Hilo Side Guidebook

Denise
Hilo Side Guidebook

Sightseeing

This is about 1 mile from our airbnb and is tranquil and a sacred paved walkway through the old lava flow of the 1700's. There are public restrooms and a place to stop, sit and meditate within the park. The Ohia trees that are in the park are old fossils from the flow and are amazing to see.
109 locals recommend
Lava Tree State Monument
Hawaii 132
109 locals recommend
This is about 1 mile from our airbnb and is tranquil and a sacred paved walkway through the old lava flow of the 1700's. There are public restrooms and a place to stop, sit and meditate within the park. The Ohia trees that are in the park are old fossils from the flow and are amazing to see.
This is a must visit either before you go to Volcano State Park or after. It gives a detailed description of the the current status of the lava flow with videos, hands-on items to hold, etc. This is located near many shops and places to eat.
13 locals recommend
Pahoa Museum
15-2959 Pahoa Village Road
13 locals recommend
This is a must visit either before you go to Volcano State Park or after. It gives a detailed description of the the current status of the lava flow with videos, hands-on items to hold, etc. This is located near many shops and places to eat.
This State Park is amazing but may not seem that way when you pull in! It has a covered picnic area and open lava rock picnic tables! If you park and walk to your left through the soft pines you will see a trail! That trail will take you through the woods to a Coconut Grove path and some natural tidal ponds to soak your feet or swim in. You can reach the ocean but DO NOT SWIM HERE! We usually walk up on the flat lave rock and watch the ocean swell in and out!
56 locals recommend
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
State Highway 137
56 locals recommend
This State Park is amazing but may not seem that way when you pull in! It has a covered picnic area and open lava rock picnic tables! If you park and walk to your left through the soft pines you will see a trail! That trail will take you through the woods to a Coconut Grove path and some natural tidal ponds to soak your feet or swim in. You can reach the ocean but DO NOT SWIM HERE! We usually walk up on the flat lave rock and watch the ocean swell in and out!
This is located near HILO - amazing area to eat and picnic! The park is large and spacious with a Japanese flare! Tranquil, peaceful and worth the walk and visit to see COCONUT ISLAND as well! You can jump from an old concrete wall and swim at this location! Many people picnic here and swim. Large area of children to run and play!
103 locals recommend
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
189 Lihiwai St
103 locals recommend
This is located near HILO - amazing area to eat and picnic! The park is large and spacious with a Japanese flare! Tranquil, peaceful and worth the walk and visit to see COCONUT ISLAND as well! You can jump from an old concrete wall and swim at this location! Many people picnic here and swim. Large area of children to run and play!

Food scene

This is a farm to table establishment. The owner uses everything that he grows. Steve also has an amazing tour of his farm which includes everything from composting to eating chocolate he packages and sells at the end of the tour. The food can be a little pricey but its worth the home-town experience and many local Hawaiian dishes are served!
57 locals recommend
Pele's Kitchen
152923 Pahoa Village Rd
57 locals recommend
This is a farm to table establishment. The owner uses everything that he grows. Steve also has an amazing tour of his farm which includes everything from composting to eating chocolate he packages and sells at the end of the tour. The food can be a little pricey but its worth the home-town experience and many local Hawaiian dishes are served!
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS FOOD! We love the Ono and fresh daily fish dishes! Beautifully decorated and has a nice Hawaiian flare to it! I love the Cobb Salad!
240 locals recommend
Kaleo's Bar & Grill
15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd
240 locals recommend
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS FOOD! We love the Ono and fresh daily fish dishes! Beautifully decorated and has a nice Hawaiian flare to it! I love the Cobb Salad!
Fresh Smoothies under $10 with all the delicious fruits of the island! Quaint and cute for a refreshing treat anytime of the day! Walking distance to all Pahoa Village shops and other dining.
Pahoa Smoothie Shack
15-2891 Pahoa Village Road
Fresh Smoothies under $10 with all the delicious fruits of the island! Quaint and cute for a refreshing treat anytime of the day! Walking distance to all Pahoa Village shops and other dining.
This is a new bakery in the village of Pahoa! Yummy local favorites! Located near Pele's Kitchen and all other shops in our village.
13 locals recommend
Bananarama Bakery
15-2929 Pahoa Village Road
13 locals recommend
This is a new bakery in the village of Pahoa! Yummy local favorites! Located near Pele's Kitchen and all other shops in our village.
This is a definite local favorite, you will see a mix of culture and people here! Sometimes a local sings and plays the guitar while you eat! Coffees are excellent and food is yummy! Dining has the outside effect with a seating in an open-air design! Quaint and unique breakfast dining. Church services on Sunday - no food served as of this posting on Dec. 20, 2021.
130 locals recommend
Tin Shack Bakery
15-1500 Akeakamai Loop
130 locals recommend
This is a definite local favorite, you will see a mix of culture and people here! Sometimes a local sings and plays the guitar while you eat! Coffees are excellent and food is yummy! Dining has the outside effect with a seating in an open-air design! Quaint and unique breakfast dining. Church services on Sunday - no food served as of this posting on Dec. 20, 2021.
If you are in the mood for Mexican food - this is your place! Located near LONG'S Drugstore and has no visible signage on the building itself! - located on corner at intersection. FISH TACOS ARE THE BOMB! Great Drink Specials!
77 locals recommend
Luquins Mexican Restaurant
151448 Kahakai Blvd
77 locals recommend
If you are in the mood for Mexican food - this is your place! Located near LONG'S Drugstore and has no visible signage on the building itself! - located on corner at intersection. FISH TACOS ARE THE BOMB! Great Drink Specials!
If you LOVE CHOCOLATE - then you will LOVE THIS PLACE! You can view chocolate makers through a glass window making all the goodies! Well decorated and worth every penny you will spend!
67 locals recommend
Big Island Candies
585 Hinano St
67 locals recommend
If you LOVE CHOCOLATE - then you will LOVE THIS PLACE! You can view chocolate makers through a glass window making all the goodies! Well decorated and worth every penny you will spend!
I love the FRENCH VANILLA LATTA at this location, also has bagels, sandwiches, baked goods, and other beverages such as iced coffee and flavored teas! Drive-thru and fast!
Kohala Coffee Co.
15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd
I love the FRENCH VANILLA LATTA at this location, also has bagels, sandwiches, baked goods, and other beverages such as iced coffee and flavored teas! Drive-thru and fast!
This is our local grocer store! It has many natural food selections for vegan and vegetarians! A draft beer bar and mixed drinks too! Sit and enjoy yourself before shopping! A fresh deli with amazing SUSHI selections! Mini-hardware store, flowers & plants, fresh VEGETABLES! It can be pricey so go to LONGS DRUGSTORE if you want other food items as some better prices!
140 locals recommend
Mālama Market
15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd
140 locals recommend
This is our local grocer store! It has many natural food selections for vegan and vegetarians! A draft beer bar and mixed drinks too! Sit and enjoy yourself before shopping! A fresh deli with amazing SUSHI selections! Mini-hardware store, flowers & plants, fresh VEGETABLES! It can be pricey so go to LONGS DRUGSTORE if you want other food items as some better prices!
This DRUGSTORE is more than what it looks like! They have a pharmacy, small area for fresh food area with fruits and vegetables, and many food and beverage selections!
50 locals recommend
Longs Drugs
15-1454 Kahakai Blvd
50 locals recommend
This DRUGSTORE is more than what it looks like! They have a pharmacy, small area for fresh food area with fruits and vegetables, and many food and beverage selections!
You will find many new shops, restaurants, and stores in this shopping center! Pizza Hut McDonalds Big Island Photo Goodwill Gym Malama Market UPS STORE Cell Phone Store Vet Restaurants - Thai and Mexican Kohala Coffee MUCH MORE!
19 locals recommend
Puna Kai Shopping Center
15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd
19 locals recommend
You will find many new shops, restaurants, and stores in this shopping center! Pizza Hut McDonalds Big Island Photo Goodwill Gym Malama Market UPS STORE Cell Phone Store Vet Restaurants - Thai and Mexican Kohala Coffee MUCH MORE!
CJ is a great bartender, quick cold one and great prices! Bands on most Saturdays or comedian stand up! open mic night too Call first to check.
31 locals recommend
Lava Shack
15-2929 Pahoa Village Rd
31 locals recommend
CJ is a great bartender, quick cold one and great prices! Bands on most Saturdays or comedian stand up! open mic night too Call first to check.

City advice

What to pack

Always Carry the Following Items with You!

1. Water bottle 2. Umbrella 3. Light Snack 4. Extra Sneakers or Slippers in your vehicle Our island is a treasure but you can get into areas that have limited stores or eating establishments! It gets hot fast after a quick rain everyday and water is a must for long walks or when at the beach .
Getting around

BUMPY & PUDDLED ROADS

Our island has many roads that may not be paved and you will be driving over original lava rock. If you approach a puddle on a road you are safe to drive thru it but do go slow and enjoy the views.