The Atlas Obscura Guide To Hilo

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii

Updated July 11, 2019

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Unusual Attractions in Hilo

Mauna Kea Observatory

Hilo, Hawaii

Mauna Kea

Earth's tallest volcano is sacred to Native Hawaiians, and home to a dozen world-class observatories.

Kaumana Lava Tubes

Hilo, Hawaii

Kaumana Lava Tubes

Hide from the tourist hordes in these relatively unknown, and unguarded lava caves.

Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls).

Hilo, Hawaii

Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls)

This legendary urban waterfall creates a dazzling display of rainbows.

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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Papaikou, Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden

More than 2,000 species of tropical plants call this nature preserve and sanctuary home.

7 miles from Hilo

Akaka Falls

Pepeekeo, Hawaii

'Akaka Falls

These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs.

11 miles from Hilo

Pāhoa, Hawaii

Raëlian UFO Peace Park

A model of a galactic embassy is hidden in plain sight along the highway, proposed by a UFO religion to find the aliens that created life on Earth.

18 miles from Hilo

The memorial cairn at Kaluakauka.

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii

Kaluakauka (Doctor's Pit)

The spot where the namesake of the Douglas fir met his mysterious end on a Hawaiian volcano.

20 miles from Hilo

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Watery Wonders in Hawaiʻi, Without Setting Foot in the Ocean

Yes, we know, Hawaiʻi is surrounded by water—the state is a watery wonder in and of itself. But the ocean is only the beginning. The volcanic islands' dramatic topography, unpredictable coastlines, and high rainfall mean that water in and around the Paradise of the Pacific cavorts in all sorts of stunning ways: waterfalls, blowholes, pools, and more. (Plus rainbows. Lots and lots of rainbows.) And you can enjoy all of these natural showstoppers without having to get your feet wet.

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