Last Updated: 8/9/2024
Considering a move to Hilo? You’ll find this town on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, nestled in the South Hilo district.
Many people will tell you that Hilo is the rainiest city in the U.S.—but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
In fact, Hilo sits in the “tropical rainforest” designation of the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification System. In other words, there’s no dry season in Hilo. As a result, the landscape in the North and South Hilo districts is one of the most verdant on the island. Think waterfalls and plentiful plant life in vibrant shades of greens, pinks, reds, yellows, purples—almost every shade imaginable.
Additionally, Hilo holds the distinction of being the seat for the County of Hawaiʻi, as well as home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. The area is also the fourth-largest population center in the Hawaiian Islands.
If you’re moving to Hilo town – or one of the surrounding areas – you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a smooth transition to this tropical destination. (Or, if you’re still considering other areas of the Big Island, don’t miss our must-knows about moving to Kona.)
We’ll start with one of the most common questions we hear from potential residents.
Hilo Must-Know #1: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Hilo?
We’ll be straight with you: It’s expensive to live in Hawaiʻi, as compared to the other states in the U.S.
86.2%
Data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) puts the cost of living in Hawaiʻi at 86.2% higher than the national average.
However, Hilo has a reputation for being one of the less expensive places to live in Hawaiʻi. AreaVibes, HomeSnacks, and Livability all named Hilo high on their lists of affordable places to live in Hawaiʻi.
Lower home prices are one of the main factors that keep Hilo’s cost of living down. Take a look at this Zillow data comparing Hilo to some other popular Hawaiʻi destinations:
Average Hawaiʻi Home Values
$515,817
Hilo
(Big Island)
$870,434
Kailua-Kona
(Big Island)
$565,201
Hawai’i County
(Big Island)
$784,900
Honolulu
(O’ahu)
$565,201
Hawai’i County
(Big Island)
$565,201
Hawai’i County
(Big Island)
(Source: zillow.com)
That said, you’ll still find that everyday necessities like groceries and utilities will likely cost more than you’re used to.
Big Island Monthly Cost-of-Living Figures
$211.15
Average Hawai’i household electricity bill
$1,466
Typical Big Island
housing cost
$1,005
Typical Big Island
transportation cost
$475
Typical Big Island food cost
(1 adult)
To help with the cost:
- Hilo has plenty of farmers markets. These can be a good source of fresh, local produce at better prices than you’ll see at the grocery store.
- You’ll also find a Costco in Kailua-Kona. Many residents make the drive to take advantage of the big box store’s deals.
- If you don’t want to journey all the way across the island, there’s also a Cost-U-Less in Hilo. Like Costco, this Canadian-owned warehouse store offers bargains on bulk buys.
The bottom line? Yes, Hilo is expensive. However, if buying a house is on your list of “musts,” Hilo offers a distinct advantage over other locations in Hawaiʻi.
Hilo Must-Know #2: What Kind of Activities Will I Find in Hilo?
Some consider Hilo the cultural center of the Big Island. Within the town of Hilo, you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, a book store, museums, restaurants, bars, and other attractions to keep you busy once you make the move. (Read more about the activities and attractions in Hilo.)
Hilo is also home to the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long festival celebrating hula, alongside other traditional Hawaiian arts and cultural traditions. Living in Hilo gives you the perfect opportunity to take in all of the yearly festivities, including the traditional parade through downtown Hilo.
Like the rest of the Big Island, Hilo also shines in terms of access to Hawaiʻi’s amazing outdoor wonders. Since you’ll be on the eastern side of the island, you’ll be surrounded by tropical rainforests, botanical gardens, and waterfalls, which you’ll find all up and down the coast. You’ll even find some lovely beaches to explore. Additionally, with a little driving, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is known for: hiking, watersports, off-roading, and many more outdoor activities. (Including Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes!)
To start planning your Hilo adventures, check out our lists of things to do in and around Hilo:
A guide to the the beauty and diversity of Hawaii’s plants and flowers in Hilo.
Enjoy the island’s natural beauty, history, work of its artists, and more.
Get ready to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and even some small-scale cliff diving!
Hilo Must-Know #3: What’s the Weather Like?
We already mentioned Hilo’s championship title for “Wettest City in the U.S.” What you may not realize is that the amount of rainfall you’ll experience can be dramatically different, depending on exactly where you live.
For example:
- In downtown Hilo, the annual rainfall is about 146 inches.
- Eight miles north in Pepeʻekeo, you’ll see 155 inches of annual rainfall—even more as you head mauka (toward Mauna Kea).
- Eight miles west of Hilo, in the Hilo Forest Reserve, the annual rainfall is about 224 inches.
Those are some big differences over a relatively small area! If you want to explore the mean annual rainfall in your new neighborhood, check out the Rainfall Atlas of Hawaiʻi. Their interactive map will show you exactly what to expect.
Finally, when it comes to average temperatures, Hilo’s weather is consistent year-round. Expect lows between 64°F and 70°F and highs between 79°F and 83°F.
Average Temperatures in Hilo, Hawaiʻi
64 – 70°F
Average Lows
79 – 83°F
Average Highs
If you’re coming from an area with dramatic shifts between seasons, Hilo will feel like quite a change!
Hilo Must-Know #4: What Should I Bring to Hilo? And What Should I Leave Behind?
Given the weather, the most important thing you’ll want to bring when you move to Hilo is an umbrella or a light jacket. Life in Hawaiʻi doesn’t stop when it rains. (How would you enjoy the rainbows?) Having an umbrella or a rain shell in easy reach will keep you dry while you go about your business as usual.
Additionally, if you own a dehumidifier, bring it with you. Running it regularly in your closet or your bedroom can help keep any potential mold or mildew at bay.
In terms of what not to bring, we always recommend downsizing before your move to Hawaiʻi. In our experience, you’ll almost always need less than you think you will. Bring the basics, and buy anything else you need after you arrive.
Hilo Must-Know #5: Where’s the Best Place to Live in Hilo?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. A good neighborhood for families? Peace and serenity? Easy access to Hilo town’s amenities? You’ll find a lot of great areas to live in and around Hilo. Your best bet is to match up your neighborhood with the kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy.
Before you decide, make sure you visit a bunch of neighborhoods in and around Hilo. Check out a few of our favorites below to kick off your research:
- Downtown Hilo: Enjoy close proximity to Hilo town’s conveniences and amenities, along with a wide variety of housing types, including single-family homes and condos.
- Mountain View: If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Mountain View could be the right spot. The area has a rural charm its residents love.
- Keaʻau: You’ll find this area just south of Hilo in the Puna district. Homes in this area can be more affordable, and you’ll be surrounded by the Big Island’s stunning natural landscapes.
- Pepeʻekeo: Situated along the picturesque route to Akaka Falls, Pepeʻekeo offers a tranquil setting with close access to Hilo town. If you’re seeking a peaceful environment, Pepeʻekeo could be an ideal choice for you and your family.
For more on Hilo living, check out the Insider’s Guide to Living in Hilo. We’ll share some of our favorite neighborhoods, as well as offer you some ideas for where to shop and how to spend your time off in the area.
Hilo Rental Tips
- The median gross rent in Hilo is $1,352, according to census data. That number will give you a ballpark for planning your budget.
- You’ll find it much easier to score a rental once you’re already on island. Many landlords simply prefer to meet their tenants in person. We suggest securing temporary housing while you look for something more permanent.
- Never put down money for a place you haven’t seen in person. This will also help you avoid the occasional rental scams that pop up on Craigslist and Facebook. While these sites can be good sources for leads, you will see some fake listings, which often use photos stolen from real estate listings.
- Finally, if a deal seems way too good to be true, it probably is. Proceeding with caution—and insisting on seeing a rental in person—will help you steer clear of most rental scams.
Hilo Must-Know #6: Can I Bring My Cat or Dog to Hawaiʻi?
Absolutely! Plenty of new residents bring their pets to Hawaiʻi. However, because the Aloha State is a rabies-free location with a unique ecosystem, there’s a little more involved than in your usual state-to-state move.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know in this article: The Complete Guide to Moving Your Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets to Hawaiʻi. We’ll give you the run-down on all the paperwork and procedures so you can bring your best buddy with you when you move.
If you have a pet that’s more exotic than a dog or a cat, make sure to check the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine’s guidelines for importing animals. There are some surprising no-gos on the list, including ferrets, gerbils, and snakes.
Hilo Must-Know #7: Should I Ship My Car to Hilo?
We get asked this question all the time! In our opinion, you’ll definitely need a car if you want to explore all that the Big Island has to offer. However, it’s important to recognize that shipping your vehicle is an investment in its future with you. If you plan to keep this car around, by all means, ship it to Hawaiʻi.
(And if it’s a truck with good clearance or a 4WD vehicle, it will serve you well on the Big Island, where off-roading is popular!)
On the flip side, if you plan to get rid of your car fairly soon, don’t ship it. Instead, bite the bullet and sell it where you are. Then, use the proceeds from the sale to buy a new or used car on the Big Island once you arrive.
To dive deeper into this topic, check out our article on shipping your car, truck, or SUV to Hawaiʻi.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi?
It costs around $2,200-2,400 if you’re shipping your car from the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach to the Port of Hilo.
This cost includes what’s called port-to-port service, in which you drop off and pick up the vehicle yourself. If you need someone to pick up your car from your house, you may be able to arrange that service for an additional fee.
Keep in mind: The figure above will give you a sense of the approximate cost for shipping your car to the Big Island. If you ship from a different port, your price will change.
Before we close out this topic, a quick tip: People on the Big Island honk considerably less than people on the mainland. In fact, many people consider it rude. Unless you’re trying to alert someone to danger, lay off the horn. Drive with aloha. You’ll make a lot more friends in your new home that way.
Hilo Must-Know #8: Is It Hard to Find a Job on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi?
It really depends on the type of job you’re seeking. If you’re interested in the tourism industry—one of the island’s largest employment sectors—you might be able to find a job fairly quickly.
If you’re relocating to Hilo without a job, check out our Hilo job-hunting tips below. We’ve also included some info on the Big Island’s top industries to focus your job search:
1
Is Possible to Move to the Big Island Without a Job?
It’s common for employers to restrict interviews to candidates who are already living on the Big Island. Some employers prefer to meet potential employees in person, while others want to ensure that anyone they hire is genuinely committed to moving to Hilo. So, it’s not that unusual for people to relocate to Hilo without a job.
2
What Kind of Jobs Will I Find in Hilo?
Check out the below list of the biggest industries on the Big Island by job count. This will give you a good idea of what kind of jobs you’ll find in Hilo:
- Accommodation and food services, including hotels, restaurants, and bars
- Retail trade
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Administrative support and waste management
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
- Construction
- Real estate
- Government
3
What’s the Best Way to Get My Foot in the Door for a Job in Hilo?
Tell your friends, family members, and acquaintances on the Big Island that you’re looking for a job. Relationships matter in Hawaiʻi, especially in business. A referral from a friend or family member can help you get your foot in the door much faster.
Hilo Must-Know #9: How Many Schools Are on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi?
Public Schools
Looking at public schools on the Big Island, there are:
- 22 elementary schools
- 3 elementary-middle schools
- 6 middle schools
- 2 intermediate schools
- 6 high schools
To give you a sense of how Hawaiʻi’s public schools compare to the rest of the U.S., WalletHub ranked Hawaiʻi in 35th place. For more on the Big Island’s public schools, visit the state Department of Education website.
The Big Island also has 14 charter schools. Connections Public Charter School, Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, Ke Ana Laʻahana Public Charter School, and Kua o ka Lā New Century Public Charter School are all located in Hilo. You can see a list of all of the Big Island charter school options on the Charter Commission‘s website.
Private Schools
The Big Island has 13 independent schools registered with the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools. While four are independent/non-denominational, the remaining nine have a religious affiliation. Those located closest to the Hilo area include:
For more information, visit the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) website.
Homeschooling
Once you move to Hilo, you might decide to join the other Big Island families who homeschool their children. If that’s an option for you, take a look at the Hawaiʻi state requirements for homeschooling so you’ll be ready to start once you arrive in Hilo.
Higher Education
You’ll also find the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on the Big Island, as well as Hawaiʻi Community College. For more information on higher education opportunities on the Big Island—and beyond—check out our article on Hawaiʻi’s colleges.
Hilo Must-Know #10: What’s the Best Way to Move My Belongings to Hilo?
Earlier, we mentioned the upside of downsizing. Many people on the Big Island life a simple, laid-back lifestyle that doesn’t involve a lot of “stuff.”
If the minimalist lifestyle is right for you, you might decide to come to Hilo with a couple of suitcases. (You can always buy what you need when you arrive!)
If you plan to bring more to Hilo with you, you’ve got two main options:
A 20-Foot or 40-Foot Container
Move all of your favorite belongings to Hilo. Fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container and ship it to Hilo by boat.
Less-Than-Container Load (LCL)
Maybe you prefer to ship just a few, key items to Hilo. If you don’t want to fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container, you can opt for an LCL (less-than-container load) solution.
Your belongings will get packed in sturdy wooden crates called lift vans. Your lift vans will get loaded into a container headed to Hilo. Once the container arrives, you can arrange for delivery of your items.
As you can see, you’ve got several options for moving to Hilo. Choose the one that works for you!
Making Your Home in Hilo
The Hilo side of the Big Island has a lot to offer, including the charm and amenities of Hilo town; a lush, tropical landscape; and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the surrounding environment. With these insider tips under your belt, you’ll know exactly what to expect, positioning you for a smooth transition to your new home in Hilo.
If you’re headed for Hilo, we’d love to help you with a safe, easy, and affordable move. Our Hilo-based team does mainland moves, international moves, interisland moves, and local moves, so we can assist no matter where you’re starting from. Get started today with a complimentary quote from one of our experts.
