Location: Hilo
Top Things to do in Hilo
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What to do and see in Hilo, Hawaii (HI): The Best Museums
The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only U.S. zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.
Restaurants in Hilo
1. Lyman Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
The Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum tells the story of Hawaii’s islands and people through its exhibits on Hawaii’s volcanic origins, flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, Hawaiian culture, and other ethnic groups that have shaped the unique society of Hawaii today. Admire worldwide collections of sea shells and minerals. Learn about 19th century missionary life on a tour of the historic Lyman Mission House, the Island’s oldest wood frame building constructed in 1839.
Reviewed By raed452
Great museum and old missionary house. Worth the effort to call and make a reservation for a tour. House has furniture and gives an idea of how people lived. Nice history of how people came to HI as missionaries. Not an easy life! Great view of life in HI as a crusty salty New England woman with a husband and a few kids. Interesting tables and furniture and beautiful wood wood floors. Worth the price. Great stuff to see in the museum. Birds and fish and sea shells and how volcanoes build an island. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They are careful about hand washing and wearing masks. With Corona on the rampage, they were able to tell me what was open and what was closed. That info alone was worth the cost of an admission. And a cool gift shop.
2. Pacific Tsunami Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By jeffsJ7334TC
Hilo has been hit by several tsunamis (aka Tidal Waves) over the past 100 years, and this museum has collected stories from the survivors, photos and other documentation - it also serves to educate everyone who visits on what to when the next time, and there will always be a next time, happens.
3. Subaru Telescope
4. Mauna Loa Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
We are an atmospheric monitoring station that was established in 1956. Please visit our website to learn more about the atmospheric constituents that we monitor that can cause a forcing effect on our climate. We are a secure working facility with no unauthorized entry and we do not provide tours to the public. All Astronomy takes place on Mauna Kea and not on Mauna Loa so please make sure that your reviews are located under the correct attraction.
Reviewed By astromandsn
Being this high on an island in the middle of the ocean is really fun. I felt like I was back on peaks in Colorado. Don't drive it if you don't have a four-wheel drive---mostly that is to protect the road. If you are into astronomy, this is THE place to see. Also, stop in Waimea and go to the visitors center.
5. The Exhibit, LLC Gallery of Art and Events
6. Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
The Mokupapapa Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the surrounding marine environment. Since most people might not have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawai'i serves to "bring the place to the people" and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. Housed in Hilo's historic, century-old Koehnen Building, Mokupapapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, life size models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English. The beauty of the historic Koehnen building has been preserved and refreshed to show off its majesty, including a koa wood staircase, Hawaiian hardwood floors, and high ceilings.
Reviewed By Lakecomo16 - Ottawa, Canada
Interesting interpretation of nature, culture, geology, ecology and the history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through informative exhibits, short films. Great to learn about the fish and the birds, really enjoyed their aquarium . Free admission, small donation is always welcomed.
7. One Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 242phyllisc
70 or so local artists belong to this cooperative gallery, from woodworksers to jewelers to potters to textile artists, Find every kind of high quality art and craft here, all with a local flair, at the best prices on the island. Friednly staff are very willing to explain all the processes involved and you can meet various artists every day
8. Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
This art gallery provides a specific and apropos subject matter to it's art collection: volcanoes. Explosions, lava flow, Pāhoehoe, A'a, into the water, vents and everything and anything dealing with volcanoes. I cannot think of a more perfect gallery to be found on the Big Island of Hawaii!
9. Banyan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Locally crafted gifts and fine art. We have affordable Jewelry and one of a kind gifts . Featuring; Koa and native woods, kitchen ware, cards, ornaments, gourd art, silks, handcrafted jewelry, paintings by Hilo finest artists....and more.
Reviewed By BossMoss808 - Gilbert, United States
Stoped in this little gallery while staying in Hilo, and we were pleasantly surprised. A nice selection of jewelry, art, and Hawaiian themed items at reasonable prices. Purchased a few items for my wife. The staff was pleasant and charming.
10. East Hawaii Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
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