Hilo

American  

[hee-loh] / ˈhi loʊ /

noun

1. a seaport on the east coast of the Island of Hawaii in southeastern Hawaii, and the island’s largest city.

---

Etymology

Origin of Hilo

From Hawaiian Hilo, traditionally translated as “to twist”

Example Sentences

Marymount did not drop a set en route to the Hawaiian Island Labor Day Classic title in Hilo in late August.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2025

Hiroyuki Sakamoto, the producer of Infinite Wealth, said the team conducted interviews and research in Honolulu to build the virtual city, one that features Hawaii-specific retailers like ABC Stores, Hilo Hattie and 88 Tees.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2024

The samples they collected are now in a University of Hawaii lab in Hilo, on the Big Island.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

NOIRLab, the NSF-run coordinating center for ground-based astronomy, first announced the detection of an apparent cyberattack on its Gemini North telescope in Hilo, Hawaii, in a 1 August press release.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 18, 2023

Along the sea coast they rushed until as they entered Hilo Bay they heard the voice of Maui calling— "O winds, winds of Hilo, Hasten and come to me."

From Legends of Ma-ui—a demi god of Polynesia, and of his mother Hina by Westervelt, W. D.