🇺🇸 Hilo, USA — Cruise Port Guide
On the Big Island's lush, rainy east side, Hilo is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, cascading waterfalls, and tropical gardens.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Hilo
Hilo is Hawaii's wettest port with rain possible year-round, heaviest November-March; summer highs are in the low 80s°F, winter mid-70s°F.
Getting back to the ship on time
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about 45 minutes each way, so leave 3-4 hours of buffer for one-lane delays and crowded viewing areas. Kīlauea is erupting in episodes and overlooks and roads close at short notice for fountaining, tephra or gas, and the Kīlauea Visitor Center is shut for renovation. Check the park and USGS updates the morning of your call.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Hilo
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP
Explore Kīlauea's craters, steam vents, and lava landscapes at the famous park.
Rainbow Falls
See the misty 80-foot waterfall named for its morning rainbows.
Akaka Falls State Park
Hike a lush loop to the towering 442-foot Akaka Falls.
Downtown Hilo & bay
Wander historic bayfront shops, galleries, and the farmers market.
Tropical Botanical Garden
Wander a lush valley garden of orchids, palms, and ocean views.
Mauna Kea visitor center
Ascend the sacred volcano's slopes for stargazing and alpine vistas.
Popular excursions
Volcano Helicopter Flight
Soar over Kīlauea's craters and remote rainforest waterfalls.
What to eat
- Poke
- Kalua pork
- Loco moco
- Laulau
- Malasadas
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Sep (drier)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 79° | 64° | 9.8" |
| Feb | 79° | 64° | 10.5" |
| Mar | 79° | 65° | 13" |
| Apr | 79° | 66° | 12.2" |
| May | 81° | 67° | 8" |
| Jun | 82° | 68° | 7.3" |
| Jul | 83° | 69° | 10.5" |
| Aug | 83° | 70° | 10.2" |
| Sep | 83° | 69° | 9.6" |
| Oct | 83° | 68° | 9.9" |
| Nov | 81° | 67° | 15.2" |
| Dec | 79° | 65° | 12.6" |
Local phrases
A little history
Hilo is the Big Island's rainiest, greenest town — pack for tropical showers year-round.
Pele, the volcano goddess, is deeply respected; never take lava rocks from the island.
Tipping is standard US-style — 15–20% at restaurants and for tour guides.
The 'aloha spirit' and a slow, small-town pace define laid-back Hilo life.