Hilo FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Hilo.

When is the best time to visit Hilo?

Like the rest of the Hawai’i, Hilo is a year-round destination that boasts warm, sunny weather no matter the time of year. That said, the best time to visit is during the months of April to June and September to early November when the weather is pleasantly warm – not hot and humid – and local festivals of both national and international interest are happening.

December and January are the island’s busiest months when visitors from the continental United States are looking for a warm winter escape, and the months of October to December and February to March tend to have frequent rainfall—but that’s what makes Hilo so beautifully lush.

What is the time difference between the UK and Hilo?

GMT – 10 hours. Daylight savings time is not observed.

What places combine well with Hilo?

Hilo is home to a small regional airport so visitors can easily make their way inter-island with short flights, or travel to and from the West Coast, Southwest and East Coast of the United States. Hilo is also around 1.5 hours by car from the Big Island’s other major city, Kona.

What are the main cultural events in Hilo?

March/April – Merrie Monarch Festival (world’s largest hula festival)