Hey cruisers, Justin here! If you’re planning a cruise on the Pride of America and making a stop in Hilo, this guide will help you navigate every part of Hilo’s cruise port and make the most of your visit. From leaving the ship to the best things to see and do, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the ultimate guide to Hilo’s cruise port. Be ready with a rain poncho just in case, it is normal in Hilo to have rain at some point of the day. You can buy them for $3 each from the ship or buy a 5 pack here on Amazon and have some for the group.
Arriving at the Port
When you arrive in Hilo, the Pride of America docks at the Port of Hilo, which is conveniently located close to the town. You will be getting off on deck 3 mid-ship again.
NOTE: For NCL Volcanoes National Park Tours/Zipline I marked in on the map above to try and save guests some time. Make sure you right when you first get off the ship and head to the terminal building you will see tour operators with blue shirts. They are directing the NCL Volcanoes tour into that area. Do NOT go past security into the other part of the terminal building if you have that tour. Otherwise you will have to get checked through security to get back to where the tour picks loads up. All other NCL tours and private tours will meet past security in the marked waiting areas for the tours.
- Pride of America Port Address: Port of Hilo, 80 Kuhio St. Hilo, HI 96720, USA
- Schedule: Arrives 8 AM Tuesday morning, Departs 6 PM Tuesday night
- Location: The Port of Hilo is on the eastern side of the Big Island, near the town center. It’s just a short drive from many of the island’s main attractions. This is not really a port to walk around and explore. If your on your own take a quick Taxi to the downtown Hilo Farmers Market.
- Facilities: The port area has basic facilities such as restrooms, and a waiting area.
- Beach Towels and Water: Just like the previous ports you will have a tent setup outside just past the gangway so you can take beach towels for the day.
Getting Around
Once you’ve arrived at the port, you’ll need to figure out how to get around. There are several options available, depending on your plans for the day.
- Shuttles: There is a Free Wal-Mart shuttle that normally runs here every 30 minutes or so if you need basic items or even Hawaii souvenirs . There will be a sign post for it and a seating area just before you leave the terminal building. Watch for when it pulls up and normally security will wave people over too.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. These are good options if you prefer not to drive. For Uber and Lyft pick up you need to walk just a short distance as shown on the map. Most can drop you back off inside if they have approval.
- Hoppa on Hoppa off: They operate right out of the terminal building and the main office is just to the left out of the port. You will want to make sure a schedule this ahead of time. It is a more affordable option than NCL similar tours. I highly recommend them from hearing from guests experience when I worked on the pier. They offer a Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off City Tour and Ultimate Volcano Tour that is worth checking out!
- Rental Cars: Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Hilo. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season. If you need to head to the airport area to get your rental car it is not far from the port by Taxi. The airport is where most of your helicopter tours will meet.
Things to Do Near the Port
If you’re looking to stay close to the port, there are plenty of things to see and do without venturing too far, but this is NOT a walk around friendly port make sure to have cash and be ready to take a Taxi or Uber.
- Liliuokalani Gardens: Just a short drive from the port, this beautiful Japanese garden offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths, ponds, and traditional Japanese structures.
- Queen Liliuokalani Park: Adjacent to the gardens, this park is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers beautiful views of Hilo Bay.
- Hilo Farmers Market: Located in downtown Hilo, the farmers market is a great place to find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food.
- Coconut Island: A small island in Hilo Bay, Coconut Island is a great spot for picnicking, swimming, and enjoying the views. It’s easily accessible from Liliuokalani Gardens.
Exploring Hilo
Hilo is known for its lush landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in hiking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Waterfalls
Hilo is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- Rainbow Falls: Located just a few minutes from downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a stunning 80-foot waterfall. It’s easily accessible and offers a beautiful view, especially in the morning when rainbows can often be seen in the mist.
- Akaka Falls: A bit further from town, Akaka Falls is a must-see. The falls plunge 442 feet into a lush gorge. A short hike through the rainforest takes you to a viewing platform.
- Pe’epe’e Falls: Near Rainbow Falls, Pe’epe’e Falls is another beautiful waterfall that’s worth a visit. The Boiling Pots, a series of terraced pools, are located just downstream.
Volcanoes
One of the most unique features of the Big Island is its active volcanoes. Here are some ways to explore them:
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: This national park is home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You can explore the park’s trails, visit the Jaggar Museum, and see the Halema’uma’u Crater.
- Volcano Winery: Located near the national park, Volcano Winery offers wine tasting and tours. It’s a great way to relax after exploring the volcanoes.
Beaches
While Hilo is not as famous for its beaches as other parts of Hawaii, there are still some beautiful spots to enjoy the ocean.
- Richardson Ocean Park: Known for its black sand beach, Richardson Ocean Park is a great place for snorkeling and swimming. The park also has picnic areas and restrooms.
- Carlsmith Beach Park: This beach park offers calm waters and is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also known for its resident sea turtles.
- Onekahakaha Beach Park: A family-friendly beach with a large tidepool that’s perfect for young children. The park also has picnic areas and restrooms.
Cultural Experiences
Hilo has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to experience it during your visit.
- Pacific Tsunami Museum: Learn about the history of tsunamis in the Pacific and their impact on Hilo. The museum offers exhibits and educational programs.
- Imiloa Astronomy Center: Located on the University of Hawaii’s Hilo campus, the Imiloa Astronomy Center offers exhibits and shows about Hawaiian culture and astronomy.
- Lyman Museum and Mission House: This museum offers exhibits on Hawaii’s natural and cultural history. The adjacent mission house is a restored 19th-century home.
Tours and NCL Excursions
If you prefer guided tours and excursions, there are plenty of options to choose from in Hilo. I would advise guests to see the Volcanoes here and not do the Volcano tour for Kona. You will miss being able to enjoy Kona and be on a bus driving all the way back around towards Hilo. If you are mainly doing it for a black sand beach then head to Richardson Ocean Park or do a Road to Hana tour that takes you to the one in Maui. Below you will see the pricing at that time and general time frames for NCL Hilo Excursions.
- Helicopter Tours: See Hilo and the surrounding area from above with a helicopter tour. You’ll get an aerial view of the volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastline.
One tour note from comments I received while working Shore Excursions on the ship was that Volcano Express & Gardens felt too rushed and that is was not enough Volcano and it was too much of the gardens. I would direct guests to the regular VNP tour over this one.
Another tour that I need to mention is Hilo Explorer. I do NOT recommend this tour. I would do the Hoppa on Hoppa off or just taxi to these areas and enjoy my own time. When this tour first came out I wasn’t thrilled with it being an option for the price and the amount of complaints it would receive weekly. I think it was NCL trying to compete with Hoppa on Hoppa off but they just missed the mark here in my opinion.
It normally always rains in Hilo but remember the tours will run rain or shine unless canceled by the tour operator. It can be chilly sometimes at the higher elevations with the rain so make sure to use layering.
Dining in Hilo
Hilo has a fantastic food scene, with options ranging from casual beachside cafes to fine dining restaurants. Here are a few recommendations:
- Cafe Pesto: Located in downtown Hilo, Cafe Pesto offers a menu of delicious pizzas, pastas, and seafood dishes. It’s a great place for a casual meal.
- Pineapples: This open-air restaurant in downtown Hilo offers a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes. Try their famous Pineapple Boat, a half pineapple filled with stir-fried rice.
- Hilo Bay Cafe: Located on the waterfront, Hilo Bay Cafe offers a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes. The restaurant has beautiful views of Hilo Bay.
- Two Ladies Kitchen: If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit Two Ladies Kitchen for their famous mochi. They offer a variety of flavors, including fresh fruit-filled mochi.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
To help you make the most of your time in Hilo, here are a few practical tips:
- Book Excursions Early: Hilo is a popular destination, and tours and activities can fill up quickly. Be sure to book your excursions in advance to ensure you get a spot.
- It will rain! bring a poncho!
- Pack Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sun can be intense, so be sure to pack plenty of reef safe sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Rent a Car: If you plan to do a lot of exploring, renting a car is a great option. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
- Respect the Environment: Hawaii is known for its beautiful natural environment, and it’s important to do your part to protect it. Be sure to follow all guidelines and regulations, and leave no trace when you visit parks and beaches.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Mahalo, and happy cruising!
