Living in Hilo, Hawaiʻi: What to Know Before Moving to the Big Island
If you’re thinking about relocating to the Big Island, sooner or later you’re going to ask yourself: What’s it like to actually live in Hilo? Some people picture swaying palm trees, endless sunshine, and oceanfront cocktails, and then get caught off guard when they realize Hilo isn’t Kona—or Honolulu, for that matter. Hilo is its own world, and it appeals to a very specific type of person.
We’ve met newcomers who arrive with stars in their eyes, expecting a tropical resort lifestyle. A few of them left disappointed because Hilo wasn’t what they thought it would be. Others, though, fall in love with its green hills, waterfalls, and easy-going community, and never want to leave. The difference usually comes down to doing your homework before making the move.
That’s what this post is about—giving you a clear-eyed look at what life in Hilo is really like. From the weather (yes, it rains a lot) to the neighborhoods, the cost of living, and the everyday rhythm of life, we’ll walk through what you can expect if you’re considering a move here. By the end, you’ll have a much better sense of whether Hilo might be your dream home—or whether you’d be happier somewhere else on the island.
We’ve met newcomers who arrive with stars in their eyes, expecting a tropical resort lifestyle. A few of them left disappointed because Hilo wasn’t what they thought it would be. Others, though, fall in love with its green hills, waterfalls, and easy-going community, and never want to leave. The difference usually comes down to doing your homework before making the move.
That’s what this post is about—giving you a clear-eyed look at what life in Hilo is really like. From the weather (yes, it rains a lot) to the neighborhoods, the cost of living, and the everyday rhythm of life, we’ll walk through what you can expect if you’re considering a move here. By the end, you’ll have a much better sense of whether Hilo might be your dream home—or whether you’d be happier somewhere else on the island.
The Vibe of Hilo
If you’ve spent any time on the Big Island, you know that Kona and Hilo might as well be on different planets. Kona feels like a beach town where flip-flops are practically the dress code and the days revolve around surf reports and sunset happy hours. Hilo, on the other hand, has more of a small-town, everyday-life kind of rhythm. It’s where you go grocery shopping and bump into your neighbors in the produce aisle, or stop at a red light and wave to the same person you saw at the farmers market last Saturday.
When people say Hilo is “local,” that’s not just a polite way of saying it’s not touristy. It really is a place where community comes first. You won’t find sprawling resorts or rows of chain restaurants here. What you will find are family-run lunch counters serving up plate lunches, farmers markets bursting with local fruits and flowers, and cultural events that locals have been celebrating for generations. The Merrie Monarch Festival is the biggest example—hula dancers from all over the world come to Hilo every spring for this week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture. But even on an ordinary Tuesday, you’ll feel that sense of rootedness.
Now, Hilo is not flashy. It doesn’t try to impress you with glittering nightlife or designer boutiques. Instead, it grows on you slowly, like a friend you didn’t notice at first but then realize you can’t imagine living without. People who love Hilo appreciate its authenticity. They like the fact that it rains a lot, because it keeps everything green and lush. They like the way neighbors still talk story over the fence, and how everyone seems to know a good shortcut through town when there’s a traffic jam. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, rather than pass through.
When people say Hilo is “local,” that’s not just a polite way of saying it’s not touristy. It really is a place where community comes first. You won’t find sprawling resorts or rows of chain restaurants here. What you will find are family-run lunch counters serving up plate lunches, farmers markets bursting with local fruits and flowers, and cultural events that locals have been celebrating for generations. The Merrie Monarch Festival is the biggest example—hula dancers from all over the world come to Hilo every spring for this week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture. But even on an ordinary Tuesday, you’ll feel that sense of rootedness.
Now, Hilo is not flashy. It doesn’t try to impress you with glittering nightlife or designer boutiques. Instead, it grows on you slowly, like a friend you didn’t notice at first but then realize you can’t imagine living without. People who love Hilo appreciate its authenticity. They like the fact that it rains a lot, because it keeps everything green and lush. They like the way neighbors still talk story over the fence, and how everyone seems to know a good shortcut through town when there’s a traffic jam. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, rather than pass through.
Weather & Environment
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Before you pack your bags for Hilo, there’s one thing you should know: it rains. A lot. Depending on who you ask, Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the United States. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s pouring every minute of the day. Sometimes it’s a passing mist, other times it’s a sudden downpour that soaks you before you can dash back to your car. But the bottom line is, the rain is part of life here.
We’ve met people who moved to Hilo thinking they were signing up for endless beach days, only to feel disappointed when the sun didn’t show up as often as they hoped. But we’ve also seen others embrace it—they buy a good rain jacket, plant a garden that practically waters itself, and start to appreciate the rhythm of sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers. The payoff for all that rain is what makes Hilo so stunning: towering waterfalls, rainforests that look like they belong in a Jurassic Park movie, and yards so green you’d swear someone painted them. The temperatures themselves are steady year-round, usually hovering in the 70s and low 80s. You won’t need to dig out your winter coat, but you also won’t get the scorching dry heat you might find in Kona. Nights can cool off a little, especially if you live mauka (up the mountain) where the breezes are stronger, so most locals keep a light sweater around just in case. And then there’s the natural landscape. Within 30 minutes of town, you can walk through lava tubes, hike to a waterfall, or explore tide pools at Richardson Beach. Drive a bit farther and you’ll find yourself at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, watching new land being born right before your eyes. That’s one of the quirks of living on the Big Island—you’re reminded every day that nature is still very much in charge. The same rain that keeps Hilo lush can also mean flooding, and the same volcano that draws visitors worldwide is still active. For some, that’s intimidating. For others, it’s exactly what makes living here feel alive. |
Photo by Sarah Sheedy on Unsplash
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Cost of Living
The first thing most people want to know about living in Hilo is, “How much does it cost?” The honest answer: it’s cheaper than Kona or Honolulu, but still more expensive than most mainland towns of the same size.
Housing is usually where you’ll notice the difference first. Compared to Kona, you can often find a house in Hilo for tens of thousands less. We’ve met families who moved over from Oʻahu and were thrilled by how much more home they could get for their money. But don’t expect mainland prices—this is still Hawaiʻi. If you’re planning to buy, be prepared for a competitive market and properties that sometimes need a little TLC. Renting? Long-term rentals can be found, but it helps to start your search early and, if possible, come in person to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Groceries are another reality check. Almost everything has to be shipped in, so milk, eggs, and cereal can give you sticker shock the first time you shop. A gallon of milk might cost double what you’d pay on the mainland. On the flip side, Hilo has one of the best farmers markets in Hawaiʻi, and if you lean into local produce—papayas, bananas, avocados, greens—you’ll save money and eat better than ever. Some locals even trade fruit with neighbors, which keeps costs down and friendships up.
Utilities can also surprise newcomers. Electricity is higher here than almost anywhere in the U.S., partly because so much of it still comes from imported fuel. People who move from the mainland sometimes find themselves rethinking daily habits—turning off lights more often, hanging laundry outside, and investing in ceiling fans instead of running the A/C. The good news is, in Hilo’s climate, most people don’t need air conditioning at all, which helps.
Healthcare and services are another consideration. Hilo has a major medical center and plenty of doctors, but for very specialized care, some residents still need to fly to Honolulu. That’s something to keep in mind if you or your family have ongoing medical needs.
So is Hilo “affordable”? That depends on what you’re comparing it to. If you’re coming from San Francisco or New York, you might find Hilo refreshingly reasonable. If you’re moving from a small town in the Midwest, it might feel expensive at first. The trick is adjusting your lifestyle: shop local, be smart about utilities, and remember that many of the things that cost money elsewhere—outdoor adventures, beaches, and fresh tropical fruit—are free here.
Housing is usually where you’ll notice the difference first. Compared to Kona, you can often find a house in Hilo for tens of thousands less. We’ve met families who moved over from Oʻahu and were thrilled by how much more home they could get for their money. But don’t expect mainland prices—this is still Hawaiʻi. If you’re planning to buy, be prepared for a competitive market and properties that sometimes need a little TLC. Renting? Long-term rentals can be found, but it helps to start your search early and, if possible, come in person to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Groceries are another reality check. Almost everything has to be shipped in, so milk, eggs, and cereal can give you sticker shock the first time you shop. A gallon of milk might cost double what you’d pay on the mainland. On the flip side, Hilo has one of the best farmers markets in Hawaiʻi, and if you lean into local produce—papayas, bananas, avocados, greens—you’ll save money and eat better than ever. Some locals even trade fruit with neighbors, which keeps costs down and friendships up.
Utilities can also surprise newcomers. Electricity is higher here than almost anywhere in the U.S., partly because so much of it still comes from imported fuel. People who move from the mainland sometimes find themselves rethinking daily habits—turning off lights more often, hanging laundry outside, and investing in ceiling fans instead of running the A/C. The good news is, in Hilo’s climate, most people don’t need air conditioning at all, which helps.
Healthcare and services are another consideration. Hilo has a major medical center and plenty of doctors, but for very specialized care, some residents still need to fly to Honolulu. That’s something to keep in mind if you or your family have ongoing medical needs.
So is Hilo “affordable”? That depends on what you’re comparing it to. If you’re coming from San Francisco or New York, you might find Hilo refreshingly reasonable. If you’re moving from a small town in the Midwest, it might feel expensive at first. The trick is adjusting your lifestyle: shop local, be smart about utilities, and remember that many of the things that cost money elsewhere—outdoor adventures, beaches, and fresh tropical fruit—are free here.
Neighborhoods in Hilo
One of the nice things about Hilo is that you don’t have to drive far to feel like you’re in a completely different setting. Within fifteen minutes you can go from a historic downtown street to a leafy residential neighborhood, and then on to a rural stretch where chickens wander across the road. Each area has its own personality, and part of moving here is figuring out which one feels like home to you.
Downtown Hilo is the heart of the city. Picture old plantation-era buildings, art galleries, coffee shops, and a waterfront that’s as much for locals as it is for visitors. Living downtown means you can walk to the farmers market on Saturday, grab a poke bowl for lunch, and still make it home in time for the afternoon rain. It’s lively, convenient, and has a certain charm—but houses here tend to be older, and parking can be tight.
Just a short drive away, Keaukaha stretches along the coast with a string of parks and tidepools. If you’ve ever dreamed of morning swims before work or weekend picnics by the ocean, this area makes it possible. Homes here can be smaller and closer together, but the tradeoff is being steps away from some of the best beaches in Hilo.
Waiākea is more suburban, with shopping centers, schools, and a mix of single-family homes. This is where you’ll find a lot of families who want the convenience of being close to town but not right in the middle of it. If you like the idea of being near Target and the mall but still having space for a backyard garden, Waiākea might check the boxes.
Drive north out of Hilo and you’ll pass through areas like Pepeekeo and Pāpaʻikou. These neighborhoods sit on the Hamakua Coast, where the views of the ocean can be jaw-dropping. It feels more rural—think country roads, old plantation houses, and plenty of land. People who settle here usually don’t mind a bit of a commute, because the tradeoff is peace, space, and some of the prettiest scenery on the island.
Then there are the mauka (up the mountain) neighborhoods. Head upslope and you’ll find cooler temperatures, bigger yards, and often fewer bugs thanks to the elevation. The rain is still there, but you’ll also enjoy breezes and views looking down toward the bay.
Choosing a neighborhood in Hilo really comes down to how you want to live. Do you want to walk to the farmers market? Swim in the tidepools every day? Have an acre to grow bananas and papayas? Or just be near the schools and stores? There’s no wrong answer—it’s more about what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.
Downtown Hilo is the heart of the city. Picture old plantation-era buildings, art galleries, coffee shops, and a waterfront that’s as much for locals as it is for visitors. Living downtown means you can walk to the farmers market on Saturday, grab a poke bowl for lunch, and still make it home in time for the afternoon rain. It’s lively, convenient, and has a certain charm—but houses here tend to be older, and parking can be tight.
Just a short drive away, Keaukaha stretches along the coast with a string of parks and tidepools. If you’ve ever dreamed of morning swims before work or weekend picnics by the ocean, this area makes it possible. Homes here can be smaller and closer together, but the tradeoff is being steps away from some of the best beaches in Hilo.
Waiākea is more suburban, with shopping centers, schools, and a mix of single-family homes. This is where you’ll find a lot of families who want the convenience of being close to town but not right in the middle of it. If you like the idea of being near Target and the mall but still having space for a backyard garden, Waiākea might check the boxes.
Drive north out of Hilo and you’ll pass through areas like Pepeekeo and Pāpaʻikou. These neighborhoods sit on the Hamakua Coast, where the views of the ocean can be jaw-dropping. It feels more rural—think country roads, old plantation houses, and plenty of land. People who settle here usually don’t mind a bit of a commute, because the tradeoff is peace, space, and some of the prettiest scenery on the island.
Then there are the mauka (up the mountain) neighborhoods. Head upslope and you’ll find cooler temperatures, bigger yards, and often fewer bugs thanks to the elevation. The rain is still there, but you’ll also enjoy breezes and views looking down toward the bay.
Choosing a neighborhood in Hilo really comes down to how you want to live. Do you want to walk to the farmers market? Swim in the tidepools every day? Have an acre to grow bananas and papayas? Or just be near the schools and stores? There’s no wrong answer—it’s more about what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.
Work & Education
One of the realities of moving to Hilo is that it’s not a big job market. This isn’t Honolulu, where you can find work in just about every field. Hilo’s economy is smaller, and that shapes the kinds of opportunities available. The biggest employers in town tend to be the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, the state and county government, and the healthcare system. If you’re a teacher, nurse, or government worker, chances are you’ll find steady work here.
Then there’s astronomy. Maunakea, which rises above Hilo, is home to some of the world’s most advanced observatories. That means Hilo attracts scientists, researchers, and support staff from all over the globe. Even if you don’t work in the field, you’ll probably meet someone at a neighborhood barbecue who does. The astronomy community is a quiet but significant part of Hilo’s identity.
For those who can work remotely, Hilo has become more appealing in recent years. The internet is reliable in town, and plenty of people set up home offices with a view of the garden (or the rain). We’ve met folks who brought their mainland jobs with them—software engineers, designers, writers—and discovered that Hilo is a great base if your career isn’t tied to a local office. Just know that if you want coworking spaces or the kind of startup scene you’ll find in bigger cities, Hilo is still pretty low-key.
On the education side, Hilo has options. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo isn’t just a major employer; it also brings a youthful energy to the town. You’ll find a range of programs there, from marine science to Hawaiian studies, which reflects the island’s unique environment. For families with kids, there are public schools across town, plus a handful of private and charter schools. As with most of Hawaiʻi, the schools vary, and it’s worth doing your research if you’re moving with children.
Education in Hilo goes beyond classrooms, too. You’ll find Hawaiian language immersion programs, hula halau (dance schools), and community classes in everything from farming to astronomy. That’s one of the things people love about living here—you’re always close to opportunities to learn, whether it’s in a formal setting or just by talking story with your neighbors.
Then there’s astronomy. Maunakea, which rises above Hilo, is home to some of the world’s most advanced observatories. That means Hilo attracts scientists, researchers, and support staff from all over the globe. Even if you don’t work in the field, you’ll probably meet someone at a neighborhood barbecue who does. The astronomy community is a quiet but significant part of Hilo’s identity.
For those who can work remotely, Hilo has become more appealing in recent years. The internet is reliable in town, and plenty of people set up home offices with a view of the garden (or the rain). We’ve met folks who brought their mainland jobs with them—software engineers, designers, writers—and discovered that Hilo is a great base if your career isn’t tied to a local office. Just know that if you want coworking spaces or the kind of startup scene you’ll find in bigger cities, Hilo is still pretty low-key.
On the education side, Hilo has options. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo isn’t just a major employer; it also brings a youthful energy to the town. You’ll find a range of programs there, from marine science to Hawaiian studies, which reflects the island’s unique environment. For families with kids, there are public schools across town, plus a handful of private and charter schools. As with most of Hawaiʻi, the schools vary, and it’s worth doing your research if you’re moving with children.
Education in Hilo goes beyond classrooms, too. You’ll find Hawaiian language immersion programs, hula halau (dance schools), and community classes in everything from farming to astronomy. That’s one of the things people love about living here—you’re always close to opportunities to learn, whether it’s in a formal setting or just by talking story with your neighbors.
Photo by Kaylyn Mok on Unsplash
Things to Do in Hilo
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Things to Do in HiloOne of the best things about Hilo is that you don’t have to spend much money to have a full weekend. The town’s entertainment isn’t built around resorts or big tourist attractions—it’s built around community, nature, and culture.
Start with the Hilo Farmers Market. If you’ve never been, picture rows of tents overflowing with tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, orchids, and handmade crafts. On Saturdays, the market doubles in size, and it feels like the whole town shows up. You’ll see families stocking up for the week, local musicians strumming under the tents, and visitors sampling rambutan for the first time. If you make Hilo home, this market quickly becomes part of your routine. Then there are the waterfalls. ʻAkaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are the famous ones, and yes, they’re spectacular. But ask a local and they’ll point you toward smaller spots tucked away along the Hamakua Coast or just outside of town. Weekend drives to chase waterfalls are a Hilo tradition, and you’ll never run out of options. Beaches in Hilo are different from what most people imagine when they think of Hawaiʻi. Instead of long stretches of golden sand, you’ll find black sand beaches, rocky tidepools, and calm coves perfect for snorkeling. Richardson Beach is a favorite for families, while Carlsmith Beach Park is known for its sea turtles. These aren’t flashy resort beaches—they’re community gathering spots where you’ll see aunties setting up picnic tables at sunrise and kids running barefoot until the sun goes down. |
Photo by Tommy Munoz on Unsplash
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Hilo is also rich in cultural experiences. The crown jewel is the Merrie Monarch Festival each spring, which is like the Olympics of hula. For a week, the town comes alive with performances, craft fairs, and a sense of pride that’s hard to put into words. But even outside of Merrie Monarch, you’ll find concerts at the Palace Theater, exhibits at the Lyman Museum, and astronomy programs at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.
And of course, nature is always nearby. You can walk through lava tubes at Kaumana Caves, hike along rainforest trails, or drive up to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and stand at the edge of a crater that’s still shaping the island. Hilo is a gateway to some of the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes, but it’s also a place where you can simply enjoy sitting on your lanai, listening to the rain, and watching the geckos scurry by.
The bottom line? Living in Hilo means you’ll never be bored—unless you want to be. The activities here aren’t about nightlife or shopping malls. They’re about getting outside, connecting with the community, and appreciating the simple pleasures that make life in this corner of Hawaiʻi feel special.
And of course, nature is always nearby. You can walk through lava tubes at Kaumana Caves, hike along rainforest trails, or drive up to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and stand at the edge of a crater that’s still shaping the island. Hilo is a gateway to some of the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes, but it’s also a place where you can simply enjoy sitting on your lanai, listening to the rain, and watching the geckos scurry by.
The bottom line? Living in Hilo means you’ll never be bored—unless you want to be. The activities here aren’t about nightlife or shopping malls. They’re about getting outside, connecting with the community, and appreciating the simple pleasures that make life in this corner of Hawaiʻi feel special.
Pros & Cons of Living in Hilo
Every place has its upsides and trade-offs, and Hilo is no exception. The key to loving life here is knowing what you’re signing up for. Some people thrive in Hilo’s rhythm, while others pack up after a year and head for sunnier shores.
Let’s start with the pros.
Let’s start with the pros.
- Affordability (by Hawaiʻi standards): If you’ve looked at housing prices in Kona or Oʻahu, Hilo can feel like a breath of fresh air. You still pay an “island premium” compared to the mainland, but your dollar stretches further here.
- Community: People in Hilo are friendly, down-to-earth, and not in a rush. You’ll notice folks still wave at each other on the road, and it doesn’t take long before you start running into familiar faces around town.
- Natural beauty: Between the waterfalls, rainforests, and nearby volcanoes, Hilo is surrounded by landscapes most people only see on vacation. For outdoor lovers, it’s paradise.
- Less touristy: Unlike Kona, Hilo isn’t filled with resorts or crowded beaches. You’ll see visitors, but for the most part, this is a town that runs for locals, by locals.
- Rain, rain, and more rain: There’s no sugarcoating it—Hilo is wet. If you need endless sunshine, this might not be the place for you.
- Limited nightlife and shopping: If you’re looking for upscale dining, trendy bars, or designer boutiques, you’ll probably be disappointed. Hilo has its charms, but “glamorous” isn’t one of them.
- Job market: Outside of government, healthcare, education, and astronomy, jobs can be limited. Many newcomers either bring their work with them or adjust to a smaller employment pool.
- Isolation: Living on the Big Island means you’re far from the mainland. Even within Hawaiʻi, Hilo can feel remote compared to Honolulu. For some, that’s freeing. For others, it’s frustrating.
Tips for Relocating to Hilo
Moving to Hilo isn’t like moving to another city on the mainland. The logistics, the culture, and even the pace of life are different here. A little preparation—and the right mindset—can make all the difference in whether your move feels smooth or overwhelming.
1. Rent before you buy.
We’ve seen both approaches: folks who fly in, fall in love with a house, and buy it on the spot—and others who take a slower route, renting for six months while they figure out the lay of the land. Nine times out of ten, the second group ends up happier. Hilo’s neighborhoods each have their own feel, and spending some time renting gives you a chance to see what fits your lifestyle best before you commit.
2. Budget for shipping and setup.
Moving to Hawaiʻi means thinking about shipping in a whole new way. A container can take weeks to arrive, and the cost often surprises newcomers. Some people ship their cars, others decide it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to buy one here. Appliances, furniture, and even Amazon deliveries can take longer than you expect. Patience is part of the process.
3. Embrace the rain.
If you’re going to live in Hilo, you’ll need to make peace with wet shoes and muddy driveways. A good umbrella, a rain jacket, and maybe even a covered lanai will become your best friends. Once you stop resisting the weather and start working with it, life here gets a lot easier.
4. Adjust your expectations.
Hilo runs on “island time.” Things don’t always happen as quickly as you might be used to. That might be the line at the DMV, or it might be a contractor who shows up a week later than planned. Getting frustrated won’t change it, but relaxing into the slower pace can feel surprisingly good once you get used to it.
5. Get involved in the community.
One of the best ways to feel at home in Hilo is to jump into local life. Volunteer at a community event, take a hula or ukulele class, or join in at the Saturday market. People here value relationships, and showing that you want to be part of the community goes a long way.
6. Visit first—if you can.
If you’re still on the fence, the best advice is to spend some real time in Hilo before making the leap. Not a three-day vacation, but a week or two of everyday living—shopping, driving, doing laundry in the rain. It’s the surest way to see if the vibe of Hilo is a good match for you.
The bottom line: moving to Hilo isn’t just about changing your address—it’s about changing your lifestyle. If you come prepared, open-minded, and ready to embrace the quirks, you’ll find that life here can be deeply rewarding.
1. Rent before you buy.
We’ve seen both approaches: folks who fly in, fall in love with a house, and buy it on the spot—and others who take a slower route, renting for six months while they figure out the lay of the land. Nine times out of ten, the second group ends up happier. Hilo’s neighborhoods each have their own feel, and spending some time renting gives you a chance to see what fits your lifestyle best before you commit.
2. Budget for shipping and setup.
Moving to Hawaiʻi means thinking about shipping in a whole new way. A container can take weeks to arrive, and the cost often surprises newcomers. Some people ship their cars, others decide it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to buy one here. Appliances, furniture, and even Amazon deliveries can take longer than you expect. Patience is part of the process.
3. Embrace the rain.
If you’re going to live in Hilo, you’ll need to make peace with wet shoes and muddy driveways. A good umbrella, a rain jacket, and maybe even a covered lanai will become your best friends. Once you stop resisting the weather and start working with it, life here gets a lot easier.
4. Adjust your expectations.
Hilo runs on “island time.” Things don’t always happen as quickly as you might be used to. That might be the line at the DMV, or it might be a contractor who shows up a week later than planned. Getting frustrated won’t change it, but relaxing into the slower pace can feel surprisingly good once you get used to it.
5. Get involved in the community.
One of the best ways to feel at home in Hilo is to jump into local life. Volunteer at a community event, take a hula or ukulele class, or join in at the Saturday market. People here value relationships, and showing that you want to be part of the community goes a long way.
6. Visit first—if you can.
If you’re still on the fence, the best advice is to spend some real time in Hilo before making the leap. Not a three-day vacation, but a week or two of everyday living—shopping, driving, doing laundry in the rain. It’s the surest way to see if the vibe of Hilo is a good match for you.
The bottom line: moving to Hilo isn’t just about changing your address—it’s about changing your lifestyle. If you come prepared, open-minded, and ready to embrace the quirks, you’ll find that life here can be deeply rewarding.
Living in Hilo - Final Thoughts
Living in Hilo isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why the people who do make their home here love it so much. It’s not a resort town, it’s not a bustling city, and it doesn’t try to be either. Hilo is a place where life is slower, greener, and maybe a little wetter than you expected. But it’s also where you’ll find neighbors who wave, waterfalls around the corner, and a community that feels grounded in something real.
If you’re considering relocating, the best advice is simple: spend some time here first. Walk through the farmers market, sit on the seawall downtown at sunset, and see how you feel when the afternoon rain rolls in. Some people find it gloomy. Others find it peaceful. That reaction will tell you more than any blog post ever could.
For those who discover that Hilo feels like home, the rewards are rich: a more affordable life in Hawaiʻi, a tight-knit community, and daily access to some of the most incredible natural beauty on earth. It’s not glamorous, but it’s genuine—and that’s what makes it special.
If you’re considering relocating, the best advice is simple: spend some time here first. Walk through the farmers market, sit on the seawall downtown at sunset, and see how you feel when the afternoon rain rolls in. Some people find it gloomy. Others find it peaceful. That reaction will tell you more than any blog post ever could.
For those who discover that Hilo feels like home, the rewards are rich: a more affordable life in Hawaiʻi, a tight-knit community, and daily access to some of the most incredible natural beauty on earth. It’s not glamorous, but it’s genuine—and that’s what makes it special.
