Is it safe in Hilo?

While the tourist areas are safe, you should avoid straying too far from them. Hilo has a 70 percent higher than average crime rate. You also should never see the area by bicycle due to the drunk drivers on the narrow streets and the frequent rainfall.



Hilo, located on the lush "Windward" side of Hawaii’s Big Island, is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination in 2026. Violent crime is rare, and the community is known for its "old Hawaii" charm and friendly "Aloha" spirit. However, like any urban area, Hilo has a grounded reality regarding property crime; opportunistic theft from rental cars at popular trailheads and beaches is the most common issue for tourists. The safest approach is to "leave nothing of value" in your vehicle. Beyond crime, "safety" in Hilo is often an environmental consideration. It is the rainiest city in the U.S., which can lead to flash flooding on hiking trails and slippery conditions near waterfalls like Rainbow Falls. Additionally, being on a volcanic island means you should be aware of "Vog" (volcanic smog) if Kilauea is active, which can affect those with respiratory issues. A supportive peer tip: stay away from the shoreline during "high surf" advisories and always respect "private property" signs in rural areas, as locals value their privacy. Overall, Hilo is a tranquil, safe hub for exploring the island’s natural wonders.

People Also Ask

Hilo is a very supportive town and a fun community to be a part of. a city but not a city. hilo has such a homey feel for the so called big city of the bis island. its such a green place because of all of the rain but its beautiful and the community is filled with amazing people.

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Most communities that are located near active volcanoes on the Big Island are not in Zones 1 or 2, but rather in the low risk or safe zones. For example, the town of Hilo is in Zone 3, a safe zone despite its proximity to a volcano.

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Kauai, being the smallest and least populated major island, has the lowest property crime rate. The island's close communities and residents' commitment to safety create a secure environment for both locals and tourists.

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Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night. Erica and I make Kailua-Kona our launching pad during our Big Island vacations.

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Lower Tourist Population = Lower Prices This means greater room availability and lower prices for accommodations in and around Hilo, making a Hawaii vacation within easier reach for those traveling on a budget.

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Kona is the more popular town among tourists for one reason: Kona is how we image Hawaii to look like. It has hot weather with beautiful beaches. If you goal is to sit on the beach while staying at your luxury beach front resort for your entire Big Island vacation, then Kona is perfect for you.

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A busy farming and fishing area in early times, Hilo evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry in the 1800s. Downtown Hilo was built around its crescent-shaped bay and became the seat of county government. Today, Downtown Hilo is a charming town offering museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

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Driving along Hawaii Belt Road and Mamalahoa Highway would be considered the scenic route—the 125-mile trip takes about three hours. Fortunately, there's a lot to see on the way from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, so if you've got the time—and gas—to spare, here's a guide on what to look out for on your journey.

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Hilo weather is rarely dry for days at a time. The driest month is June, with just over 7 inches of rainfall on average. The wettest month is November with an average rainfall of nearly 16 inches.

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If you've got a week on the Big Island, try 3 days in Kona, 2 in Hilo, and 2 in Volcanoes National Park. Or consider swapping out a day in Hilo for one on the less-populated northern side of the island, perhaps in Waimea or Laupahoehoe.

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The Robinson family decided to restrict access of Niihau back in 1864, giving it its nickname of the “Forbidden Island.” They put a policy in place to ensure that all those born on Niihau would be able to live there for their entire life with limited exposure to the outside world.

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Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.

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