Plan a CruiseHilo Cruise Port Guide
Cruise ships dock at Hilo port, located just a few minutes from the town center. Passengers are often greeted by a display of traditional Hawaiian music and dancing, alongside local souvenir sales. Hilo is characterized by its lush tropical plants, abundant waterfalls, and unique black sand beaches. It serves as the primary gateway to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kilauea Crater. Downtown Hilo boasts Hawaii's largest collection of historic buildings, offering various restaurants and shops. Be prepared for frequent rain, especially in the late afternoons, which contributes to the area's vibrant greenery.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking: The gangway is approximately 2 miles from downtown Hilo, taking about 50 minutes on foot. Note that part of this walk traverses industrial areas and offers very little shelter or shade, making it potentially hot or wet depending on the weather. If walking, bring a hat or umbrella and wear sunscreen.
Public Bus (Hele On Bus): A county mass transit bus is available for $1.00 (free for seniors 55 and over). You can catch the "Hele On Bus" on Kalanianaole St., just outside the main dock entrance, across the street next to the green building where Keaukaha Market is located. Look for buses marked "Keaukaha." The bus terminates at Mooheau Bus Station in Downtown Hilo. Morning pick-up times at the market are 7:50 AM, 8:50 AM, 9:50 AM, and 10:50 AM. Afternoon times are 1:25 PM, 2:25 PM, and 3:25 PM. Please note that there is no bus service on Sundays.
Taxi: A metered taxi from the dock to Downtown Hilo should cost approximately $12 to $16.
Attractions and Activities
Explore Downtown Hilo: The downtown area is very walkable and features Hawaii's largest collection of historic buildings. Here you can find numerous restaurants, museums, and shops, particularly along Kamehameha Avenue on the Bayfront.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: As the gateway to this natural wonder, Hilo offers access to the vast Kilauea Crater, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Consider a tour or taxi/rental for this significant day trip.
Hilo Hula Days: If your ship is in port, enjoy a free event featuring Hawaiian music, hula, and crafts at the Mooheau Bandstand (adjacent to the bus station) from 11 AM to 1 PM. This occurs every day a ship is docked.
University of Hawaii Botanical Gardens: Take a free self-guided tour through this botanical garden, which showcases a wide array of plants including bromeliads, palms, and cycads.
Nani Mau Gardens: Discover more lush tropical flora at the beautiful Nani Mau Gardens, located just outside the city center.
Rainforest Zoo: Visit the local rainforest zoo for a different kind of natural experience.
Black Sand Beaches: Explore the unique volcanic black sand beaches found in the areas surrounding Hilo.
Dining
Downtown Hilo offers a variety of restaurants. Look for local Hawaiian specialties.
Shopping
Stroll along the Bayfront and visit the quaint shops on Kamehameha Avenue for browsing and souvenir hunting. Hilo is particularly known for high-quality, locally made printed fabrics with Polynesian or Hawaiian designs, available as both raw fabric and finished clothing. Be aware that many stores, especially smaller ones, are closed on Sundays. Hilo Farmer's Market: On Wednesdays and Saturdays, visit the Hilo Farmer's Market for fresh produce, snacks, and native crafts. A free shuttle is typically available.
Safety
Walking Conditions: Be advised that the 2-mile walk from the port to downtown involves industrial areas with minimal shade or shelter. It can be hot or rainy, so prepare accordingly with a hat, umbrella, and sunscreen. Financial Considerations: In the U.S., posted prices for goods and services typically do not include sales tax (which is usually 4-6% in Hawaii) and this will be added at checkout. Tipping is a customary and expected part of the service industry. Standard rates include 15-20% for full-service restaurants, 10-15% for taxi drivers and personal services, $1 per drink for bartenders, $1-2 per bag for bellhops, and $5-10 per person for half-day tours or $10-20 per person for longer tours. Always check your bill, as a service charge may occasionally be included.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available throughout Hilo. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are broadly accepted, even for small purchases. The primary language spoken is English, with Hawaiian also being an official state language. For emergencies, dial 911.