Hilo hawaii, anything locally near terminal?

[bungie jumper]

We will be in Hilo on the Westerdam and I would like to know if there is something nearby the terminal for the day. we aren't interested in a tour just something to pass the time in port. seems that the terminal is fairly isolated.

[catl331]

I've heard the zoo is good, but to be honest we've never been there and I don't know how far away it is. :o

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We will be in Hilo on the Westerdam and I would like to know if there is something nearby the terminal for the day. we aren't interested in a tour just something to pass the time in port. seems that the terminal is fairly isolated.
I am pretty sure Hilo Hatties will have a free shuttle bus that will be coming to the pier to pick pax up to go shopping. Actually there is a lot to do on the Big Island and I am surprised you are not interested in any tours.:confused: Going to the Volcano National Park us usually high on the list, not only is it interesting but it is very scenic. There is also a unique Japanese Garden in the Downtown Hilo area. There is also the excursion to go to the Macadamia Nut Farm.

We will be there in just over a month on the Oosterdam and are planning to head to the Volcano National Park with friends that have rented a car. The lunch up at the lodge is really good and makes for a relaxing fun day.

I do have to admit I wish we were going to Kona rather than Hilo but for excursions and things most people want to see when they go to Hawaii, Hilo side wins plus the ships can dock.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

The terminal is a distance from the town of Hilo so I would take a taxi if you want to go into Hilo. I think it is a rather quaint old Hawaiian town. The Lili'uokalani Gardens are nice to walk through - 30 acres of Japanese Gardens and fish ponds. Also the Lyman Museum and Mission House is interesting. There is a Pacific Tsunami Museum although I have not seen it yet. Local restaurants in old buildings are fun. If I remember correctly (and it may have moved) Hilo Hatties is a ways out of town within a small shopping center with nothing else around it.

[karatemom2]

The dock is in a fairly industrial area, however, if you want to walk a ways when you leave if the dock area if you turn to your left and take a walk it will lead to some loveley black rock beaches where you can relax. It is a long walk however.

If you want to see the town, you will need to take a taxi or take the Hilo Hattie or Walmart shuttle and then you can walk the town from there. Again, a lot of walking involved.

I would suggest considering a car rental. It is not that expensive and then you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. In town the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is very nice and free! There are some interesting museums, a planetarium and some pretty beach front areas. Outside of town you can visit Volcanoes National Park or head the other direction and visit the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens (very worth it!) I love Hilo. It is one of my favorite ports!

[Skipper's Mom]

On our visit to Hilo, we rented a car and drove all over up the coast and back. The scenery is beautiful. The car rental agency picked us up at the pier and returned us at the end of day. The town itself is rather uninspiring, but we did pick up some inexpensive souvenirs.

[sansterre]

We are on the same cruise. We plan to take a bus that runs the short distance into town. There is a Hilo Hula in town - at 1, I think. You can read more about it on the Ports of Call thread. Go to Ports of Call section and search "Hilo".

[bungie jumper]

We are on the same cruise. We plan to take a bus that runs the short distance into town. There is a Hilo Hula in town - at 1, I think. You can read more about it on the Ports of Call thread. Go to Ports of Call section and search "Hilo".

Thanks, weve seen the volcano park and didn't want to go to far. good suggestions.


Wayne

[AkAz]

Do the car rental places have facilities near the ship? Or do you have to make arrangements in advance?

We're going in December and I love all this good advice!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes -- there is a free shuttle to Hilo Hattie's.

But since you have seen Volcano National Park -- best bet is to rent a car.

[karatemom2]

Do the car rental places have facilities near the ship? Or do you have to make arrangements in advance?

We're going in December and I love all this good advice!

The car rental agencies are all at the airport, which is about a ten minute drive from the port. They all have shuttles that will pick you up and take you to get your car and then return you to the ship at the end of your day. I would encourage you to book in advance, especially in December. They do sometimes get fully booked.

[Honeybearhollow]

What are the best car rental companies that will pick you up and return you?

[Murray's Pop]

I would suggest considering a car rental. It is not that expensive and then you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. In town the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is very nice and free! There are some interesting museums, a planetarium and some pretty beach front areas. Outside of town you can visit Volcanoes National Park or head the other direction and visit the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens (very worth it!) I love Hilo. It is one of my favorite ports!

Ditto here! Get a car and look around. We spend time on the Big Island as often as possible. We were very fortunate to spend the month of May there this year.

The Panaewa Zoo is one of the nicest we've seen, and yes, it is free! Cant go wrong. The Volcano National Park is great as well.

It is unfortunate that you will not be visiting Kona. There is a lot more that you can do/see by just walking around town. But what ever you do, enjoy your time on the Big Island.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It is unfortunate that you will not be visiting Kona. There is a lot more that you can do/see by just walking around town. But what ever you do, enjoy your time on the Big Island.
I agree, I am so looking forward to going to Hawaii but Kona is where I would love to call home and to think we are doing our first cruise to Hawaii and sailing all that way there are and will not be going to Kona :( I have wanted to cruise to Hawaii for years and waited till a Vista Class would be going and what happens they get rid of Kona. I even looked at ways I could just stay on the Big island for a few days/nights and then fly to Maui to catch up with the ship before she heads back to San Diego :D But figured I better be a good girl and just stay with the ship :o