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After soaking in the sun, head to the Liliuokalani Gardens, a beautiful Japanese-style garden located along Hilo Bay. Here, you can stroll along winding pathways, cross charming footbridges, and admire the picturesque views of the bay. To make the most of your time at the Hilo Cruise Port, consider booking a shore excursion through your cruise line. There are many options available, from guided hikes through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to scenic drives along the Hamakua Coast.
Beach Snorkel at Black Sand Lagoon with Turtles
Although the observatories are not open to the public, the Visitor Information Station at the 9,200-foot level offers stargazing programs and informative talks about the universe. Alternatively, you can join a guided stargazing tour that includes transportation, telescopes, and knowledgeable guides to help you navigate the night sky. While visiting the Big Island, you won't want to miss the opportunity to explore Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two of the most iconic mountains in the Hawaiian Islands. Both mountains offer a variety of activities, from stargazing at the Mauna Kea Observatories to hiking the numerous trails that crisscross the slopes of Mauna Loa. For an extra special experience, book a guided tour to summit Mauna Kea and witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset from the highest point in Hawaii. Hilo is the departure point for shore excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
What to Expect at Hawaii Cruise Ports
Protected by a wall of lava offshore, Richardson has a large calm, clear pool for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Located on Hilo’s Banyan Drive is the largest ornamental Japanesegarden outside Japan. The 24.4 acres, Queen Liliuokalani Park Garden isdedicated to honoring the Japanese community of Hawaii. This community migratedto Hilo during the sugarcane and pineapple plantation era. Amenities like parking, showers,and, picnic tables are also available. This drive spots one-lane bridges and an old donkey trail that leads to the water.
Ocean Adventures And Marine Life:
Speaking of waterfalls, another famous fall is the Waiānuenue(rainbow falls state park). This is one of the most accessible waterfalls inHilo which makes it a lovely stop while on the island. I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do.
Hilo Harbor is one of the two commercial harbors on the Big Island. The harbor provides a wide range of maritime facilities and services. Both overseas and inter-island ships and barges make regular calls at Hilo Harbor. Not far from Hilo is the factory of the world’s leading producer of macadamia nuts. A tour of the plant is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. Other cruise lines that dock in Hilo are likely similar, but check your Hawaii cruise itinerary to be sure to help better plan out your day.
Shore Excursions
Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island. A Hawaii cruise is a great way to explore the breathtaking islands of Hawaii. It allows you to easily hop from one island to another as you visit the beautiful beaches of Maui, the lush rainforests of Kauai, and the volcanic landscape of the Big Island.
Queen Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
On a practical note, Hilo has notoriously wet weather, so pack a travel umbrella. Also, resist any urge to take a souvenir rock from Volcanoes National Park. They are considered to have a spiritual quality, and the park is their home. The Hilo post office receives dozens of packages of returned rocks each year from folks who believe they were the cause of bad luck.
Located less than 7 miles from Hilo, The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden has a tropical rainforest, waterfalls, streams and a view of the ocean coastline. With over 2,500 species of tropical plants, you can take a self-guided tour that will take about an hour and a half, unless you like to stop and smell the orchids. For a taste of the Big Island's history and culture, visit the Lyman Museum, located in downtown Hilo.
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Hilo Cruise Port: The Gateway To A Hawaiian Paradise
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The city has views of two shield (domed) volcanos; Mauna Kea, which is dormant, and Mauna Loa, which is active. Welcome to Hilo, a lush paradise on the Big Island of Hawaii. Explore the stunning natural wonders of Volcanoes National Park, witness the power of Kilauea Volcano, or take a scenic helicopter ride over the mesmerizing landscapes.
Along the path enjoy hundreds of different species of plantsincluding orchids, bromeliads, palm trees, and more. If you are thereafter a rainy period, you will enjoy thewaterfalls full potential, a roaring massive fall, showing the might of theWailuku river. While perusing stalls of woodwork, glasswork,clothing, and jewelry. To 4 p.m, you can visit Hilo Farmers Market, stroll around checking out its over 200 stands.
Please note due to the latest Kilauea eruption, the park iscurrently closed. A gorgeous landscape of blacklava sands with a green jungle background meeting the dark blue pacific waters. Located in the historic Koehnen building, the discovery centerfeatures a 3500-gallons-seawater-aquarium that houses a sample of wildlife fromthese Hawaiian Islands. On the corner of Kamehameha and Waianuenue Avenue is theMokupapapa Discovery Center. A center that showcases the science, history, andculture of the Northwestern islands of Hawaii. While this site if beautiful, tranquil, and a must-visit when inHilo, it’s pretty dangerous too.
There are chances toexplore Hilo’s sugarcane plantation history and even see the aftermaths of atsunami at Laupahoehoe. This is an incredible highlight of Hilo, that youshouldn’t miss. The peculiar trees which feature aerial roots are intriguing toexplore. Take a closer look at the banyan trees and their thick canopy, whichadds to the charm of the place. Banyan Drive is located on the shoreline of Hilo and quite easy tolocate. Go on a road trip along Hilo’s most scenic highway, the PepeekeoScenic Drive.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a helicopter tour to witness the park's dramatic landscape from above. The Big Island's lush landscape and unique climate make it an ideal location for botanical gardens and tropical flora. Wander through the well-maintained trails, marvel at the vibrant orchids, and admire the serene waterfalls that grace this lush paradise. The Big Island is famous for its black sand beaches, formed by the erosion of lava rock. Visit one of these unique beaches near the Hilo Cruise Port for a truly unforgettable beach experience.
Your rental car will need to be picked up at the airport which is about 10 minutes away. Located at the cruise terminal are taxis that will take you to downtown Hilo. The port is mainly a large cargo and container facility that serves all of the Big Island so facilities for cruisers are limited. Ships dock 2 miles east of downtown at the piers in Kuhio Bay.
