Hilo is a port of call on year-round Hawaii itineraries, with Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, and Costa calling there as the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Set on the eastern shore of the Big Island, Hilo unfolds beneath misty green slopes shaped by frequent rainfall and volcanic soil. The town's low-key charm shows in its historic downtown of early twentieth-century storefronts, the shaded canopy of Banyan Drive, and Rainbow Falls, just a short drive from the pier. A waterfront farmers market offers tropical fruit, orchids, and local crafts, giving visitors a genuine taste of island life.
Hilo also serves as the principal gateway to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea and its dramatic volcanic terrain, as well as the high-altitude observatories atop Mauna Kea. Botanical gardens and Akaka Falls lie within easy reach for those exploring the surrounding rainforest. Compact and walkable near the harbor, Hilo rewards travelers who want both quiet coastal scenery and access to some of the Pacific's most striking natural wonders.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Hilo.
Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Drive the Crater Rim Road past steaming vents and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube for a firsthand look at the island's volcanic core. Allow at least half a day, as the park sits nearly an hour from the pier.
Walk the Akaka Falls Loop
A paved half-mile loop trail through bamboo and wild ginger leads to two waterfalls, including the 442-foot Akaka Falls. Easy to reach by car in about 30 minutes, it's a rewarding short hike for any fitness level.
Stroll Liliuokalani Gardens
This Edo-style Japanese garden along Banyan Drive offers koi ponds, stone lanterns, and a pedestrian bridge to Coconut Island, all within easy walking distance of the harbor. It's a peaceful counterpoint to the town's volcanic drama.
