawaiian queen, is an Edo-style Japanese garden built in the 1900s. The garden contains bridges, Koi ponds, statues, pagodas, rock gardens, stone lanterns and a Japanese tea house.
5.0 Miles
A black sand beach, Richardson Ocean Park has tidal pools to explore and calm water. Also at the park are restrooms, showers, picnic areas, telephones, and a spring fed ponds.
1.7 Miles
When you are on the Big Island, take the time to go where the locals choose to ride the waves, Honoli'i Beach Park. Stretch out in the grassy areas and watch the surfers or hunt for interesting rocks, this is a peaceful, happy beach area or all to enjoy.
2.8 Miles
At Wailuku River State Park, visitors can hike to a historic waterfall where they can view rainbows reflecting off of its mist. The park also contains the Boiling Pots, pools of water that appear to be boiling with rain.
11.6 Miles
The Pu'u 'O'o Trail heads in the direction of Volcano Village through pioneer ohia forest, brush, and grasslands. Hikers are able to pass over the solidified lava flows from 1855 and 1881, and seasonal bird hunting is allowed by permit.