Hilo, Hawaii

The spectacular Boiling Pots waterfalls, a five-minute drive from UH Hilo, cascade through tropical rainforests.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers quality undergraduate education in a beautiful and diverse natural setting. Hilo (population 47,000) is located on the island of Hawai'i, commonly referred to as the "Big Island" because it is the largest in the Hawaiian chain. Tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and palm-lined oceans can all be seen within the city limits of Hilo. Elsewhere on the island are grasslands with cattle ranches, secluded beaches, snowcapped peaks, coral reefs, deserts complete with cacti, and active volcanoes. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting almost continuously from 1983 to present, and Mauna Loa Volcano last erupted in 1984.

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The expanding UH Hilo campus is located on a 137-acre site in Hilo, the commercial center and the largest city on the Big Island. Visible from campus are Hilo Bay and the occasionally snowcapped summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Things to Do Around Hilo

Hilo has a friendly, small town atmosphere.

Kids of all ages cool off with an afternoon snack of shave ice.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, downtown Hilo hosts an Open Market.

Hilo has many fine shopping malls.

Honolii is one of the best surfing spots on the Island of Hawaii, and it's just a five-minute drive out of Hilo.

On a windy day, windsurfers blast across the breakwater-sheltered Hilo Bay.

Hilo Bay also provides some of the calmest waters in the state for kayaks and outrigger canoes.

There are very few beaches in Hilo, and none are white sand. But there's plenty of access to great swimming, fishing and snorkeling.

Year-round warm weather allows for year-round soccer practice.

In the winter, the summit of Mauna Kea is often covered with snow, providing opportunities for skiers, sledders, and snowboarders to enjoy breathtaking experiences.