South Hilo Furnished Rentals
Hilo town and the green coast to the north: waterfalls, the university, and the island’s main hospital.
South Hilo in brief: the Big Island’s county seat and largest town, plus the waterfall coast just north. Hilo has the island’s main hospital, the university, an airport, and an old-Hawaiʻi downtown on the bay. Expect rain, lower rents than Kona, and the most complete set of services on the east side.
Last reviewed November 2026 · By the Hawaii Monthly Rental team
South Hilo at a Glance
| Good fit for | Traveling nurses, students and faculty, families, relocating professionals, and rain lovers |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Downtown Hilo, Waiākea, Kaūmana, Keaukaha, and the Pāpaʻikou, Pepeʻekeo, and Honomū coast |
| Climate | Warm, humid, and rainy, with lush green everything; mornings are often clear |
| Getting around | A car for most errands; Hele-On buses serve town and connect to other districts |
| Airport | Hilo International (ITO), right in town |
| Health care | Hilo Benioff Medical Center, the largest hospital on the island |
| Everyday shopping | The east side’s widest choice: big-box stores, KTA, and the Hilo Farmers Market |
| Internet | Cable and fiber are common in town; ask about speeds along the north coast |
| Rental terms | Listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their minimum. See rental rules by island . |
Living in South Hilo
Hilo is a real working town with deep roots, not a resort. Downtown’s old storefronts face the bay, the Hilo Farmers Market fills up on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo keeps things lively.
Rent goes further here than in Kona, and you’re close to everything: Hilo Benioff Medical Center , the airport, schools, and the waterfall coast to the north. The price is rain. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the U.S., which is exactly why it’s so green.
Neighborhoods
- Downtown and the bayfront: historic buildings, restaurants, the farmers market, and Liliʻuokalani Gardens nearby.
- Waiākea and university area: residential neighborhoods near shopping, schools, and UH Hilo.
- Kaūmana and upslope: cooler, quieter homes above town.
- Pāpaʻikou to Honomū: the green coast north of town, with ocean views and waterfalls.
Worth your time
Highlights
- Wailuku River State Park , home to Rainbow Falls
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park , a short rainforest loop to a 442-foot waterfall
- The Hilo Farmers Market downtown
- Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island on the bay
- ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and the Pacific Tsunami Museum
Before you sign
Good to Know
- It rains a lot. Ask about dehumidifiers, laundry, and mold prevention.
- Low-lying bayfront areas are in the tsunami evacuation zone. Know your route.
- Rents are lower than Kona, but quality varies; ask for recent photos.
- Vog is usually lighter here than in Kona, but check the vog dashboard during eruptions.
- Ask which utilities are included. Electricity costs far more here than on the mainland.
South Hilo Listings
We’re welcoming our first South Hilo owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here with the monthly rate, the owner’s minimum stay, and availability up front.
Own a furnished rental in South Hilo? List it at no cost during our launch .
South Hilo FAQ
Is South Hilo a good base for a month or more?
Yes, especially for work, school, or health care. Hilo has the island’s main hospital, the university, an airport, and the east side’s best shopping, all within a short drive.
How long are rentals here?
Our listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their own minimum. County rules shape how long many homes in residential areas can rent for, so see our rental rules by island for the general picture.
Is Hilo good for traveling nurses?
Yes. Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the island’s largest hospital, and most of Hilo is within 15 minutes of it. Check that a rental’s stay length fits your contract dates.
How much does it rain?
A lot, more than almost any U.S. city, mostly in the afternoons and at night. Mornings are often clear, and the rain keeps temperatures mild year-round.
How far is the airport?
Hilo International Airport is in town, usually 5 to 15 minutes away.
Keep Exploring
See all nine Big Island regions , compare the islands , or read Extended Stays in Hawaiʻi: Benefits, Costs & Tradeoffs .