Hilo is a town on Hawaii’s ‘Big Island’. With lush surroundings, volcanic activity and beautiful coastline, there is plenty to see when visiting via a shore excursion from a cruise ship, or when island hopping on your own. If you’re looking at what to do in Hilo for a day, or on a cruise excursion, here are our recommendations and experiences.
Exploring the Big Island on a Cruise Excursion
There are lots of ways to explore the Big Island and Hilo town, but one of the most efficient ways for those visiting by cruise ship is to take a highlight tour. This takes in some of the highlights of Hilo and the Big Island in one friendly and convenient itinerary. We chose a tour from Viator that was designed specifically for cruise passengers.
Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo Downtown
Banyan Drive is a road in Hilo, lined by Banyan trees planted by famous people. Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart, and Louis Armstrong are just a few. This drive is also known as the ‘Hilo Walk of Fame’, and its trees have survived otherwise devastating tsunamis.
Next, we saw the Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese style garden dedicated to the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. With little stone bridges, flowering plant life, and winding creeks, it is a very picturesque location!
Rainbow Falls
Surrounded by leafy, flowering greens, the Rainbow Falls descend. It is 80 feet (24 meters) tall, and there is no fee to experience them. According to Hawaiian legend, a moon goddess resides in the cave behind the falls. Under the sunlight, a rainbow often forms in the falls, creating a magical scene.
While you’re there, look for the big yellow flowers. These beautiful Hawaiian Hibiscus are the Hawaii State Flower, and really do make every scene a bit brighter.
Big Island Candies
Big Island Candies is a candy company specializing in scrumptious cookies, chocolates and candies. Upon arrival, we were given samples of coffee and chocolate, which were delicious.
We also got to watch the yummy treats be prepared in the kitchen. This particular store served ice cream and smoothies as well, We brought home lots of candies as souvenirs from our time on the island.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which are among the world’s most active volcanoes. It is the eleventh national park in the United States, and the Hawaiian goddess Pele was once believed to live in Kīlauea.
From a distance, we watched steam rise from Crater Rim – we could feel the heat even at this distance. The alien landscape is punctuated by lava formations, steaming volcanic activity, and the occasional hardy tree that survives in the sulphurous earth. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating place to visit, and we were thrilled to have this area included in the tour.
Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube
The Nahuku-Thurston caves were formed 500 years ago by rivers of lava. Inside, orange lights cast a dim glow, giving the affect of real lava. Aside from the stairs to enter an exit, it is a rather easy walk, just watch out for the water puddles!
Venturing through these tunnels felt like stepping inside an ancient castle. I would definitely recommend experiencing these lava tubes when you visit Hilo and the Big Island.
Richardson Black Sand Beach
Yes, the sand is pure black! It is made of powdered volcanic rock, stretching out before the ocean with an occasional tree. Green sand can also be seen, and there are a few small ponds in the area as well. Big rocks are scattered across the beach, and sea turtles and monk seals can sometimes be seen.
Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Hilo Highlights
Our excursion in Hilo was a fun-filled adventure. We encountered so many beautiful views, and things we don’t see every day, such as volcanoes and black sand beaches. I would recommend bringing a raincoat, since light rain occurred every now and then. But the rain does not take anything from Hilo’s beauty!
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