Pre-arrival Resources
HAWAII
HAWAII
IMPORTANT NOTE (SAO & Harvard)
While the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) includes both the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) the processes in this site are specifically for SAO personnel, unless otherwise noted. Harvard has distinct processes that should be followed for any individual with a Harvard-only affiliation.
Some information contained on this site, such as building maps, general information about the worksite area, etc. will be useful to all incoming personnel.
Hawaii / Submillimeter Array (SMA)
Welcome to your new home in beautiful Hilo, Hawaii! We’re excited to have you join our community and hope this guide will help you settle in smoothly. Hilo is a special place with rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty that is unmatched. Whether you're here for a short time or the long term, we hope you'll enjoy all that Hilo has to offer.
Metro Area: Hilo, Hawaii County
Nearby Cities: 80 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona and 200 miles southeast of Honolulu
Primary Industries: Tourism, agriculture, government services
Cost of Living: 31.9% higher than the national average
Time Zone: Hawaii Standard Time
Elevation: 20 feet above sea level
Hilo has a long and diverse history:
Native Hawaiians & Polynesians: First settled the island around 1100 A.D.
Immigrant Workers: Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Koreans, and Portuguese arrived to work on sugarcane plantations.
Challenges: Hilo has experienced earthquakes, tsunamis, and lava flows, but the community has always rebuilt and thrived.
Legacy: The people of Hilo are resilient and proud, maintaining a strong connection to the land and Hawaiian culture.
For a detailed historical timeline, visit Hilo’s History Timeline.
Hilo is unique in its welcoming yet reserved approach to newcomers. Here’s what to expect:
Malihini (Newcomers): New residents are often seen as temporary, so it may take time to feel fully integrated.
Community Connections: Once familiar faces are seen in social settings, locals tend to warm up, offering kindness and generosity.
Cultural Diversity: Many families are multicultural, bringing rich experiences from around the world.
Dress & Attitude: Hilo is laid-back—locals prefer T-shirts and casual attire. Loud or boastful behavior may not be well-received here.
Festivals & Events: Hilo is the cultural heart of the Big Island. Major events include:
Merrie Monarch Festival: An annual hula competition that draws visitors from around the globe. Learn more at Merrie Monarch.
East Hawaii Cultural Center: Check their events at EHCC.
Lyman Museum & UH Performing Arts Center: Offers year-round cultural events.
There are several popular neighborhoods to consider in and around Hilo, each offering unique lifestyles:
Downtown Hilo: Close to shops, restaurants, and the famous farmers' market. Ideal for those who enjoy a small-town vibe with walkable conveniences.
Keaau: Located in the Puna district, just south of Hilo. It’s more affordable and surrounded by natural beauty.
Pepeekeo: A quiet, scenic area along the drive to Akaka Falls, offering a serene environment.
Mountain View: A rural setting, perfect for those looking to step back in time with a more peaceful, country lifestyle.
For a detailed housing guide, visit Zillow’s Hilo Listings.
Average Rent
1-bedroom apartment: $1,200–$1,400
2-bedroom apartment: $1,500–$1,800
For rentals, check out:
Hilo’s location comes with some environmental factors to keep in mind:
Lava Zones: Be aware of lava zones when choosing a home. Lava zones impact real estate prices and insurance costs. Learn more here.
VOG (Volcanic Smog): Volcanic activity may affect air quality. Learn more about VOG and its impact on health here.
Rainfall: Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the U.S., creating lush greenery but also frequent downpours. For weather forecasts, check NOAA Hilo Weather.
Here’s how to set up your essential services in Hilo:
Water: Set up at the Department of Water Supply, 345 Kekuanaoa St., Suite 20. A $50 deposit is required. Visit here.
Sewer: You can only set this up after you have your water account number. Learn more about sewer setup here.
Electricity (HELCO): Visit HELCO at 1200 Kilauea Ave. to start service. The deposit is based on two months of past usage. More info here.
Trash: Most residents take their garbage to the local landfill, but private pickup services are available. Check the county's waste management site here.
Internet & Cable: Oceanic Time Warner Cable provides high-speed internet here, or consider DISH Network packages.
Telephone: Hawaiian Telcom offers phone service that can be set up online or by phone here.
Here’s what you need to know to get your car registered and driving legally in Hawaii:
Get Auto Insurance: Required before registering your car.
Safety Inspection: Visit a local repair shop for a safety check after obtaining insurance. Learn more here.
Registration: Register your car at the Motor Vehicle Licensing and Registration office at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. Be prepared to bring the bill of lading for shipped cars and proof of insurance. More info here.
Driver’s License: For a Hawaii driver’s license, you’ll need to take a written test at the DMV (349 Kapiolani St.). Learn more here.
Hilo offers great resources for families with children:
Public Schools: Hilo High School, Waiakea High School, and more. Find local schools here.
Private Schools: Several private options are available in Hilo here and more info here.
Home School Resources: For homeschooling families, check out local resources here.
Activities for Kids: Competitive sports teams, swim facilities, and more are available.
Here are some great places to shop for groceries and essentials:
KTA Super Stores: KTA Super Stores.
Hilo Farmer's Market: Known for fresh local produce. Learn more here.
Walmart: Walmart.
Safeway: Safeway.
Sack N Save: Sack N Save.
The links below are a collection of interesting sites with videos, calendars, and information about Hilo and the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii County).