📍 About ITO & Hilo
Hilo Tower is located at Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side of Hawaii’s Big Island. Hilo is a tropical town known for lush rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and a laid-back local vibe. If you’re seeking natural beauty, island life, and a close-knit community, Hilo is a unique and rewarding place to call home.
🏡 Where to Live
Top Neighborhoods
- Hilo – Affordable rentals, walkable downtown, local markets
- Kaumana – Residential and quiet, up the hill with cooler temps
- Puna – Rural, more land, artistic/alternative community
Other Areas
- Keaau – Suburban, 20–30 min drive, local schools
- Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) – Spacious lots, newer homes
- Volcano – Mountain climate, peaceful but further out
🚗 Commute Times to ITO
- 5–15 min: Downtown Hilo, Kaumana, Keaau
- 20–30 min: HPP, Puna area, Volcano Village
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Adventures
- Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls: Iconic waterfalls close to town
- Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Lava hikes, craters, and stargazing
- Richardson Beach Park: Snorkeling, sea turtles, black sand
🏛️ Culture & Events
- Hilo Farmers Market: Fresh produce, crafts, and local foods
- Merrie Monarch Festival: World-famous hula competition
- Palace Theater & UH-Hilo: Events, performances, and films
✈️ Nearby Airports
- ITO – Hilo International Airport: Main east side airport, interisland & limited mainland flights
- KOA – Kona International Airport: ~1.5–2 hrs away, more mainland service
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Hilo: Lower crime in Kaumana and upper Hilo; central areas vary block-to-block
- HPP & Keaau: Quieter subdivisions, but more spread out and rural
🔗 Local Town & Area Info
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home ~$420,000; 1BR rental ~$1,300–$1,800/month
- Utilities: ~$180–$250/month (higher for solar-free homes)
- Groceries: High — 30–40% above mainland average
- Gas: ~$4.90/gal; groceries imported = higher prices
- Taxes: Hawaii state income tax is progressive (1.4%–11%)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Hilo: Oceanfront shops, farmers market, historic charm
- Kaumana: Peaceful, elevated, cooler climate
- HPP/Keaau: Larger lots, newer construction, lush jungle feel
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Rain: Frequent, especially overnight; umbrellas and rain jackets essential
- Temps: 70s–80s year-round; Kaumana & Volcano much cooler
- Hurricane Season: June–November, but direct hits are rare
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Hele-On Bus: Limited service, not widely used
- Most residents drive: Light traffic, but watch for rain & road conditions
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Hilo Medical Center: Largest hospital on the east side
- Urgent Care: Hilo Urgent Care, Bay Clinic, Kaiser Permanente
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Farmers markets, outdoor clubs, beach meetups
- Families: Community rec centers, nature programs, family beaches
- Volunteering: Environmental orgs, schools, cultural events
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Pineapples Restaurant: Open-air dining downtown
- Ken’s House of Pancakes: Local legend, open 24 hours
- Cafe Pesto: Island Italian fusion, long-time favorite
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: Tower-only; mix of interisland commercial, GA, and military
- Shifts: Rotating — expect mornings, swings, and mids
- Environment: Friendly, slower-paced ops, but weather can be dynamic
📦 Moving Tips
- Most move-ins are coordinated from the mainland — allow time for shipping
- Costco & Target in town — plan big hauls locally
- Many rentals require multiple months’ deposit – plan ahead financially
❓ FAQs
- Is Hilo expensive?
Yes for groceries, but rent/housing is cheaper than Oahu/Maui - What’s the vibe?
Chill, community-focused, nature-loving, and very local - Do I need a car?
Absolutely — very few transit options and large rural areas