Hilo, Hawaii, US
Overview

On the lush side of the Big Island find world-class botanical gardens, macadamia-nut plantations and, of course, the molten lava flows of Kilauea, home of Pelé, hotheaded goddess of fire. Sample shore excursions: Kilauea Volcano Hiking Adventure; Circle of Fire Volcano Helicopter Experience; Best of Hilo and Akaka Falls.
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
"Circle of Fire" Volcano Helicopter Experience
Enjoy a thrilling helicopter flight to see the most geologically active environment in the world--Kilauea Volcano! You will follow the surface activity down to the devastated village of Kalapana, viewing the Puna Forest and Pu’u O’o vent.
more info
'Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Essence of Hilo
A short drive along Banyan Drive takes you past Liliuokalani Garden--an oceanside Japanese park--as you tour historic downtown Hilo. You’re headed to the beautiful Rainbow Falls, surrounded by a rain forest of mango, banyan trees, and African tulips. You’ll stop at Big Island Candies, a famous Hilo landmark, where you can see delicious treats being made right before your eyes. Then,...
more info
Akaka Falls and Nani-Mau Gardens
Discover three of Hilo’s favorite attractions: the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory with time to visit the gift shop and snack bar; Nani Mau Gardens, where you will take a tram ride through 53 acres of world-class botanical gardens, acres of flowers; and breathtaking Akaka Falls--the longest unbroken waterfall in the state, plunging 442 feet over a volcanic cliff. Walk along the onemile na...
more info
Big Island Grand "Fire and Falls"
Imagine soaring over Kilauea Volcano on a thrilling helicopter tour, a dramatic remote landing for a refreshing swim under a waterfall, and a return drive that visits scenic waterfalls and tropical rainforests. You’ll start by boarding your comfortable, air-conditioned aircraft and head out towards the active volcano. Lush tropical rainforests give way to stark black lava that flows as you a...
more info
Discover Hilo: Waves and Waterfalls
This tour takes you through the lush rain forest coastline of the Onomea Bay--a scenic drive on the way to Akaka Falls in the comfort of a specialized 25 passenger mini-coach. As you slowly wind down the road towards the sea, you will be surrounded by incredible foliage and waterfalls, a true glimpse of Hawaiian paradise. Breathtaking views await you at Akaka Falls, a free falling waterfall tha...
more info
Explore East Hawaii by Private Van
Below are three possible adventures from the Hilo area. Take in the fascinating Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with its lush rain forest and arid lava fields, travel to waterfalls galore on the Hamakua Coastline, or visit tropical gardens that are a bounty of color and foliage and a black sand beach. Wherever you choose to go, you will ride in comfort in a specialized vehicle--a luxury van that...
more info
Explore the Land of Frozen Fire
Take a first-hand look at the result of Kilauea Volcano’s repeated eruptions: Hawaii’s newest real estate. From the pier, an airconditioned, 15-passenger van takes you to Lava Tree State Park in Puna, on the eastern rift zone of Kilauea. In 1960, the massive Kapoho flow engulfed the area with enough lava to pave an eightlane highway once around the world. Today, you can see the R...
more info
Gourmet Volcano Adventure
Awaken your senses to the best the Big Island has to offer! Explore Kilauea Volcano in a unique way by taking the road less traveled. Entice your taste buds with 100% Hawaiian grown coffee, gourmet wines and handmade chocolate treats created exclusively on this island. Start your morning right with locally grown and freshly roasted Hawaiian coffee at the famous Hilo Coffee Mill on your way to the ...
more info
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens
Enjoy exploring this “garden in a valley on the ocean,” located north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. You will have 1½ - 2 hours to stroll on your own through the tropical rain forest with orchids, heliconias, gingers, waterfalls, fern garden, exotic birds and ocean shoreline. The more than 2,000 different species of plants are labeled, including a very large display of orchids! ...
more info
Historical Hilo & Nani Mau Gardens
Explore the early history of Hilo with a visit to the Lyman Museum and Mission House, home to a fabulous collection of historic Hawaiian relics. Continue on to Rainbow Falls to view one of the Big Island’s loveliest sights, then explore the Nani Mau Gardens, with a tour including a tram ride through world-class botanical gardens. Visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, with time to vis...
more info
Kilauea Volcano Bicycle Adventure
This exciting day begins with a scenic narrated drive from the cruise ship pier to the Visitor Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you will receive a detailed orientation and safety briefing and be fitted with a 21-speed, comfort-designed mountain bike and safety equipment. Your cycling adventure is an eight-mile ride on paved roads around the crater rim. It consists of mostly level...
more info
Kilauea Volcano Hiking Adventure
This adventure takes you by air-conditioned van to the 4,000-foot summit of Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a hike through the fantastic terrain, microclimates and flora of Kilauea volcano, including lava fields and rain forest. You will pass steam vents and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube. When flowing lava is accessible, you will get as close as safely possible--a r...
more info
Mauna Kea Summit Adventure
This memorable journey will take you by van to the summit of Mauna Kea--the highest peak in the Pacific at 13,796 feet. The ancient Hawaiians considered Mauna Kea to be the home of Poli’ahu, the female deities of their spirituality, who brought life to all below. It was the meeting place of heaven and earth and the burial place of High Chiefs. You will see Hilo, Rainbow Falls and the Oniz...
more info
Pele - Goddess of Fire Volcano Exploration
Drive through the lush tropical forest to the Volcanoes National Park, 4,300 feet above sea level to view Kilauea Volcano--home of Pele, the legendary Goddess of Fire. You will stop at the Kilauea Visitors Center and ride along the spectacular 11-mile Crater Rim Drive and visit the Thurston Lava Tube. Here you will view two kinds of lava, the smooth pahoehoe and jagged a’a, as well as sul...
more info
Secrets of Puna
Cool off under swaying palm trees in a natural lava rock lagoon and feel the warmth of a black-sand beach between your toes. Drive across the black lava flows, in a private SUV to the Puna District and Kilauea Volcano. Hear first-hand stories of life in Kalapana from the former residents who witnessed the destruction. You'll walk across the lava flows which entomb the former village of Kalapana...
more info
Waipi'o Valley of the Kings Expedition
Take in the breathtaking views of the Waipi’o Valley and visit places inaccessible to others aboard an air-conditioned 4-wheeldrive van. Your day in paradise begins with a narrated scenic motor coach ride up the Hamakua Coast to Waipi’o, where you will be greeted by your guide and begin your journey into the valley in a 4WD van. Waipi’o Valley is one of the most beautiful area...
more info
Waterfall, Cave & Lagoon Trekking
This adventure takes you off the beaten path to explore remote treasures often unseen by visitors. You will be traveling in a small group for an intimate experience while taking in the spectacular wild beauty of coastal Hilo. Traverse roads built in the 1800s to access local surf spots and hidden rivers and waterfalls surrounded by 40-foot royal palms. Hike through the “back door” o...
more info
Waterfalls Spectacular
The highest waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall, and the most famous waterfall. All will be explored, and this is the only way to do it! The majestic Akaka Falls is breathtaking at 440 feet tall. The exclusive Umauma Falls have been described as the most beautiful in Hawaii with their unique triple-tier formation. And feel the power of the world famous Rainbow Falls with a behind the scenes...
more info
Weather
Weather
| Month | Temp Avg | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71.4 | 79.2 | 63.6 | 9.74 |
| Feb | 71.5 | 79.4 | 63.5 | 8.86 |
| Mar | 72.0 | 79.2 | 64.7 | 14.35 |
| Apr | 72.5 | 79.3 | 65.6 | 12.54 |
| May | 73.7 | 80.6 | 66.7 | 8.07 |
| Jun | 75.1 | 82.2 | 68.0 | 7.36 |
| Jul | 75.9 | 82.5 | 69.2 | 10.71 |
| Aug | 76.3 | 83.2 | 69.4 | 9.78 |
| Sep | 76.2 | 83.4 | 69.0 | 9.14 |
| Oct | 75.6 | 82.7 | 68.5 | 9.64 |
| Nov | 74.0 | 80.7 | 67.2 | 15.58 |
| Dec | 72.2 | 79.5 | 64.9 | 10.5 |