Its location on the windward coast (relative to the trade winds), makes it the fourth-wettest city in the United States, behind the southeast Alaskan cities of Whittier, Ketchikan and Yakutat, and one of the wettest in the world.

The most notable location on the East side of the Big Island of Hawai'i is undoubtedly Hilo town. Hilo is the island's largest city (second largest in the state - population wise) and also takes the title for the wettest city in the United States (70+ inches yearly).

Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaiʻi 's biggest small town featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts — many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places — housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.

The most populous region on Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo is home to spectacular waterfalls, numerous beach parks, and a laid back city right on the eastern shore. History, culture, and modern amenities combine to offer Big Island guests a unique look at Hawaiian life.

Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaiʻi, Hilo offers breathtaking natural beauty plus all the amenities of a vibrant town. On the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast, the region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens.

Hilo is not your typical tourist town but very easy to fall in love with. It is rainy and charming, tropical and laid back. People are friendly, and time here seems to run just a bit slower than on the Kona side of the island. Hilo is our favorite city on the Big Island.

Downtown Hilo offers a unique, local shopping experience in a few easy-to-walk blocks. Discover gifts and souvenirs, galleries featuring Big Island artists, sports adventure stores, vintage Hawaiiana, and more as you stroll the streets. Spend the day touring the Tsunami Museum, wandering the Farmers Market and live music in the streets.

Hilo, city, seat of Hawaii county, northeastern Hawaii island, Hawaii, U.S. It lies along Hilo Bay and is the island’s business center. Polynesians settled the area about 1100 ce, establishing agricultural and fishing communities.

Explore the town and stop at 21 places to discover the town’s history dating from 1870 to the present. The history of Hilo begins much earlier, however. Circa 1100 AD, the first Hilo inhabitants arrived from Polynesia and lived along the Wailuku and Wailoa Rivers and the shores of Hilo Bay.

On the eastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo Town exudes a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and laid-back charm. Hilo offers a diverse array of experiences awaiting exploration.