CME Cruises Visiting Hilo (Island of Hawaii)

Hilo is not the Hawaii of postcards; it is something more primal and authentic. Set on the island’s lush, rain-fed eastern coast, Hilo offers a glimpse into a less-trafficked side of Hawaiian life, serving as the primary gateway to the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. The town itself is charming, with a historic downtown, a wonderful open-air farmers market brimming with tropical fruits, and the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style park perfect for a quiet stroll under the massive banyans of Banyan Drive. The true draw of Hilo, however, lies beyond the town limits. A day here presents a significant choice. You can head south to the main event: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This active volcanic landscape is a world of its own, where you can walk past steaming vents, gaze into the immense Kīlauea caldera, and explore the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). The scale is immense and the experience profound. Alternatively, a drive north along the Hāmākua Coast reveals a different kind of beauty, leading to the breathtaking ʻAkaka Falls, which plummets over 400 feet into a gorge carpeted in rainforest flora. Closer to town, Rainbow Falls offers a more accessible but equally lovely view. It’s important to set expectations: Hilo is the rainiest city in the United States, which is what makes its surroundings so verdant. The most compelling sights require a rental car or organized tour and a commitment of several hours. This is not a beach port, but a portal to the raw, elemental forces that shape the Hawaiian islands.