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Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii, USA
The lush, rainy side of the Big Island — where active volcanoes meet towering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and a relaxed small-town vibe that most Hawaii visitors never see.
The lush, rainy side of the Big Island — where active volcanoes meet towering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and a relaxed small-town vibe that most Hawaii visitors never see.
Ships dock at the Port of Hilo's commercial piers, about 2 miles from downtown Hilo. The route to town passes through an industrial zone — most passengers take a taxi, Uber, or shore excursion bus rather than walking.
💡 Pro move: A rental car unlocks the most flexibility: Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls are all reachable independently. Reserve ahead — car rental counters near the port fill fast on ship days.
Hilo is a docked port — no tendering required. Both Pier 1 and Pier 2 are in the commercial harbor, about 2 miles from downtown.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Pier 1, Port of Hilo📍 | Docked |
| Larger ships / overflow | Pier 2, Port of Hilo📍 | Docked |
Hilo's big draw is the natural world: an active volcano 45 minutes away, a string of dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforest gardens, and black-sand beaches patrolled by sea turtles. These are the experiences worth your day.
The must-do from Hilo. Drive into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to see Kilauea Caldera, steam vents, lava fields, and the Nāhuku (Thurston) Lava Tube — a walk-through tunnel formed by ancient lava flows. Active volcanic activity varies, but the landscape is otherworldly regardless.
Find Volcanoes National Park tours →An 80-foot waterfall plunges into a lava rock pool at Wailuku River State Park — best visited on a sunny morning when rainbows arc through the mist. Nearby Peʻepeʻe Falls (Boiling Pots) shows a series of cascading pools in the same gorge. Only 10–15 minutes from port.
Find Rainbow Falls tours →Hawaii's most spectacular single-drop waterfall: 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls plunges into a jungle gorge, accessible via an easy 0.4-mile loop trail through bamboo forest and tropical plants. The smaller 100-foot Kahuna Falls is on the same loop.
Find Akaka Falls tours →Soar over active lava fields, the Kilauea summit crater, black-sand coastlines, and the Hilo side's dense rainforest canopy. A 45–60-minute flight gives perspectives impossible from the ground, including any active lava flows if Kilauea is erupting.
Find helicopter volcano tours →Hilo's historic downtown has kept its 1940s–50s storefronts intact. The Hilo Farmers Market (open daily, busiest Wed & Sat) overflows with local produce, tropical flowers, macadamia nuts, and handmade crafts. The Pacific Tsunami Museum and Lyman Museum are a short walk away.
Find Hilo town tours →A striking black-sand beach at the end of Kalaniana'ole Avenue, known for reliable Hawaiian green sea turtle sightings in the shallows. Good for snorkeling when conditions are calm. About 10–15 minutes from the pier.
Find Hilo beach & snorkel tours →Downtown Hilo is compact and walkable once you're there — but the pier is 2 miles from the action, so plan a taxi or rideshare to start.
A 30-acre Japanese-style garden on Hilo Bay, complete with pagodas, fishponds, and stone lanterns. A footbridge connects to tiny Coconut Island (Mokuola) — a park island in the bay with picnic tables and views back to the city and Mauna Kea. One of the most scenic free strolls in all of Hawaii.
📍 Open in MapsStart at the Hilo Farmers Market on Mamo Street, then stroll the historic downtown along Kamehameha Avenue facing the bay. Look for the 1920s-era storefronts, the old S. Hata Building, and Banyan Drive — a road lined with massive banyan trees planted by celebrities like Amelia Earhart and Babe Ruth in the 1930s.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 75°F / 24°C | 65°F / 18°C | 16 |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 65°F / 18°C | 19 |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 22 |
| Apr | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 24 |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 68°F / 20°C | 25 |
| Jun | 78°F / 26°C | 69°F / 21°C | 24 |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 27 |
| Aug | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 26 |
| Sep | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 23 |
| Oct | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 22 |
| Nov | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 22 |
| Dec | 75°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 22 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.