East Hawaii and Hilo travel scenery near Hilo International Airport

Hawaii Island Visitor Guide

Explore East Hawaii

Plan your time in Hilo and East Hawaii with practical ideas for waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic landscapes, scenic drives, local culture, and airport travel.

East Hawaii

A Practical Starting Point for the Hilo Side of Hawaii Island

East Hawaii offers a noticeably different island experience from the drier Kona coast. Travelers arriving through Hilo International Airport can quickly reach tropical gardens, waterfalls, historic Hilo, scenic coastal communities, and routes leading toward volcanic landscapes farther south.

Hilo & the Hamakua Coast

Discover a relaxed island city, historic streets, gardens, local markets, and a dramatic green coastline shaped by frequent rain and volcanic terrain.

Waterfalls & Rainforests

East Hawaii is known for lush scenery, tropical vegetation, river valleys, and easily accessible waterfall viewpoints around Hilo and the surrounding coast.

Volcano Country

Use Hilo as a convenient gateway for exploring the eastern side of Hawaii Island and planning a visit toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Planning from Hilo International Airport

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the primary air gateway for the eastern side of Hawaii Island. Before setting out, use the airport guide for flight information, transportation, maps, rental-car planning, and passenger services, then build your East Hawaii itinerary around the amount of time you have available.