
Vacation rentals in Hilo
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Hilo
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Hilo vacation rentals
Hilo homes

HUGE! remodeled 270* view w/ocean sleeps 6!

Kai Malolo - Amazing Eco-friendly Oceanfront Home!

Stunning Ocean Views - Whale House Hawaii

Puna Rainforest Retreat Hotspring Rainbow Cottage

Entire Home A/C /Dishwasher/ Bidet/AlohaHaleNohea

Secluded Rainforest Getaway! Hot Tub! Volcano!

Beautiful, Relaxing, Eco Friendly Tropical Retreat

Newer Home w/ Ocean Views & Ocean Sounds at Night
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Hilo

Tropical Garden Condo with Pool, Kitchen, and A/C!

Old School Hospitality

Volcano Escape! Epic Tiny Home on Lava Field

Windspirit Cottage TA tax #137089228801

Modern Jungle Cottage

Inn a Volcano

Private • 2BR/2BA • Easy Drive to Kahena & Volcano

Clean spacious ohana studio unit with free parking
Hilo apartment rentals

Ocean View Suites A: Kehena Black Sand Beach!

Mai'a Suite

The House in the Clouds - Unit 1 Self Check In

Puakenikeni Hilo Hale

Hilo Downtown Retreat

Ocean View Studio with washer and dryer

Entire 1st floor unit at J&R's Banana Cabana

Hilo town center A New and Homey 3 bedrooms
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Hilo
Total rentals
500 properties
Nightly prices starting at
$40 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
36K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
200 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
50 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
90 properties have a pool
Your guide to Hilo
Welcome to Hilo
The town of Hilo meets the definition of an idyllic Hawaiian destination. Its black sand beaches are lined with swaying palm trees arching over aquamarine waters, dramatic waterfalls plunge from shelves blotted by tropical rainforests, and some of the planet’s most active volcanoes are only a short drive away. Yet Hilo sees a fraction of the crowds drawn to its sunnier sister town of Kona. Hilo’s lush beauty and relaxed vibe can be attributed to its status as the rainiest city in the United States. Many visitors drop into Hilo for a quick visit before jumping off to explore the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But hikers, snorkelers, waterfall chasers, and science enthusiasts will find a wide range of activities to choose from in Hilo, accompanied by a collegiate town spirit, thanks to the nearby University of Hawaii at Hilo.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Hilo
The lush eastern side of the island of Hawaii is temperate but characteristically wet, soaking in an annual average of 140 inches of rainfall. This wet climate means it’s advisable to layer or bring a light jacket in preparation for intermittent showers; if you plan to venture up to the higher elevations inland, especially near summits and volcanoes, come prepared for legitimately cold temperatures. Spring and fall generally offer visitors the best overlap of warm and dry days in Hilo, the latter months thinning out crowds as the tourist season comes to a close. Hurricane season spans June through November; while violent tropical storms are always a possibility, historically they’ve rarely made landfall across the Big Island.
Top things to do in Hilo
Punalu‘u Beach
Punalu‘u Beach is the most famous and accessible black sand beach on the island. Hawksbill and Hawaiian green turtles are known to amble up the volcanic-rock-tinted shoreline to sunbathe here. Just be sure to give these aquatic natives a wide berth onshore and in the water, as they’re protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive
While Rainbow Falls State Park unequivocally warrants a visit to take in its grand cascade of water, a more adventurous option awaits along this scenic serpentine 40-mile route tracing the North Shore of the island toward Waipi’o Valley. The road is dotted by a multitude of waterfalls and old sugar cane fields along the way.
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
While flora grows in abundance across Hilo, this botanical garden and nature preserve hosts a riot of tropical plants of unmatched color and beauty. There are more than 2,000 species collected and cultivated from across the globe, easily accessible to visitors by winding wooden pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Hilo?
Hilo has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature is around 70-85°F (21-29°C). It's known as one of the wettest cities in the U.S., with the heaviest rainfall from November to March, but showers can occur at any time.
What are some of the best things to do in Hilo?
In Hilo, immerse yourself in nature at the Rainbow Falls or the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, explore the Pacific Tsunami Museum for a dose of history, or visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens to see the local wildlife. The local Farmer's Market is also a favourite among visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit Hilo?
The most popular time to visit Hilo is during the summer, from June to September. During this period, visitors often attend the Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of traditional Hawaiian culture and hula dancing.
What are the best places to stay in Hilo?
Popular areas to stay in Hilo include Downtown Hilo for its close proximity to shops and restaurants, Keaukaha for its beachfront properties, and the Banyan Drive area, known for its lush, park-like ambiance and stunning views of Hilo Bay.
What are the best places to visit in Hilo?
Popular places to visit in Hilo include the Rainbow Falls, 'Akaka Falls State Park, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is also a firm favourite, offering the chance to explore a lush tropical rainforest.
What are some hiking trails in Hilo?
Hilo is home to several beautiful hiking trails. Consider exploring the Onomea Bay trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) round trip through a lush botanical garden, or the Kaumana Caves trail, which leads through a fascinating lava tube. For a more challenging day out hike, the 4 mile (6.4 km) Kulaniapia Falls trail offers rewarding views.
What are some family activities to do in Hilo?
Families in Hilo can enjoy a day at the Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, explore the interactive exhibits at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, take a tour of the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, or visit the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo to see a variety of animals and a beautiful botanical garden.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Hilo?
From Hilo, you can embark on a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 30 miles (48 km) away, to witness active volcanoes. Another option is the scenic drive along the Hamakua Coast, with stops at Akaka Falls and Waipio Valley.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Hilo?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 250 vacation rentals in Hilo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Hilo?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Hilo. Choose from more than 50 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Destinations to explore
- Honolulu Vacation rentals
- O‘ahu Vacation rentals
- Island of Hawai'i Vacation rentals
- Waikiki Beach Vacation rentals
- Kailua-Kona Vacation rentals
- Kona Vacation rentals
- Kihei Vacation rentals
- Kaanapali Vacation rentals
- North Kona Vacation rentals
- Kailua Vacation rentals
- Wailea Vacation rentals
- Napili-Honokowai Vacation rentals
- Boutique hotel rentals Hilo
- Rentals with lake access Hilo
- Rentals with a patio Hilo
- Private suite rentals Hilo
- Guesthouse rentals Hilo
- Pet-friendly rentals Hilo
- Condo rentals Hilo
- Cabin rentals Hilo
- Bed and breakfasts Hilo
- Waterfront rentals Hilo
- Rentals with breakfast Hilo
- Rentals with a fire pit Hilo
- Rentals with outdoor seating Hilo
- Beach house rentals Hilo
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Hilo
- Rentals with beach access Hilo
- Family-friendly rentals Hilo
- Apartment rentals Hilo
- Cottage rentals Hilo
- House rentals Hilo
- Rentals with pools Hilo
- Things to do Hilo
- Nature and outdoors Hilo
- Things to do Hawaii County
- Art and culture Hawaii County
- Sports activities Hawaii County
- Nature and outdoors Hawaii County
- Things to do Hawaii
- Sightseeing Hawaii
- Sports activities Hawaii
- Food and drink Hawaii
- Wellness Hawaii
- Entertainment Hawaii
- Art and culture Hawaii
- Nature and outdoors Hawaii
- Tours Hawaii
- Things to do United States
- Sightseeing United States
- Wellness United States
- Nature and outdoors United States
- Entertainment United States
- Sports activities United States
- Tours United States
- Art and culture United States
- Food and drink United States
- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
- Family budget travel Get there for less
- Vacation ideas for any budget Make it special without making it spendy
- Travel Europe on a budget How to take the kids to Europe for less
- Outdoor adventure Explore nature with the family
- Bucket list national parks Must-see parks for family travel
- Kid-friendly state parks Check out these family-friendly hikes