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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations โ€บ Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island) Cruise Port Guide

Complete guide to Hilo, Hawaii cruise port โ€” Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, black sand beaches, and the lush rainforest side of the Big Island.

The fiftieth state of the United States, Hawaii is almost 2,500 miles from the mainland of the United States.ย 

The port town of Hilo is the county seat on the Hawaiian island (also known as the Big Island) and overlooks Hilo Bay. Located on the northeastern side of the island, Hilo has rainforests, waterfalls and beautiful gardens. The city has views of two shield (domed) volcanos; Mauna Kea, which is dormant, and Mauna Loa, which is active.ย 

Not far from Hilo is the factory of the worldโ€™s leading producer of macadamia nuts. A tour of the plant is one of the islandโ€™s main tourist attractions.

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.ย 

The State of Hawaiiโ€™s Harbor Division within the Department of Transportation owns and operates the three piers within Hilo Harbor. Hilo is about 2.5 miles from the Hilo International Airport.

Good To Know

Keep an umbrella handy on this part of the Big Island. Because of its location, Hilo is rainy most times of the year, and gets rain on the average of 236 days a year.ย 

If offered a lei, please accept it. Declining a lei is considered an insult in Hawaii. When done with the lei, remove the string and scatter the flower on the earth or water.

If you visit Hawaii, do NOT pick up any rocks or sand to take home. Hawaiianโ€™s feel very strongly that everything has a life force and that rocks and sand are sacred. It is hugely disrespectful to move, disturb or take the sand and rocks that have such a deep meaning to the Hawaiian people.

[caption id="attachment_18064" align="aligncenter" width="799"]Sign that says: "Hikiau Heiau - This site is sacred to to the Hawaiian people. Please show respect. Do not move, remove, or wrap the rocks. Stay on trails and off the fragile rock walls. PRESERVE HAWAII'S PAST FOR THE FUTURE It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10.000. (HRS, Chapter 6E-11). Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks Photo by Flickr User: J. Stephen Conn โ€“ http://bit.ly/2ya9qmu[/caption]

Check out ย excursions in Hilo, Hawaii.

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Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go: Hilo is a real Hawaiian city (not a tourist resort town) with genuine local character, excellent farmers markets, and some of the Big Island's most authentic restaurants. The drive to Volcanoes National Park is 30 miles (45 min). Check volcano activity updates at nps.gov/havo before your port day. All Hilo attractions are in USD โ€” no currency exchange needed.

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Hot Tip

Go to Hilo Farmers Market (Wednesday and Saturday, 7:30am) before heading to the volcano โ€” it's one of the best farmers markets in Hawaii with extraordinary tropical fruit, macadamia products, local honey, and flowers. Even on a brief port call it's worth 30 minutes of your time.

Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island) โ€“ Quick Facts

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Currency<p>In Hilo you will be able to get WiFi at Starbucks, and numerous cafes such as Sweet Cane, Just Cruisin, Vibe and also at the Public Library.</p>
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Language<p>The official currency is the U.S. dollar. There are ATMs everywhere on the island. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere.</p>
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WiFi & Phone<p>English is the standard for everyday use, but Hawaiian is the official language of Hawaii.</p>
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Where You DockHilo Harbor Cruise Terminal, Hilo, Hawaii
HILO WEATHER

Where You Dock in Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

Ships dock 2 miles east of downtown at the piers in Kuhio Bay. It is possible to walk downtown, but youโ€™d need to walk through an industrial area.ย 

The port is mainly a large cargo and container facility that serves all of the Big Island so facilities for cruisers are limited.

Passengers are usually greeted by the locals and perform traditional music and dances. These local welcomers will have maps, brochures and be able to give overall guidance.

Getting Around Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Transportation options once you're ashore.

Public transport on the Big Island is rather limited, so if you want to explore, a rental car is the best way.ย 

 

Walking

 

The terminal facility is about 2 miles from the townโ€™s center. While the route between the cruise ship and downtown is walkable, part of that walk is through the townโ€™s industrial zone. It takes about an hour to make the 2 mile walk into town. There are no sidewalks and it is not very scenic, so you might want to consider alternatives.ย 

 

Shuttles

 

The days that there are cruise ships stopping in port, there is a free shuttle that transports passengers to a local farmers market for the first part of the morning, usually until about 11am.ย 

 

There are also complimentary shuttles that go to Hilo Hatties, which is the stateโ€™s largest retailer of Hawaiian fashions. There is also a Walmart in the shopping plaza there and Walmart is one of the sponsors of the free shuttle.ย 

 

Buses

 

Near the portโ€™s main entrance, there is a bus stop for the islandโ€™s Hele On Bus. It will be marked Keaukaha. This bus line starts running hourly at about 7:00 am with the last run back to the ship at 4:00 pm. It will depart from the Keaukah Market just outside the port exit to the Hilo Information Center, which is downtown.ย 

 

Just keep in mind as with other such island services, double check times and know that they run on โ€œisland time.โ€ย ย 

 

Taxis

 

Located at the cruise terminal are taxis that will take you to downtown Hilo.

 

Here is a list of Taxis services in Hilo, Hawaii

 

Uber and Lyft operate in Hilo, too.ย 

 

Rental Cars

 

If you choose to rent a car, the reservation must be made in advance. Your rental car will need to be picked up at the airport which is about 10 minutes away.ย 

 

The airport has Enterprise, Budget and Expedia will also help you look for and book a reservation.ย 

 

Things To Do in Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Make the most of your time ashore.

The downtown area has a small-town feel that is charming. The information center will be the place to get info about a self-guided walking tour.ย 

 

If you want to prepare for a walking tour in advance, you can download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. With the help of the easy-to-use interface of the app you can create self-guided walks to explore Hilo. Each such walk comes with a detailed route map and GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

 

An annual week-long Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's preeminent hula competition and festival, which brings in visitors and participants from all over the world. It is held in the spring of each year beginning on Easter Sunday.

 

The local orchid society hosts the largest and most comprehensive orchid show in the state, the annual Hilo Orchid Show, which has been presented since 1951 and draws visitors and entrants worldwide.ย 

 

Beaches

The Bayfront Beach in downtown Hilo is not the best stretch of beach in the town. There are two other beaches that are better for exploring - Richardson's Ocean Park and Onekahakaha Beach Park. Please remember not to scoop up any of the black sand to take home. Leave it on the beach.ย 

 

Richardsonโ€™s Ocean Park

 

A favorite of the locals, this is the place favored for surfing as it has fairly gentle waters. This area is part of a marine conservation district and so you might see some dolphins, sea turtles or if you are lucky, a humpback whale. This beach is good for snorkeling and swimming. There are restrooms, showers and lifeguards.ย 

 

Onekahakaha Beach Park

 

Small and shallow, this sand-bottomed ocean pool is great for the kiddos. Considered one of the safest swimming areas on the Hilo coast, it has wide pools and inlets. There are some areas of white sand and there is easy access to the water. This area has restrooms and lifeguards.ย 

 

People in the water surrounded by black rocky beach and trees Richardson's Ocean Park - lovebigisland.com

Museums

Pacific Tsunami Museum

 

The museum is in an old bank building that managed to survive two tsunamis, one in 1946 and one in 1960, that left the town pretty much destroyed. A โ€œwave machineโ€ will let you experience the energy of moving water. There is also a video, shown in the bank vaults, that chronicles the stories of some of the survivors.ย 

 

Lyman Museum And Mission House

 

This museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate. It has displays and information about Hawaiiโ€™s social and natural history. The Mission House was built in the 1830s by missionaries from New England. It is the oldest standing wooden frame house on the island.ย 

 

Lyman Museum Lyman Museum - Credit: Facebook

Parks and Gardens

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 

About a 45 minute drive from the cruise port, this national park has 150 miles of trails and is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the five volcanoes on the island. Kilauea is the most active volcano on earth. The 520 acre park has rangers that lead daily walks in different areas of the park.ย 

 

Lush green foliage surrounding a dirt hiking path Trail in Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

 

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.ย 

 

 

Beaches & Outdoors in Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach (40 min south, past the volcano) is Hawaii's most famous black sand beach โ€” a stunning stretch of jet-black volcanic sand where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly haul out to rest. Do not approach or touch the turtles (protected by federal law). Richardson's Ocean Park near Hilo has good snorkelling in calm water.

Shopping in Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Where to shop and what to look for.

If you are looking for needed, and familiar, everyday items, Hilo has both a Walmart and a Target.

 

The Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo has some other familiar shops. You will find Bath & Body Works, CoCo Nails, Zumiez, GNC, Zales and Regal Cinemas.ย 

 

Hilo Farmers Market - Corner of Kamehameha Avenue andย  Mamo Street

 

Over 200 local farmers and crafters sell their produce, crafts, tropical flowers and gift items. Located in historic downtown Hilo, this is the place to go for fresh, local food and items made by Hawaiian artisans.

 

 

The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo - 256 Kamehameha Avenue

 

Quite an auspicious name for a tiny shop, but this is a favorite with locals and tourists. A wide array of unique gifts and souvenirs are stuffed into this shop. And they must be successful as they have plans to purchase the space next door and expand.ย 

 

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A post shared by Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo (@most_irresistible_shop)

 

Hilo Aloha Wear - 300 Kamehameha Avenue

 

Exactly as the name suggests, this is where you would go to get yourself any type of Hawaiian clothing.ย 

 

Sig Zand Designs - 122 Kamehameha Avenue

 

Designer clothing for men and women with genuine Hawaiian prints.

 

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A post shared by Sig Zane Designs (@sigzanedesigns)

 

Life is Wabi-Sabi - 278 Kilauea Avenue

 

Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese concept that states there is beauty in imperfect objects. This shop carries handmade, unique and one-of-a-kind artwork. There are framed prints, magnets, buttons, t-shirts and more.ย ย 

 

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A post shared by Life is Wabi-Sabi (@lifeis_wabisabi)

 

Hawaiian Island Creations - Prince Kuhio Plaza, Hilo, 111 E Puainako St.

 

This is the store for your surf and skate brands in bags, hats, belts and tank tops.ย 

 

The Knickknackery Antiques and Collectibles - 84 Ponahawai Street

 

If you are looking for vintage Hawaiian, this is the place. They have antiques, and a bit of this and that. A great place to get the little bit quirky, unusual items.ย 

 

Dining in Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

Where to eat and drink ashore.

When looking for a place to get a bite to eat during your day in Hilo, all of the restaurants listed below have great reviews from other travelers. These are just a few of the many places to eat in Hilo.ย 

Pineappleโ€™s Island Fresh Cuisine - 332 Keawe Street

Local cuisine that is vegan friendly. American, Polynesian, Hawaiian and seafood options are available at this bar.ย 

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A post shared by Pineapples Island Fresh (@pineappleshilo)

Moon and Turtle - 51 Kalฤkaua Street

This is a small, cozy restaurant with seafood dishes and fresh local produce. The menu willย  have Japanese, Hawaiian and International options.ย 

Paulโ€™s Place Cafe - 132 Punahoa St

Serving American and Contemporary dishes, Paulโ€™s is vegetarian friendly and has gluten-free options. This is the place to go for an intimate breakfast or lunch. With only three tables you definitely need reservations.ย  Paulโ€™s place has 242 โ€œExcellentโ€ ratings out of 284 on Tripadvisor.

Hilo Bay Cafe - 123 Lihiwai Street

Serving local cuisine, American, Fusion, Sushi and Contemporary, the Hilo Bay Cafe also has sorbet and mochi ice cream.ย 

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A post shared by Hilo Bay Cafe (@hilobaycafe)

Sombatโ€™s Fresh Thai Cuisine - 88 Kanoelehua

You will find multiple curries, pad Thai and papaya salad along with a variety of noodle dishes. The spicy fried rice with beef is a favorite with guests. The only downside is that they're currently only open for dinner.

Puka Puka Kitchen - 270 Kamehameha Ave.

An Asian and Hawaiian themed restaurant, you will also find vegetarian and gluten-free options at Puka Puka.ย  If you would prefer to get a pre-made bento box, you can head to the beach with it.ย 

Bento Box from Puka Puka with rice topped with black sesame seeds, fish, chicken, green beans and salad

Suisan Fish Market - 93 Lihiwai Street

This grocery market is a fantastic place to see different varieties of local fish and is the most affordable and delicious place to try Pokรจ at their take-out window. Pokรจ (which means chunk) is a popular Hawaiian dish made of raw ahi (tuna) mixed with a wide variety of ingredients and soy sauce and sesame oil.ย 

Two Ladies Kitchen - 274 Kilauea Ave

Stop here for mochi, a Japanese dessert made from rice paste. There are over two dozen treats with flavors like passionfruit and strawberry.

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A post shared by Two Ladies Kitchen (@twoladieskitchen)

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Half Day Sportfishing - Kona

Cast off from Hilo for a world-class deep sea fishing adventure in the waters of the Big Island. The Kona Coast is legen...

Book This Tour โ†’

Kona History by Segway

Glide through the historic streets of Kona Town on a Segway and discover the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii's Big Isla...

Book This Tour โ†’

Diamond Head Crater Adventure

Hike to the summit of Diamond Head crater for breathtaking panoramic views of Hawaii's coastline and volcanic landscape....

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Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island) โ€“ FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Hilo Hawaii known for?

Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park โ€” home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The Big Island is also known for its incredible diversity: black sand beaches, snow-capped Mauna Kea, lush rainforests, and coffee and macadamia nut farms.

Can I see lava in Hilo?

It depends on current volcanic activity. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park always has fascinating features โ€” steam vents, lava tube caves, and the Kilauea caldera โ€” even when there is no active surface lava flow. Check the USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory for current activity updates.

What is the best excursion from Hilo?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the must-do excursion from Hilo. Rainbow Falls, the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, and the black sand beaches at Punalu'u are also excellent options.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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