4.7 / 5
Hilo is one of Hawaii’s most rewarding cruise destinations for travelers who love nature, culture, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Set on the eastern side of the Big Island, it feels worlds away from the resort-heavy image many visitors imagine when they think of Hawaii. Here, a single day can take you from tropical rainforest to a black sand beach, with waterfalls and volcanic landscapes in between.
Whether you’re hoping to explore the outdoors, spot wildlife, take a scenic drive, or learn more about Hawaiian history, Shore Excursions Group offers plenty of ways to pack a surprising amount of Hilo into one day.
Why Visit Hilo, Hawaii?
Hilo offers a side of Hawaii that’s easy to miss if you only visit the beach resorts. The city sits on a lush coastline shaped by volcanoes, frequent rainfall, and centuries of Hawaiian culture.
Instead of rows of souvenir shops, you’ll find national parks, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and local landmarks that tell the story of the island. However you like to explore, there’s plenty to keep your day interesting.
What Makes Hilo Unique?
One of Hilo’s biggest draws is how much variety sits within easy reach of the cruise ship. In one day, you can walk across ancient lava fields, step inside a massive lava tube, stand beside a roaring waterfall, and still have time to stroll through a historic garden or waterfront park.
The city blends powerful natural landscapes with Hawaiian history and local culture. Places like Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Coconut Island offer beautiful surroundings while giving visitors a glimpse into what makes Hilo different from the rest of the islands.
One thing to keep in mind: Hilo’s lush windward location also means rain showers can pop up throughout the year. Try to plan outdoor activities for the morning when possible and always keep a lightweight rain jacket handy. The upside? That frequent rainfall is a big part of what keeps the area’s rainforests and waterfalls so lush.
Is Hilo Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Hilo is a great choice for cruise travelers who want to experience more of the Big Island beyond its beaches. A single-port day can take you from natural wonders and wildlife encounters to Hawaii’s historic and cultural sites.
The other advantage is how much you can see without spending your entire day on the road. With the right itinerary, you can experience some of Hilo’s biggest highlights and still make it back to the ship comfortably. That makes Hilo an easy port to tailor to your interests—and a place where getting off the ship is well worth your time.
If you’d rather leave the planning to someone else, Hilo shore excursions make it easy to visit many of the area’s highlights without worrying about transportation or timing.
Quick Overview of Top Experiences
Hilo is the kind of stop where your day can take several different directions. For many visitors, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the main event. Others prefer a more relaxed day built around waterfalls, gardens, coastal scenery, or wildlife. The key is choosing how much ground you want to cover—and how much time you want to spend simply taking in the views.
Best Things To Do In Hilo, Hawaii
Packed with natural beauty, Hilo offers up famous landmarks to quieter spots that often surprise first-time visitors. These are some of the area’s highlights.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If it’s your first visit to the Big Island, this belongs at the top of your list. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets you see the island’s volcanic origins up close, including the iconic Kilauea volcano.
You’ll also see vast lava fields, massive craters, native forests, and fascinating geological features such as the Thurston lava tube. It’s one of those places that makes you appreciate just how dynamic the Hawaiian Islands really are.
Visit Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of Hilo’s signature sights, and it earns the wow factor. Water pours over an 80-foot lava cliff into a pool surrounded by tropical greenery. Visit in the morning, and you might catch the colorful rainbow that gives the falls its name.
Discover Black Sand Beaches
Hawaii has plenty of beautiful beaches, but black sand always gets a second look. Formed by volcanic activity, these striking shorelines create a gorgeous, dramatic contrast against the turquoise ocean. Keep an eye out for sea turtles—they’re frequent visitors to several beaches around Hilo. Many cruisers also enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities in these areas.
Explore Hilo Bay and Coconut Island
For a slower pace, head to Hilo Bay. Its calm waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or soaking in the surroundings. Just offshore, Coconut Island attracts visitors and locals alike to its grassy park and picnic pavilions. Historically the site of a sacred temple, it offers an easy stroll, sweeping ocean views, and a chance to learn a bit about the area’s history and culture while enjoying the fresh sea air.
Best Day Trips From Hilo
While Hilo itself has plenty to see, some of the Big Island’s most memorable sights are just beyond town. These guided tours make it easy to explore more of the island without worrying about maps, driving, or getting back to the ship on time.
Experience Hawaii’s Volcanic Wonders
For many visitors, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tops the list. The small group journey through volcano country provides an excellent introduction to the geological and cultural significance of the Big Island.
Head across lava landscapes while you learn the stories behind the island’s volcanic past. Along the way, you’ll also sample a few local favorites, adding a tasty stop to a day filled with unforgettable sights.
Explore Lava Formations and Hidden Natural Sites
If you’re fascinated by the island’s volcanic origins, the adventure through Hilo’s frozen fire landscapes is a great fit. You’ll explore the Kaumana lava tubes, black sand beaches, coastal gardens, and dramatic rock formations that reveal how centuries of volcanic activity shaped the Big Island. It’s an easy way to experience some of Hilo’s most striking landscapes in a single outing.
Discover Hilo’s Waterfalls
Hilo’s abundant rainfall keeps its waterfalls flowing year-round, making them one of the area’s biggest highlights. Tours often combine these beautiful cascades with scenic drives, tropical gardens, and historic landmarks, giving you a relaxing way to experience a different side of the island.
Cruise Along the Coastline
Seeing Hilo from the water offers up a whole new experience. Boat tours pass by dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and stretches of coastline that aren’t as easy to appreciate from land. Along the way, you’ll learn about Hawaiian history and local marine life that make this side of the Big Island so distinctive.
Best Things To Do In Hilo By Travel Style
One of this island’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. Whether you’re chasing adventure, traveling with the family, or simply looking for a relaxing day ashore, there’s a Hilo cruise excursion to match your style.
First-Time Visitors
If this is your first time on the Big Island, start with the classics. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and a scenic drive introduce you to the landscapes that make Hilo unlike anywhere else in Hawaii. You’ll leave with a great feel for the island, even if you’re only in port for the day.
Families
Hilo makes it easy to keep everyone entertained. Kids love spotting sea turtles, exploring lava tubes, and seeing waterfalls up close, while adults appreciate the island’s beautiful scenery and laid-back pace. Many attractions are easy to combine into a fun, stress-free day.
Couples
For couples, Hilo offers a quieter, more relaxed side of Hawaii. Stroll through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, take a scenic coastal drive, or enjoy a boat tour with sweeping ocean views. It’s the kind of place where slowing down feels like part of the experience.
Nature Lovers
If your ideal vacation involves spending as much time outdoors as possible, Hilo won’t disappoint. Volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and abundant wildlife are all within easy reach, giving you plenty to explore during your visit.
Seniors
Hilo is well suited for travelers who prefer sightseeing without an action-packed schedule. Scenic drives, accessible waterfalls, beautiful gardens, and cultural landmarks let you experience many of the area’s highlights at a comfortable pace.
Experience Hilo With Shore Excursions Group
Hilo has a way of surprising visitors. One moment you’re walking across ancient lava fields, the next you’re standing beside a waterfall or watching sea turtles along the coast. It’s a port that packs an incredible amount of natural beauty and adventure into a single stop.
If you want to see several of the area’s top sights, the volcano and Hilo highlights adventure is an easy way to experience the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, the Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and other scenic viewpoints without worrying about the logistics.
Prefer spending more time on the water? This guided snorkeling experience among sea turtles and coastal lagoons includes two snorkeling stops for double the up-close looks at Hilo’s vibrant marine life.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to the Big Island, Hilo always has something new to discover. Explore all available tours with Shore Excursions Group and experience more of the Big Island during your time in port.
