Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hilo, HI

  • 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.
  • 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.
Showing 21-30 of 79
0.0 Miles
Covering nearly two miles of gorgeous tropical river gorges, view multiple different waterfalls while soaring over 160 feet above them
0.4 Miles
89% 62 votes
Movie Theaters 38 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720 MoreLess Info
During the golden years for American movie theaters, the Palace Theater in Hilo, opened in 1925 to an excited public. Known for its excellent, natural acoustics, today the venue hosts live shows, entertainment, and movies.
0.5 Miles
82% 49 votes
Natural History Museums 308 Kamehameha Ave, Suite 109, Hilo, HI 96720 MoreLess Info
Featuring educational exhibits detailing the ecological history of the region, Mokupapapa Discovery Center offers visitors aquariums filled with native sea life. The center features displays with life sized animal models like seals, sharks, and more.
14.9 Miles
44% 381 votes
Factory Tours 1 Macadamia Road, Hilo, HI 96720 MoreLess Info
A three mile drive through macadamia nut groves leads to Hershey's Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company for a visit to the nut and chocolate processing plant. Taste several varieties of macadamia nuts, watch demonstrations, and visit the gift shop.
5.3 Miles
100% 31 votes
Food Tours 27-604 Alakahi Place, Papaikou, HI 96781 MoreLess Info
Onomea Tea Company makes teas of many different flavors and varieties. Tours/tastings are available where visitors can see the growing fields and processing areas and then try some of freshly brewed, organic teas.
5.6 Miles
96% 1221 votes
Botanical Gardens 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, HI 96781 MoreLess Info
Located in Papaiku, Hawaii, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a tranquil gem on the shore of Onomea Bay. Its property includes hundreds of plant species, many of which are endangered or found nowhere else in the world.
9.9 Miles
99% 849 votes
Ziplines 28-1710 Honomu Rd., Honomu, HI MoreLess Info
Since 2002, Skyline Eco Adventures - Akaka Falls Zipline Tour has offered unforgettable tourism experience on the Hawaiian Islands. Clients soar high above lush forests, sparkling beaches and verdant fields. No prior ziplining experience is necessary, although it is helpful.
10.2 Miles
95% 38 votes
Caverns & Caves Between Hilo and Volcano off HWY 11, Kurtistown, HI MoreLess Info
Hawaii's longest cave system - and possibly the longest in the entire world - is called the Kilauea Caverns of Fire. The Caverns are a series of lava tubes that descend and twist down far beneath the surface. All entrants must wear a hard hat.
10.7 Miles
72% 29 votes
Parks Highway 19, Wailea, HI MoreLess Info
A county park, Kolekole Beah Park is a small, pastoral space with an extensive grassy area, covered pavilions, and picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills. The park is an under-the-bridge park, and features a small waterfall.
10.8 Miles
76% 17 votes
Beaches North End of Wailea Rd., Hakalau, HI MoreLess Info
One of Hawaii's most photogenic beachers, Hakalau Beach is a favorite of photographers, landscape painters, hikers, ATV riders and other outdoor enthusiasts. The powerful surf prevents safe swimming, snorkeling and diving.
11.8 Miles
61% 18 votes
Botanical Gardens 31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau, HI 96710 MoreLess Info
Hakalau's Botanical World Adventures is a botanical garden that offers a wide variety of activities and entertainments. Visitors can walk garden mazes, ride zip lines, and take segway tours of the gardens.
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