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OnHilo.com

Hilo, HI
★ Available

Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Hilo, Hawaii's charming coastal city.

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45K Population
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$60K Median Income
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$370K Median Home Price
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58 Square Miles

About Hilo, HI

Hilo, located on the lush eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tropical rains, and rich Hawaiian culture. Founded as a fishing and farming village, Hilo has grown into a vibrant community while maintaining its historic charm with preserved buildings and charming streets. It is home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, which enhances the city's cultural and educational landscape. The city is renowned for the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of the Hawaiian language, culture, and most notably, the art of hula.

Economically, Hilo has traditionally been centered around agriculture, with an initial emphasis on sugar plantations. Today, the economy is more diversified, featuring industries such as agriculture, retail, and tourism. The presence of natural marvels such as Rainbow Falls and proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park draw in visitors from around the globe. With its warm-hearted community, Hilo embodies the true Aloha spirit, making it not just a place to visit, but a place to experience life year-round.

Hilo's charm is further enhanced by its scenic beauty, with lush gardens, breathtaking waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the rich local flavors, arts and crafts, and the welcoming, community-oriented lifestyle that Hilo offers. From historic Liliuokalani Park and Gardens to the fascinating exhibits at the Lyman Museum, Hilo is a gateway to exploring the natural wonders and cultural richness of the Hawaiian Islands.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Hilo special

56
🚶 Walkability
58
🛡️ Safety
75
🍽️ Food Scene
80
🎭 Arts & Culture
55
🌙 Nightlife
50
⚽ Sports Culture
58
🌬️ Air Quality
75
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 41.5 years
Diversity Index 78.0%

Hilo is a vibrant, diverse community with a rich blend of Hawaiian and Asian influences, embracing a laid-back lifestyle.

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Economy

Median Income $59,758
Unemployment Rate 3.4%
Job Growth Rate 1.5%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including agriculture, tourism, education, retail.

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Housing

Median Home Price $370,000
Cost of Living Index 132
Rent/Own Ratio 41.3%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 31.2%
High School Graduation Rate 87.4%
College Enrollment Rate 62.8%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 12
  • Universities: 1
  • Libraries: 2
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16.8:1

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Hilo

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: Hawaii Route 19, Hawaii Route 11

Average Commute: 17 minutes

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Public Transit

Hele-On Bus

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Airports

ITO - Hilo International Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Hilo unique

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Landmarks

  • Hilo Downtown Historic District
  • Liliuokalani Gardens
  • Naha Stone
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Attractions

  • Rainbow Falls
  • Liliuokalani Gardens
  • Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
  • Imiloa Astronomy Center
  • Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
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Museums

  • Lyman Museum
  • Pacific Tsunami Museum
  • Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
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Parks

  • Liliuokalani Gardens
  • Wailuku River State Park
  • Carlsmith Beach Park
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Healthcare

  • Hilo Medical Center

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Hilo

Agriculture Tourism Education Retail

Living Here

Essential information about life in Hilo

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Tropical Rainforest

Elevation: 59 feet

Time Zone: Pacific/Honolulu

County: Hawaii County

Metro Area: Hilo, HI Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 808

ZIP Codes: 96720, 96721

Location

Find Hilo on the map

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