Many of the activities that are available are strictly daytime, and focus on the ocean. Surf culture is big, and boards may be rented from Orchidland Surf, located in the Bayfront district. Stan, the owner, will be happy to fill you in on where to go as well as the current conditions.

Other ocean fun can be found at Richardson's Ocean Park at the end of Kalanianaole (Highway 19). This is a popular spot for family cookouts, and has occasional waves. Snorkeling is a popular activity here. You can also find people relaxing on the beach or in the grass reading and visiting.

Four Mile is a popular swimming spot, also located on Kalanianaole, before you get to Richardson's. Though there is no 'beach', it is rather like a large salt water swimming pool, with a sandy bottom, protected from the ocean by a reef. The brackish water is colder, a mix of the ocean and fresh water springs. If you go early afternoon you are likely to see large sea turtles that have swum in from the other side of the reef.

Helicopter tours are popular, with flights over macadamia nut plantations to the lava flows at Kilauea. Doors off tours over the volcano let you feel the heat from 500 feet above.[https://paradisecopters.com/tours/hilo-volcanoes-waterfalls-extreme/#.Vo66-hUrKhc]

Kaumana caves are fun to explore and it's free. You should bring your own flashlight.

Pacific Tsunami Museum is a great place to learn about the tidal waves that destroyed Hilo several times.

Hilo Art Museum is the island's only general art museum. It is in the historic Hilo Iron Works building with the best view of Hilo Bay.