The invention discloses a process for preparing hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) by means of catalytic hydrogenation. The process includes preparing Pd-NiO / SiO2 catalysts by the aid of impregnation processes by SiO2 used as a carrier; catalytically hydrogenating tetrahydrophthalic anhydride in a trickle-bed reactor to prepare the hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). The process has the advantages that the optimal reaction conditions and process parameters are explored; the SiO2-supported Pd and Ni binary-metal catalysts are adopted, the activity of the catalysts is appropriately deteriorated, the hydrogen partial pressures are increased, and accordingly the selectivity of the hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) which is a target product can be effectively improved; hydrogen can flow into the trickle-bed reactor from an upper location, a middle location and a lower location, accordingly, reaction layout is uniform and controllable, and side reaction can be reduced; heat generating reaction is carried out during catalyst hydrogenation, the internal circulation speed of the hydrogen in the reactor can be increased, the hydrogen is used as a heat transfer medium, accordingly, reaction heat can be timely transferred, local overheating phenomena can be effectively prevented, and the side reaction can be reduced.