Hilo town on the Big Island of Hawaii overlooks Hilo Bay and is located near two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa (active) and Mauna Kea (dormant). Hilo is a great starting point to explore the eastern half of the island including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors bound for Hilo arrive here on day stops from the frequent cruise ship visiting Hawaii.

This second largest city in terms of population concentration, Hilo is a major port of call for many cruise ships. The lush, diverse landscape enchants visitors and warm welcomes accorded by locals appears quite charming. Cruise ships dock at Hilo port located a few minutes from town and passengers are greeted upon arrival with traditional Hawaiian music, dancing and souvenirs.

Cruise passengers can walk from ships docked nearby to easily access taxis that can be hailed from the pier. You can spend some time on the pearly white beaches to enjoy the sun and surf. Alternately you may head to Richardson Ocean Park to check out the black sand beach. Key attractions in Hilo include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens or the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

Get intoxicated by the fragrant orchids and antharium that fill the air of Hilo. Despite the metropolis hubbub Hilo remains a quaint city of Victorian homes overlooking the half-moon bay. You will enjoy magnificent Japanese Yedo Garden as also walking through verdant tropical forest opening up to the amazing beauty of Akaka Falls. Hilo remains more scenic as the east coast of Big Island is more tropical, with waterfalls and mountainous regions.