Facility Overview

Situated in the vibrant cultural and commercial heart of historic Downtown Hilo, the 301 Kamehameha Ave parking area provides premier open-air surface parking along Hawaii Island’s iconic bayfront. This surface lot boasts wide driving lanes and an unobstructed layout directly facing Hilo Bay. Because it is a level, open-sky parking lot without overhead decks or low clearance barriers, it accommodates vehicles of virtually any height—making it an exceptional option for high-profile four-wheel-drive trucks, lifted SUVs, commercial cargo vans, and passenger tour vans that cannot fit into standard covered garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along Kamehameha Avenue (Hawaii Route 19), this facility places visitors steps away from Hilo’s most sought-after cultural attractions, dining establishments, and waterfront parklands:

• Hilo Farmers Market: Just a 2-minute walk (less than 200 yards away), where visitors can explore fresh local tropical fruits, artisanal baked goods, and island crafts.
• Moʻoheau County Park & Bandstand: Located directly across the avenue, offering sprawling green lawns, scenic ocean breezes, and community gatherings along the bay.
• Pacific Tsunami Museum: Situated approximately 3 minutes walking distance north on Kamehameha Avenue, showcasing Hilo’s historic resilience.
• Historic Downtown Hilo & Palace Theater: A brief 5-minute stroll into Haili Street and Keawe Street reveals vintage boutiques, local coffee roasters, art galleries, and the restored 1925 Palace Theater.
• Mokupāpapa Discovery Center: Located within a 4-minute walk, featuring educational exhibits highlighting the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.
• Hilo Bayfront Beach Park: A quick 5-to-7-minute walk across the grass along the water, popular with outrigger canoe paddlers and bayfront strollers.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Kamehameha Avenue (State Route 19), which serves as the primary coastal thoroughfare connecting Hilo to the Hamakua Coast to the north and Hilo International Airport (ITO) to the east. The lot offers clear sightlines when pulling into or out of traffic, even during busier daytime hours. For transit riders, the lot is situated adjacent to the Moʻoheau Bus Terminal, the central hub for the County of Hawaii’s Hele-On Bus system. From here, passengers can easily catch local circulators, island-wide routes to Kona, Waimea, and Volcanoes National Park, making this an ideal park-and-ride spot for regional exploration.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Headroom: No vertical height restrictions, accommodating lifted trucks, roof-racked vehicles, and tall passenger vans.
• Designated Accessible Spaces: Level ADA-compliant stalls located near street crosswalks for seamless wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Pathways: Direct sidewalk access connecting directly to Kamehameha Avenue storefronts and crosswalks.
• Transit Proximity: Mere steps from the island’s primary Hele-On bus departure center.
• Bayfront Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea on clear mornings right from your vehicle.

Ideal For

• Market Shoppers & Foodies: Anyone visiting the Hilo Farmers Market on peak market days (Wednesday and Saturday) and browsing downtown eateries.
• Sightseers & Cultural Tourists: Visitors exploring the Pacific Tsunami Museum, local art galleries, and historic architecture.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts & Paddlers: Boaters, canoe club members, and runners heading out along Hilo Bayfront Beach Park.
• Island Commuters: Drivers connecting with regional Hele-On bus transit to Volcano, Puna, or West Hawaii.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Downtown Hilo experiences significant spikes in foot and vehicular traffic on major market days—especially Wednesday and Saturday mornings. To secure prime parking with minimal wait times, aim to arrive before 9:00 AM on market days. Due to Hilo’s tropical climate and frequent passing showers, keep an umbrella handy when stepping away from your car. As with any open downtown area, practice standard travel vigilance: lock your doors, roll up windows completely, and stow personal belongings and luggage out of plain sight before enjoying your day along the bayfront.