What to pack for Hilo in mid March?

I'll be in Hilo (Big Island) from March 6-March 22. I know it is still the rainy season there, so I'll bring an umbrella (windbreaker/raincoat might be too hot/stuffy) but I assume I should still dress for summer (but bring some long sleeves and a pair of pants?) Oh, and sun screen, obviously! I live in Oregon and am used to rain...so no problem there. Oh, and a swim suit, I suppose...any suggestions/tips?? Thanks in advance!

It is too bad I'll miss the festival. It would cost me $500 to change my plane ticket, though! My original reason for going to Hilo wasn't for pleasure (my sister was murdered in 2005 in Puna and the murder trial was SUPPOSED to happen in March but it's been delayed..I said, screw it, I'm going to Hilo anyway..it'll just be for a vacation)...so, yea...what can you do?

The weather in Hilo can change dramatically minute to minute. It can be windy and rainy when you get up and blue sky and sunny by the time you get dressed and vice versa.

I would suggest you bring along a combination of shorts and t-shirts along with a pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt just in case. Since you live in Oregon, you'll probably be more affected by the humidity than the rain so I would pack accordingly.

I would suggest you bring along a windbreaker AND an umbrella as there are times when it rains so hard and is so windy that an umbrella is useless.

Hilo is one of the wettest cities in Hawaii and there are no beaches for laying out nearby (the nearest beach that you can lay out at is in Hapuna which is almost all the way to Kona on the opposite side of the island) so sunscreen is optional on most days.

I would strongly suggest you check out the astronomy museum in Hilo as well as the volcano at Volcanoes National Park. Don't forget to check out the open market at Bayfront on Tuesday and Saturday morning for fresh fruits, veggies, crafts, and flowers.

You will be missing the Merrie Monarch festival by one week (it starts the week after Easter which is March 23 this year).

Have a great time and happy travels!

how big is your suitcase, you should pack ME. I will even pay the extra charge for going over the weight at the airport :D

but seriously, I have only been to Maui, and it did rain some of the time, and it rained hard, so definitely bring an umbrella. I also should have brought a couple of items for being cold, it did get a little cold at night. But Hilo may be completely different, just prepare for any weather.

Its much like Oregon. Cool, approx. mid 60's and high 70's. Rainy like you said too!
Youre going at the wrong time though. Theres a massive Hula Competition called the Merrie Monarch the first weekend in April. Dancers have called it the Olympics of Hula. try to see if you can stay an extra week. Groups from all over Hawaii will be competing.

http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/abo...

Good shoes for walking. You will definately want to get up to Akaka Falls, as well as down to Volcano. Lots of walking both places.

Bring a light sweater for Volcanoes Park and at night (very light cotton). Otherwise, short sleeve should be fine, but no polyester, it will be too clingy. You will want to go to the Kona side, which will be hot and sunny, so take shorts, too. Be sure your shoes are well-worn in, as you'll be doing lots of walking!