Thanks for Voting!
Hilo, HI is an idyllic town located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to Hilo can explore the area’s lush rainforest and breathtaking waterfalls, go whale watching at nearby Umauma Falls, or visit the local aquarium. It is also home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
The reviews for Hilo, HI are overwhelmingly positive. Many people rave about its spectacular natural beauty and its variety of activities. The locals are said to be friendly and welcoming, which makes visitors feel right at home in Hilo. The food scene in Hilo is said to be excellent, with a range of restaurants offering up local favorites such as poke bowls and shave ice. Additionally, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained no matter what their interests may be—from museums to nature trails to historic sites. All in all, many people who have visited find that Hilo is a perfect spot for a relaxing vacation or day trip.
based on 10 ReviewsGet to know Hilo with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Hilo
Avoid - Especially in medical field or education - 3/4/2023
If you’re looking at Hilo, then you’re likely being recruited in the medical or education fields. These are where the greatest needs of the community lie, and there are reasons why they are so desperate. I recommend that you avoid Hilo. There is a reason why turnover is so high in these fields in East Hawaii. It rains A LOT in Hilo, and the majority of buildings are covered in mildew and mold. Anti mainland sentiment is very high, as is local nepotism. There is some anti white racism, but the anti-American sentiment was more bothersome to us. For some reason, the anti-Micronesian racism is more prevalent than anti-white bias. Residents will be nice to your face, but will often undermine you through the vast “old boy network”. You won’t see the attacks coming, and there is little you can do to defend yourself. The residents will screw with you. They do it to all newcomers. This isn’t the Hawaii that you see on the travel channel. While it’s true that you are just 1.5 hours
Read More
Start Your Review of Hilo
Loved the Place - 10/22/2021
I enjoyed living in Hawaii County for a number of years, most in Hilo. While Hilo has problems, they are few compared to mainland USA. I never experienced racism by Native Hawaiians. The food is fresh and local and people are friendly and reach out. It does get more annual rainfall than anywhere on the planet, but drive or hop a bus and in 15 minutes you’re in a different climate zone.
Over the years the cost of living has risen, but I would rather be poor on the Big Island than wealthy on the mainland. Wednesday and Saturday check out the Farmer’s Market downtown and the organic markets scattered around the
Read More
Racist locals - 9/6/2021
Too much racism from "native Hawaiians" who aren't actually natives.
That keeps me from living in that paradise. I'm this is the "natives" goal.
Read More
A town that is in disrepair - 10/14/2019
I lived in Hilo many, many years. Nice, small town feel, even though it's the second largest city in the state. Prejudice against whites, well, it's Hawaii. It was MUCH worse on O'hau's North Shore. And it rains. A lot. So a lot of gray, rainy days. Like a friend said, we pay a price to live here. For me, the price became too high.
The economy is all about tourism, such as it is, the college and state jobs. Good luck getting a university or state job if you're not Asian or a local. I once went to the state bldg to get a permit to stay in a cabin in one of the state parks. Everyone was nice enough, but when one of the locals came to visit a friend, this is what happened almost word for word. "Hey, good to see you brah! Let me show you around. This my auntie, this my cuz,....." And a lot more like that. So it is what it is.
I made some great friends there, but the locals are not accepting of other cultures. I never, ever saw a couple where one of the locals had
Read More
Beautiful Hilo, Hi - 4/24/2012
Hilo Hawaii is one of the beautiful locations in the world. With an average of over 100 inches a year and tropical climate it is stunning with green. Very old and small town it is easy to get to know and be known by the locals, which are to be respected for the love of family and land. During the summer, rain is primarily during the evening hours and gorgeous during the day. The unfortunate side is costs of living, based on the majority of food and fuel, and resources being shipped, it is on high side.
Aloha,
Read More
Nice place to live - 10/18/2008
Actually I live in Japan now, but Hilo was a great place to live. Really laid back and local. The only thing is it rains a lot, but when the sun's out it's much more beautiful than Kona side. I have fond memories of Hilo, but the cost of real estate is ridiculous, even though it's more expensive in most other places throughout the
Read More
A great small city - 12/19/2006
Hilo is on the move, as is the entire Big Island. But, for now, it remains a great small city to meet people and raise of family. Teenagers will be bored, claiming there is nothing to do. The rain will be a nuisance, at times. Considering the cost of living, good paying jobs are hard to
Read More
Some good, some not so good - 6/17/2006
Great place to raise a family; relatively safe, most crime is property related. Small town type of atmosphere. SOme interesting international flavored (mostly Asia influence)cultural events. Not so great a place for those living the single life. Not many social venues, nor opportunities to meet. Beach scene is very limited, which is surprising for an
Read More