United States of America
- The Basics
- Currency
- Travel Health
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Visa & Passport
-
Cities
- Honolulu
-
Regions
- Big Island
- Kauai
- Lanai
- Maui
- Molokai
-
show more Regions
Hawaii (Hilo) Port of Call

Na Pali Coast © Jeff Kubina
The second largest city in the whole of Hawaii, Hilo is a major
port of call for many cruise ships. The lush and diverse landscape
enchants visitors and the warm and welcoming locals will charm
their way into your hearts.
One cannot visit Hawaii without spending some time on its pearly
white beaches and enjoying the sun and surf. Head to the Richardson
Ocean Park to check out the black sand beach. Other key attractions
include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Queen Liliuokalani
Gardens, a 30-acre (12 hectare) Japanese garden, or the Pacific
Tsunami Museum.
Cruise ships dock at Hilo port, which is located just a few minutes
from town. Cruise passengers are often greeted by a show put on
especially for their arrival where traditional Hawaiian music and
dancing can be enjoyed as well as the sale of souvenirs.
Contact
Big Island Visitors Bureau
Tel: +1 800 648 2441
Transport
Cruise ships dock within walking distance of town and taxis can be easily hailed from the pier. Car rental agencies such as Hertz and Avis have offices in Hilo, but cars can only be rented from the airport, which is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the pier. Many rental agencies send courtesy shuttle buses to fetch passengers from the pier, and it is advisable to reserve a rental car before arrival in Hilo.
Attractions
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a must for history buffs, while other key attractions in Hilo include the magnificent Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Lyman House Memorial Museum, which focuses on Hawaii's natural history. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, not to mention the miles of pristine sandy white beaches for sun-worshippers to enjoy.
Restaurants
Cafe Pesto - great cosy Italian restaurant with hearty pastas
Ocean Sushi Deli - Trendy eatery serving quality sushi
Hilo Bay Cafe - unassuming cafe serving Hawaiian-influenced American fare
Best Dish
Mai Tai cocktail and delicious sushi
Shopping
Most shopping in Hilo can be done in and around Kamehameha or Keawe Avenues and passengers who are in town on Wednesdays and Saturdays should be sure to check out the Hilo Farmers Market. There are great shopping opportunities in this town and the scenic bayfront is also a great place to pick up some bargains from storefronts dating back to the early 1900s. Orchids and coffee are favourite buys, but are not always realistic souvenirs for cruise passengers to take back home.
Best Buy
Black pearls
Excursions
Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Go snorkelling at Leleiwi Beach Park
Visit the Akaka Falls
Walk in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea Bay
Walk along Banyan Tree Drive
Become our Hawaii Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Hawaii travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Hawaii or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.