Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Hilo, Hawaii?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Hilo, Hawaii: A Cruise Ship Destination

Hilo, Hawaii is a popular cruise ship destination for good reason. With its stunning scenery, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, Hilo has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, you’re sure to find it in Hilo.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Hilo?

Most cruise ships dock at the Port of Hilo, which is located on the eastern side of the island. The port is just a short walk from downtown Hilo, making it easy to explore the city and all it has to offer.

Cruise Line Ship Name Dock
Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America Hilo International Port
Princess Cruises Royal Princess Hilo International Port
Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam Hilo International Port
MSC Cruises MSC Seaside Hilo International Port

Port of Hilo

Location and History

The Port of Hilo is located on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, in the city of Hilo. The port is situated on a protected harbor, with deep water and a long wharf, making it a popular destination for cruise ships.

The port was originally built in the 1800s, and it was used to export sugar and other agricultural products from the Big Island. In the early 1900s, the port was expanded to accommodate larger ships, and it became a popular tourist destination.

Today, the Port of Hilo is one of the busiest ports in Hawaii, and it handles a variety of cargo and passenger traffic. The port is also home to a number of businesses, including a cruise ship terminal, a ferry terminal, and a marina.

Facilities and Amenities

The Port of Hilo has a variety of facilities and amenities to support cruise ship passengers and crew. These include:

  • A cruise ship terminal with a passenger terminal building, a baggage claim area, and a customs and immigration area
  • A ferry terminal that provides service to other islands in Hawaii
  • A marina with a variety of services, including boat rentals, fuel, and repairs
  • A number of restaurants, shops, and bars located in the nearby area

Cruise Lines that Dock at the Port

The Port of Hilo is home to a variety of cruise lines, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line

These cruise lines offer a variety of cruises to the Hawaiian Islands, as well as to other destinations in the Pacific Ocean.

Number of Cruise Ships that Dock at the Port each Year

The Port of Hilo welcomes over 1 million cruise ship passengers each year. The port is home to a variety of cruise ships, ranging from small ships that carry a few hundred passengers to large ships that carry over 3,000 passengers.

Cruise Ship Docks

Location of the Docks

The cruise ship docks at the Port of Hilo are located on the west side of the harbor. The docks are adjacent to the cruise ship terminal, which provides passengers with easy access to the ships.

Capacity of the Docks

The Port of Hilo has a total of four cruise ship docks. The docks can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 feet in length and 100,000 gross tons.

Facilities at the Docks

The cruise ship docks at the Port of Hilo have a variety of facilities to support cruise ship passengers and crew. These include:

  • A passenger terminal building with a baggage claim area, a customs and immigration area, and a variety of shops and restaurants
  • A fuel pier
  • A water taxi service
  • A number of restaurants, shops, and bars located in the nearby area

The Port of Hilo is a popular destination for cruise ships, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities to support cruise ship passengers and crew. The port is home to a variety of cruise lines, and it welcomes over 1 million cruise ship passengers each year.

3. Cruise Ship Tours

There are a variety of cruise ship tours available in Hilo, Hawaii. These tours can take you to some of the most popular attractions in the area, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Types of Tours Offered

Cruise ship tours in Hilo can be divided into two main types: shore excursions and land tours. Shore excursions are offered by the cruise line and typically include transportation to and from the attraction, as well as a guided tour. Land tours are offered by independent tour operators and can be customized to your interests and budget.

Cost of Tours

The cost of a cruise ship tour in Hilo will vary depending on the type of tour, the length of the tour, and the number of people in your group. Shore excursions typically cost between $20 and $50 per person, while land tours can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per person.

Duration of Tours

Shore excursions in Hilo typically last between two and four hours, while land tours can last anywhere from half a day to a full day.

4. Things to Do in Hilo

In addition to taking a cruise ship tour, there are a number of other things to do in Hilo, Hawaii. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:

Attractions

  • The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, hike through the lava fields, or watch the lava flow into the ocean.
  • The USS Arizona Memorial is located at Pearl Harbor and commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Visitors can take a boat tour to the memorial and learn about the history of the attack.
  • The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum that showcases the cultures of Polynesia. Visitors can learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Polynesia, as well as enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

Restaurants

Hilo has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, including everything from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants in Hilo:

  • The Lava Rock Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood dishes.
  • The Hilo Bay Cafe is a great option for waterfront dining. The restaurant offers stunning views of Hilo Bay and a menu that includes fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes.
  • The Merriman’s Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that offers a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine. The restaurant has been awarded numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Top 50 Restaurants in America” by Bon Apptit magazine.

Shopping

Hilo has a number of shopping districts to choose from, including the downtown area, the Hilo Farmers Market, and the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Here are a few of the most popular shopping destinations in Hilo:

  • The downtown area is home to a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops. Visitors can find everything from Hawaiian souvenirs to designer clothing.
  • The Hilo Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and local handicrafts. The market is open every Saturday morning from 7am to 1pm.
  • The Prince Kuhio Plaza is a large shopping mall that offers a wide variety of stores, including department stores, clothing stores, and restaurants.

Nightlife

Hilo has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular nightlife destinations in Hilo:

  • The Lava Lounge is a popular spot for cocktails and live music. The lounge has a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful view of Hilo Bay.
  • The Hilo Brewing Company is a great place to enjoy a beer and a burger. The brewery offers a variety of craft beers, as well as a menu of pub food.
  • The Merriman’s Restaurant has a lively bar scene that offers live music and dancing. The bar is open late on weekends and is a great place to enjoy a night out with friends.

    Where do cruise ships dock in Hilo Hawaii?

  • Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the closest airport to Hilo, Hawaii. It is located about 5 miles from the city center. Cruise ships dock at the Hilo Pier, which is located about 2 miles from the airport.
  • The Hilo Pier is a cruise ship terminal that can accommodate ships up to 1,000 passengers. It has two berths, one for large ships and one for smaller ships.
  • The Hilo Pier is located on the waterfront in downtown Hilo. It is close to shops, restaurants, and attractions.

How do I get from the airport to the cruise ship terminal?

  • The easiest way to get from the airport to the cruise ship terminal is by taxi. The taxi fare is about $15.
  • You can also take the public bus. The bus fare is $2.
  • There is also a shuttle service that runs between the airport and the cruise ship terminal. The shuttle fare is $10.

What are the amenities at the cruise ship terminal?

  • The Hilo Pier has a number of amenities, including:
  • A gift shop
  • A restaurant
  • A bar
  • A lounge
  • A currency exchange
  • A baggage claim area
  • A security checkpoint

What are the things to do in Hilo?

  • Hilo is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Some of the things to do in Hilo include:
  • Visiting the Hilo Farmers Market, which is one of the largest farmers markets in the United States.
  • Exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to two active volcanoes.
  • Taking a hike in the Waialeale Forest Reserve, which is one of the wettest places on Earth.
  • Swimming in the Hilo Bay, which is a protected marine sanctuary.
  • Visiting the Hilo Art Museum, which houses a collection of Hawaiian art.

What are the best places to stay in Hilo?

  • There are a number of great hotels and resorts in Hilo, including:
  • The Hilton Garden Inn Hilo Airport
  • The Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
  • The Outrigger Keauhou Bay Hotel & Resort
  • The Kona Village Resort at Keauhou Bay
  • The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

When is the best time to visit Hilo?

  • The best time to visit Hilo is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and humid, and the winter months can be rainy.

How can I get more information about Hilo?

  • For more information about Hilo, you can visit the following websites:
  • [Hilo Chamber of Commerce](https://www.hilochamber.org/)
  • [Visit Hawaii](https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii/)
  • [Hilo International Airport](https://www.hiloairport.com/)

    there are two main ports where cruise ships dock in Hilo, Hawaii: the Hilo International Airport and the Port of Hilo. The Hilo International Airport is located about 5 miles from downtown Hilo and offers direct flights to major cities on the mainland. The Port of Hilo is located about 2 miles from downtown Hilo and offers cruises to destinations in the Pacific Ocean, including Tahiti, Samoa, and Tonga. Both ports offer a variety of amenities and services for cruise passengers, including restaurants, shops, and transportation to and from the city center.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.