Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
HST (UTC-10)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–May
Typical Duration
7-21 nights
Price Range
$668–$94,500 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to Hawaii's Big Island, offering access to volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and authentic Hawaiian culture as a scenic port of call on Pacific cruises.
Cruises that visit Hilo, Hawaii
- cruises to Hilo, Hawaii
- Hilo, Hawaii sailings
- Hilo, Hawaii cruises
- 9-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 10-night Silversea cruise
- 10-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 11-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 13-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 14-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 15-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 15-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 16-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 16-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 16-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 17-night Holland America Line cruise
- 17-night Holland America Line cruise
- 17-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 17-night Silversea cruise
- 18-night Holland America Line cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Hilo, Hawaii
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
There is so much to do and would take a couple of days to see and do it all.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
We were able to do it all under an hour with no hurry.
Opens soon · 8:30 AM
Ken's House of Pancakes
Good food and great atmosphere, can't wait to go back next time I'm in Hilo
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Hip spot for New American eats & drinks
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hilo Farmer's Market
Numerous chotchkis and island themed arts and crafts.
Wailuku River State Park
Look out for the optical illusion with the waterfall and the moving rocks.
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
This is one of the only consistently good places left in Hilo.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Walking through the garden feels like a peaceful escape.
Rainbow Falls
Beautiful, you do have to pay a small fee.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
The Playground and climbing structures were a hit.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Richardson Ocean Park
The water is warm, clear, and clean, it is excellent for swimming.
Hilo Burger Joint
One of the few places open past 9pm in Hilo that serves good food.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kaūmana Caves
Fun with the right gear, great spot for a rainy day adventure.
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay
Great find in Hilo, mushroom bisque soup was amazing!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Carlsmith Beach Park
Kids enjoyed jumping in from a rope hanging from a tree.
Lavaloha Chocolate - Farm Tours
Great thing to do especially on a rainy day.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
They do have the best food in Hilo, and that is reflected in the price.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Prince Kuhio Plaza
It’s a huge mall with lots of stores, kiosks and food venues.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Waiakea Center
Well-stocked store, friendly sales assistants to help.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
The fish were jumping, birds chirping, and frogs croaking.
Onekahakaha Beach Park
Lots of things to do would recommend it to anyone in the area
Ponds Hilo
Fine American dining with water views
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hilo Bay Cafe
One of the best restaurants in Hilo- great views, food and service!
Closed · Opens 11 AM Tue
Kuhio Grille - Home Of The Famous 1lb Laulau
No-frills option for Hawaiian cuisine
Ola Brew - Hilo
The drinks and atmosphere were great, and the service was amazing.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Coconut Grill
Generous portions with classic Hawaiian comfort food.
Cronies Bar & Grill
Nice hangout, excellent service and friendly service.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Reeds Bay Beach Park
A nice beach with clear, shallow water, which is amazing for snorkeling.
Just Cruisin Coffee
Fantastic coffee, amazing service and the location is always busy!
Sweet Cane Cafe
Food comes from local farms and tastes fresh.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Booch Bar
The staff is so helpful and kind, and the music/vibe is perfect.
Vibe Cafe
Very friendly staff, quick service and a local Hawaiian vibe.
Naung Mai Thai Kitchen
Traditional fare from local ingredients
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hilo Shopping Center
Great small mall with restaurants grocery store and ice cream.
Opens soon · 8:30 AM
Moon and Turtle
Asian-fusion spot serving local seafood
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Liko Lehua Cafe
Try the crab cakes, Keiki meals and lilikoi lemonade are delicious.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
KapohoKine Adventures
The “Elite Volcano Hike” (morning + afternoon) was INCREDIBLE.
Honoli'i Beach Park
Beautiful beach with big waves perfect for surfing/paddle boarding.
Keaukaha Beach Park
Nice place to swim and picnic, we got to see many sea turtles.
Big Island Coffee Roasters
The coffee was fantastic—smooth, rich, and clearly crafted with care.
Paul's Place
Cafe fare & coffee in a snug space
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Wed
WSW Steakhouse Restaurant | Whiskey Steak Wine
Must try the Kalua pork Benedict.
Hilo Lunch Shop
Food is excellent reasonable prices with good customer service.
Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Tue
Hilo Bayfront Beach Park
Beautiful scenery and convenient for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing.
Puka Puka Kitchen
Locally owned amazing prices and portions are CHERRY!!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Manono Street Marketplace
Clean, convenient, well stocked, variety and helpful, engaging staff.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Popover
The fruit puffs were delicious, and their popover sandwich was to die for!!
Leleiwi Beach Park (Wai’uli)
Even with waves, there was shallow and sandy areas to wade.
Big Island Top Dogs
Good food and huge portions for a fair price.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Kawamoto Store
Asian buffet-style dishes for catering
Closed · Opens 6 AM Tue
The Sippin Siren
Great coffee and service with a fabulous atmosphere 👌
The Temple Kitchen + Bar Hilo
Atmosphere has 3 large TV screens and the bartenders are servers also.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Poke N Sides @ the Hilo Farmers Market
Farmers' market stand for poke
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kamehameha The Great
So wonderful to see and enjoy The Great Kamehameha.
The Hidden Nēnē
Cocktails are delicious, great atmosphere, warm and friendly staff.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Imiloa Astronomy Center
Fantastic exhibits, planetarium shows, and food!
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hiro's Place
The food is super affordable and delicious, fresh made.
Lehua Restaurant
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Lehia Beach Park
Very nice rocky "beach" area great place to watch the huge waves roll in
Fairway Grill
The food was delicious and prepared/served promptly by efficient staff.
Joann's Lounge Bar
Fun atmosphere, good drinks great food, and service .
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Kealoha Beach Park
Quiet - beautiful water - limited sand or sitting area.
Lyman Museum
The bottom floor has displays for Hawaiian geology, botany and zoology.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Wai'olena Beach Park
Nice small park to picnic and swim.
Coffee Girl
The coffee was great, friendly baristas, and the vibe was amazing!
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
Hale Inu Sports Bar
Awesome music, amazing food (came out super hot!), and the people are kind.
Closed · Opens 1 PM
Peggy's Lounge
Great place with wonderful customer service and caring atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Alohamondays
Very nice staff, food took about 10 minutes and everything was delicious.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Tue
Botanical Garden at University of Hawaii - Hilo
Rob did a great job providing a tour of the garden and education on Cycads.
Hilo Ice Coffee
Fantastic coffee, excellent service, and a variety for everybody.
Tenkatori Hilo
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Chalk's Beach
Very private and serenity Beach and kayaking around there!
Crazy Grandmaz
Great pupus great drinks, AND darts!!
Closed · Opens 2:30 PM Tue
Coffee Notes
Lovely space with excellent cold brew!
Aloha Grown
Clothing is made of very good material and they do their own printing.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo
Everything is well made, interesting, beautiful, and affordable.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Ka Lihikai
Poke Tacos and Fried Brussel sprouts were our favorite.
Hana Hou
It's alright for a tourist shop ,but as a local it's over price
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Downtown Hilo
Lots of gift shops and some great local vendors as well.
Hula Lounge Lobby Bar
Great drinks , Great barman Kawika and fantastic view of the sea !!!
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
Hilo Coffee Corner
Great coffee and friendly service.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hometown Honey Hawaii
Love this local shop that supports local artists, designers, and items.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
Bull Shed Hilo
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo stands as a vibrant cruise port on Hawaii's Big Island, welcoming passengers from nine major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises. With over 200 upcoming cruises and a strong presence of seven-night itineraries, Hilo serves primarily as a port of call for those exploring the Hawaiian Islands and venturing beyond to Tahiti. The port attracts cruisers during peak seasons spanning January through May and again in September and October, offering excellent opportunities to experience this less-crowded side of Hawaii.
Stepping ashore in Hilo, you'll discover a charming, authentic Hawaiian town with a relaxed island atmosphere quite different from busier ports. The area offers easy access to natural wonders like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the stunning Akaka Falls, while downtown Hilo provides local shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences that showcase genuine Big Island hospitality. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to experience Hawaii beyond the typical tourist trail, Hilo delivers a memorable and welcoming cruise experience.
Stepping ashore in Hilo, you'll discover a charming, authentic Hawaiian town with a relaxed island atmosphere quite different from busier ports. The area offers easy access to natural wonders like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the stunning Akaka Falls, while downtown Hilo provides local shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences that showcase genuine Big Island hospitality. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to experience Hawaii beyond the typical tourist trail, Hilo delivers a memorable and welcoming cruise experience.
Cruise Lines at Hilo, Hawaii
- Norwegian Cruise Line (128 cruises)
- Holland America Line (28 cruises)
- Carnival Cruise Line (20 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (17 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (13 cruises)
- Silversea (9 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (5 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (3 cruises)
