Aloha, fellow adventurers! Justin here, your go-to guide for all things cruising in Hawaii. Today, we’re exploring the vibrant port of Hilo on the Big Island. Hilo is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unique attractions that you can enjoy without booking a guided tour. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for a laid-back day or an adventurous soul ready to explore, Hilo has something for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the best activities you can do on your own while visiting this Hawaiian port.
Can you get to downtown HIlo?
Yes! make sure to take a taxi or Uber – Lyft. Be ready for rain.
1. 45-50 minute walk, 10 minute drive
2. Plenty of shops and restaurants
3. Walkable once there
4. Hoppa-on Hoppa-off $39 per person
Is there a black sand beach close to the ship?
Yes, Richardson Black Sand Beach
1. 9 minute drive
2. Small black sand beach surrounded by lava rock
3. 20 minute walk 2 minute drive away from Carlsmith Beach
Where are the Japanese Gardens?
Yes the Japanase Liliuokalani Gardens
1. 3 minute drive, 27 minute walk
2. 30-acre park, showcasing Edo-style gardens and koi ponds
Where are the waterfalls near the port in Hilo?
Rainbow Falls
1. 10-15 minute drive 27 minute walk
2. Free of charge
Akaka Falls State Park
1. 20-30 minute drive from the port
2. Moderate activity level
3. Paved path around the entire park
4. Two waterfalls in the path
*Alala Falls 422 foot free fall
*Kahuna Falls: cascading falls $5.00 park entrance fee and $10.00 parking fee.
Is there a mall near the Hilo Port?
Prince Kuhio Plaza
1. 10-15 minute drive
2. Large shopping mall
*Chain stores; similar to malls on the mainland.
What are some good places to eat in Hilo?
1. Pineapples Hilo
*Open-air restaurant downtown, Modern American and Hawaiian cuisine. Known for their Pineapple Pow (a Maui Gold Pineapple cored and filled with Maui’s Organic vodka.
2. Kula Shaved Ice
*Right next to Hilo Farmers market. All shaved ice flavored with organically-grown-sourced fruit and organic cane sugar.
3.Cafe’ Pesto
*Italian comfort food with a twist!
What Museum’s are in Hilo?
Lyman Museum
• Hawaii based natural history museum
• 276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720
o 10 minute drive from the port
• 808.935.5021
Pacific Tsunami Museum
• Museum dedicated to the history of the April 1, 1946 Pacific tsunami and the May 23, 1960 Chilean tsunami, which devastated much of the east coast of the Big Island, especially Hilo.
• 130 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
o 7 minute drive from the port
• 808.935.0926
Hawai’i Plantation Museum
• A history museum just north of Hilo on the Big Island with plantation artifacts, business memorabilia, photographs, newspapers.
• 27-246 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
o 12 minute drive away from port
• 808.964.5151
MokuPapapa Discovery Center
• Educational facility focused on Hawaiian reefs with an aquarium & historical & cultural information.
• 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
o 9 minute drive from the port
• 808.498.4709
