Hilo cruise port 15+ things to do nearby + how far is everything? Big Island Hawaii travel blog
Table Of Content

Kauai (Nawiliwili) and the Big Island (Kona and Hilo) are the only locations with free shuttle service. You can check the Uber app and input a starting point (near cruise port) and end point to get an idea of how much Uber might cost from the Hilo cruise port to where you want to go. Otherwise, if you choose to spend just a couple of hours at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can fit in at least few of these Puna activities. To get to the Puna coast from the national park is about 1 hour.
Kona vs Hilo: Best Area to Stay on the Big Island - Hula Land - Hulaland blog
Kona vs Hilo: Best Area to Stay on the Big Island - Hula Land.
Posted: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Richardson Ocean Park
For example, on the island of Maui, you can drive the winding road to Hana, which takes you through numerous waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Similarly, on the island of Kauai, you can drive to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach and hike the Kalalau Trail for stunning views of the Na Pali Coast. Make sure you research these options ahead of time to make sure they are open, and accepting visitors. Also, make sure you have enough time on shore to get to and from your destination. The cruise ship port in Hilo, Hawaii is located on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and serves as a gateway to the town of Hilo and the surrounding areas.
Cruise ships that visit Hilo
Once you park, you are basically at the waterfalls lookout point. These waterfalls near Hilo are located at Wailuku River State Park. The port of Hilo is located on the east coast of Big Island and is its capital. Hilo is the starting point for excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The sulphuric volcanic steam cloud from lava entering the ocean is unhealthy.
Activities near Hilo Itinerary for one day
My favorite place is Pineapples on Keawe Street in Hilo (great tropical drinks and sea/farm to table style food). If time permits, check out the Tsunami museum before returning to the ship. I argree it would be too much to try to do both HVNP and Akaka Falls...
Snorkeling on the Kona coast

If you want to explore some of the best things to do on the Big Island that are on the Hilo side, it will be best to rent a car. If you choose to go here, keep in mind that some residents are bothered by tourists who show up in their neighborhood. It’s a pretty short drive – point to point might be 30 minutes, but you can make stops along the way. Mauna Loa Road is off the main road just 5 minutes past the main Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance.
Spend the night on the Big Island
The port offers easy access to many of Kauai’s top attractions, including the stunning Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the Wailua River. The port features modern facilities and amenities, including a visitor center, shopping, and dining options. Vehicle rentals are found off-site at the nearby airport in Lihue. In addition to scenic drives, renting a car also allows you to visit attractions that may be difficult to access without your vehicle.
The Kona coast has the best places on the Big Island to go snorkeling. All 3 of our favorite snorkeling spots are south of Kona, at less than a 1-hour drive from central Kona. By the way, there is also OK snorkeling at the Kailua Pier, your landing spot in Kona. When visiting the lava we recommend to take a guided lava tour from a reputable company. Depending on local circumstances you can choose between a lava hike and a lava boat tour.
Where is located the Port of Hilo Cruise Terminal
The cruise ship port in Kona, Hawaii, is on the Big Island’s western coast. It offers visitors access to the charming seaside town of Kailua-Kona and the surrounding attractions. The port is located in the heart of the town, and visitors can easily explore the shops, restaurants, and historic sites on foot. Although we have several suppliers that offer free shuttle service to and from the various piers there may be a benefit if you are willing to take a taxi. Firstly, a lower rate may be available from a supplier that does not provide shuttle service at all.
Furthermore, you can find Hawaiian history and culture in the Puʻuhonua O Honaunau National Park. This park, also known as the City of Refuge, is mere steps away from one of our favorite snorkeling spots. Some of our favorite beaches are Kua Bay, Hapuna Beach, and Waialea Bay. Driving further north takes you to the scenic Hamakua coast and ultimately to the dramatic cliffs of Waipiʻo valley. 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.
This is one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, and it will start to take you a bit north of Hilo town. If you have rented a car, a shuttle will take you to the airport where you can take possession of the car. Hopefully it works as well for you...we’ve used the Hilo Enterprise off-airport site location for under $40 each time.
Once you have rented a car, you can set out to explore the island. In Hawaii, there are numerous scenic drives that will take you through breathtaking landscapes of lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling coastlines. Pick up some food and set off in your rental car for a mini road trip to the beaches in north or south Kona. Driving times are approximate and just to give you an idea!
If this is the case you will have to book an interisland flight to your next port in Hawaii. This will likely be a car rental company that’s located at the Hilo airport. This is the Big Island’s newest black sand beach, created in 2018 because of the lava flows. This is at one end of the Red Road for another one of the black sand beaches you can see along the Puna coast.
This is located right down the road a few minutes from the other Hilo beach, Carlsmith beach park. To get the most out of your visit to Hilo, you really need a car or to do a tour. You just won’t be experiencing the Big Island (or Hawaii) just by walking around Hilo town. Back in Hilo stop for a photo op at Rainbow Falls, really, no more than 10 minutes, then have a bite to eat...
Below you can find information on getting from the cruise ship to the rental car agency for both Hilo and Kona. If your second day (boarding) is in Kona, you should keep in mind that some car rental companies are located at the Kona Airport. Note also that if Kona is your second port there is the possibility waters are too rough to tender.
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. We only hit Volcanoes National Park and a little lunch and shopping as we'd been to the falls before. No credit card information is required until you pick up the vehicle. You have no obligation to use the reservation and there is no penalty for cancellations. All vehicles will be newer models with automatic transmissions and air conditioning.
With a population of less than 75,000, Kauaʻi is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history.
Comments
Post a Comment