Welcome to
Downtown Hilo
Aloha! We’re the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association, working hand-in-hand with the County of Hawai‘i to protect, preserve, and uplift Downtown Hilo — creating a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
Downtown Hilo
WORK | LIVE | PLAY
Downtown Hilo offers a unique, local shopping experience in a few easy-to-walk blocks. Discover gifts and souvenirs, galleries featuring Big Island artists, sports adventure stores, vintage Hawaiiana, and more as you stroll the streets.
Hilo is the largest city, census-designated place (CDP), and settlement in Hawaii County, which encompasses the Island of Hawaiʻi. The population was 40,759 at the 2000 census. The population increased by 6.1% to 43,263 at the 2010 census and by 2.2% to 44,186 at the 2020 census.
Hilo is the county seat of the County of Hawaiʻi and is located in the District of South Hilo. The town overlooks Hilo Bay and is situated upon two shield volcanoes; Mauna Loa, an active volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the site of some of the world’s most important ground-based astronomical observatories. The majority of human settlement in Hilo stretches from Hilo Bay to Waiākea-Uka, on the flanks of Mauna Loa.
Hilo is home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi, as well as the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula which takes place annually after Easter. Hilo is also home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, one of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts. It is served by Hilo International Airport, located inside the CDP.
ABOUT HILO
BECOME A MEMBER
of the Downtown Hilo Improvement Association
SINGLE MEMBERSHIP
$120 / YEAR
Involvement with DIA
Invitation to DIA meetings every other month
Elect/Vote new board members
Discount on DIA events
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
$240 / YEAR
Single Membership Perks
Featured on the new DIA Map
Offer a discount coupon to the community and visitors that will be advertised on the DIA map.
Featured on DIA's social media (instagram) with a post of your business once a month.
Featured on the DIA website with a write up about your business
A video about your business that will be uploaded on social media and the DIA website.
Monthly Specials offered only to members from other businesses
Banner space to advertise your business (must request)
Upcoming Events
Downtown Hilo is alive with energy, creativity, and connection—and our events calendar is your invitation to experience it all! Discover a dynamic mix of happenings, from lively night markets and ʻOhana-friendly gatherings.
Whether you're here to shop local, enjoy live performances, explore our rich history, or simply take in the beauty of Hilo Bay, there’s always something to spark your curiosity and bring our community together. Stay tuned—Hilo Town is full of surprises, and there’s always more to come!
