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Hilo, Hawaii

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii - a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforest and volcanic mountains. Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on the planet, soars above the bleak lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In the heart of the Big Island's lush rainforest lies the remote and stunning Wai'po Valley (Valley of the Kings). Hawaii's history matches its incomparable landscape - it is a saga of mighty Polynesian kings, sugar barons, war and treachery.

The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin.

Points of Interest

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Tropical Botanical Gardens
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Waipi'o Valley
  • Maunakea
  • Akaka Falls
  • Black Sand Beaches
  • Outdoor Adventures

More about Hilo, Hawaii Points of Interest

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -

    See two of the world's most active volcanoes, dramatic lava landscapes and get insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands from 70 million years of volcanic activity.

  • Tropical Botanical Gardens -

    The Big Island is home to numerous garden wonderlands. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is rich with fertile volcanic soil and protected from trade winds. Find more than 2,000 plant species in this unique garden situated in a 40-acre valley. Nani Mau Gardens, does not disappoint with 20 acres of tropical flora as well as picturesque waterfalls and walking paths. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens showcases animals from rainforest climates around the world in a lush garden setting.

  • Rainbow Falls -

    The picturesque Rainbow Falls get its name for the rainbows that appear when the 80-foot cascade hits the water below and the mist creates a prism of color in the dazzling sunlight.

  • Waipi'o Valley -

    This lush green valley is one of the Big Island's most beautiful areas. Once a meeting place of Hawaiian kings, legend claims an otherworld gate is here and a spiritual "mana" can be felt.

  • Maunakea -

    Its summit rises to 14,000 feet and is the only place on the Hawaiian Islands that snows in the winter. View the stars from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy located at 9,000 feet.

  • Akaka Falls -

    Hike a half-mile loop on the walking path through lush tropical vegetation to a scenic vista overlooking the Akaka Falls cascading 442 feet down to the gorge below.

  • Black Sand Beaches -

    Created when flowing lava touches ocean waters and explodes, the inevitable forces of nature caused by the island's volcanoes result in stunning beaches of black sand.

  • Outdoor Adventures -

    Hiking, caving, snorkeling, and kayaking amidst waterfalls are just some of the incredible outdoor activities you can participate in on Hilo.

21 Excursions

Already Booked Your Cruise? Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer
Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.

Tropical Farm, Fruit, & Falls

3 hours | Hilo | ITO-105 I T O - 1 0 5

Easy Activity, Includes snack

From $209.95

Average Guest Rating

Hilo's Exclusive Farm-to-Glass Experience

4 hours | Hilo | ITO-110 I T O - 1 1 0

Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal

From $249.95

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Hilo's Waterfalls & Gardens Experience

6 hours | Hilo | ITO-115 I T O - 1 1 5

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $189.95

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Easy Hilo: Explore Hilo Town Highlights

3.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-120 I T O - 1 2 0

Moderate Activity

From $109.95

Average Guest Rating

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory

4.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-125 I T O - 1 2 5

Moderate Activity

From $99.95

Average Guest Rating

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Gardens

3.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-130 I T O - 1 3 0

Moderate Activity

From $189.95

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Waterfall Explorer

7 hours | Hilo | ITO-150 I T O - 1 5 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $259.95

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls for Small Groups

4.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-160 I T O - 1 6 0

Moderate Activity

From $179.95

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls

4.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-165 I T O - 1 6 5

Moderate Activity

From $169.95

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Maunakea Summit Adventure

4.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-200 I T O - 2 0 0

Moderate Activity

From $279.95

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Akaka Falls, Macadamia Nut Shop & Tropical Garden Zoo

4 hours | Hilo | ITO-205 I T O - 2 0 5

Moderate Activity

From $99.95

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Land of Frozen Fire

4 hours | Hilo | ITO-215 I T O - 2 1 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From $179.95

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Waterfalls & Highlights of the Hamakua Coast

6.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-235 I T O - 2 3 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $279.95

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Ultimate Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Tastes of Hawaii

6.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-300 I T O - 3 0 0

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $199.95

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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

2.75 hours | Hilo | ITO-305 I T O - 3 0 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $109.95

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Volcano Winery Tasting Experience

3 hours | Hilo | ITO-310 I T O - 3 1 0

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From $249.95

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Waterfall, Pana'ewa Zoo & Black Sand Beach

6.75 hours | Hilo | ITO-320 I T O - 3 2 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $229.95

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Rainforest Zipline & Waterfall Adventure

4 hours | Hilo | ITO-400 I T O - 4 0 0

Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

From $279.95

Average Guest Rating

Jungle Falls Bike Adventure

6.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-455 I T O - 4 5 5

Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

From $189.95

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Waterfalls Spectacular: Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls

4 hours | Hilo | ITO-480 I T O - 4 8 0

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From $179.95

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Kilauea Lava Fields & Hilo Bay Snorkel

6.5 hours | Hilo | ITO-505 I T O - 5 0 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $239.95

Average Guest Rating