Timeline
06:12
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Find a quiet spot along the riverbank at Wailoa River State Recreation Area. The water is still and the air is cool. This area was rebuilt after the 1960 tsunami, so the wide open space offers a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon to the west.
06:57
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Watch the sunrise. The sun rises in the east, but the golden light reflects beautifully off the river surface and the wetlands. The light starts around 17:30 the previous evening context, but for the morning event, the golden hour begins shortly after 06:57, bathing the park in soft light.
07:27
Walk three minutes to Hilo Coffee Corner for a warm Kona coffee. It opens at 06:00 on weekdays, so it will be ready for you just as the morning light settles. Grab a cup and sit outside if the weather permits.
07:42
Head seven minutes away to Cafe 100. This historic Hawaiian restaurant has stood through two tsunamis. Order a simple breakfast or a local favorite like spam musubi or eggs to fuel up after the early start.
Local tip
The river area is peaceful in the morning. Keep an eye out for the traditional Hawaiian fishpond structures in the water.
Check before you go
- Hilo Coffee Corner is open Mo-Fr 06:00-14:00. If you are visiting on a weekend, it may be closed; in that case, check the route to Just Cruisin Coffee, which is open Mo-Su 05:30-20:00.
Worth knowing
- Hilo Coffee Corner is open at 07:27 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Hilo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).