Hilo, Hawaii is a coastal city located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii in the United States. Known for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and relaxed island atmosphere, Hilo offers a completely different vibe compared to the drier, resort-heavy Kona side. It is one of the wettest cities in the U.S., which gives it its rich greenery and tropical beauty.
Hilo is also a gateway to natural wonders like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Hawaiian culture and nature.
Current Time
- Hilo follows Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST).
- Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu
- UTC Offset: UTC -10:00
(No daylight saving adjustments — time stays consistent all year)
Quick Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Hawaii
- Island: Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island)
- Population: ~45,000
- Known For: Waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests
- Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST)
- UTC Offset: -10:00
Time Difference From
- Sydney: -21 hours (Hilo is behind Sydney)
- New York: -5 hours
- Los Angeles: -2 hours
- London: -10 hours
- Tokyo: -19 hours
Daylight Saving Time
Hilo does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time.
The time remains the same throughout the year, making it simple and predictable.
Best Time to Call
- From Australia: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Sydney time)
- From New York: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (NY time)
- From Los Angeles: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (LA time)
These windows match normal daytime hours in Hilo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Hilo in?
Hilo uses Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), UTC -10:00.
Does Hilo change clocks for daylight saving?
No, Hilo does not observe daylight saving time.
Is Hilo the same time as Honolulu?
Yes, both follow the same timezone (Pacific/Honolulu).
Why is Hilo so rainy?
Its location on the windward (eastern) side of the island brings frequent rainfall from trade winds.
Where Is It Located
Hilo is located on the eastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, in the United States, facing the Pacific Ocean. It sits near the base of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
What Is Famous For
- Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Lush tropical rainforests
- Farmers markets and local culture
- Scenic coastal views
- University of Hawaii at Hilo
Additional Note
Hilo follows Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (UTC -10:00) year-round with no daylight saving, shares the same time across all Hawaiian islands, is often a day behind Australia and parts of Asia, and aligns best with U.S. West Coast time.
