Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hilo

Rain forest, waterfalls and the gateway to an active volcano.

Photo: Unknown (See source)

Currency
USD
Emergency number
911
Police, Ambulance, Fire
Advisory level
High degree of caution
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel)
Language
English
Local transport
Car essential
Volcano park is 45 minutes away
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Good to know

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Exercise increased caution in United States of America.

Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on Spokane County fires.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours, and eruption glow is only visible after dark when Kilauea is active.

Hilo gets over 3,000mm of rain a year. Pack a light waterproof and plan on showers rather than washouts.

The Hilo farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings is the best food stop in town.

Mauna Kea summit road requires a four wheel drive and is unsuitable for most rentals. The visitor station at 2,800 metres is accessible to all.

Local knowledge

Contributed by guides, operators and creators on the ground. Community advice, kept separate from official sources.

Do the volcano park twice

Go once in daylight for the craters and steam vents, then return after dark. It is a completely different place.

Local guideBig Island Field Guides

Book an experience

Verified operators in Hilo, booked direct through KLNK.

Frequently asked questions

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) currently states: “United States of America: Exercise increased caution” (advisory level 2 of 4). Always check the original advisory before travelling.

Currency: USD. Languages: English. Capital: Washington, D.C..

Sources and freshness

Travel information last reviewed 12 August 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and datakyte Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.

Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.

Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.

Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).