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Vireya Rhododendron, Hilo, Hawaii.
Vireya Rhododendron, Hilo, Hawaii.

Discover Hilo, Hawaii

Volcano Landscapes. Tropical Gardens.

The entire city of Hilo is like one giant greenhouse with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. Visit the town's well-preserved historic buildings, which date back to the turn of the century and showcase Hawaii's unique architecture. Just 30 miles away the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the home of the active Kilauea Volcano. Check out our amazing Hawaii itinerary.

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Hilo

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Sunset at ocean coast in Hilo, Hawaii, Big Island. Stunning Coastlines in Hawaii.
Cocoa fruit sits in cardboard box at Hilo Farmer's Market on the Big Island of Hawaii. Picked fresh cocoa is oblong and reddish in color. Fresh Cocoa.
liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii is the largest Edo Style Garden outside of Japan. Attractive red pagoda pavilion connects several pools inside garden. Red pagoda pavilion at Liliuokalani Gardens.
Japanese garden in Hilo, Hawaii Find your zen in Hilo Japanese Gardens.
Inside the Turston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcano National Park. HDR image created by combining three exposures. Inside the Turston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcano National Park.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

Hilo's Farmer's Market is filled with fruits and vegetables and buckets and bouquets of fresh cut tropical flowers.

Famous For

In addition to lush rainforests and botanical gardens, Hilo has one of the best open-air markets in Hawaii. The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-see!

Traditional Hawaiian cuisine on table close-up. Cooked poke bowls served with sliced vegetables, fish and greenery, dried seaweed. Healthy vegetarian food. Asian vegan raw meal, chopsticks.

Exquisite Flavors

Be sure to try Hilo's fresh poke bowls, bursting with locally caught tuna. Don't miss the exotic flavors of dragon fruit and rambutan, grown right in the island's lush landscapes.

Beautiful Rainbow Waterfalls in Paradise on the Big Island in Hawaii. Wailua Waterfall near the island capital Lihue on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Fun Facts

Rainbow Falls or Waiānuenue, cascades 80 feet downward!

Port Name & Location

Hilo Cruise Port - Hawaii
Ship will DOCK at this port.

Language

The local language is English.

Time Zone

HAST (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)
UTC/GMT -10 hours

Currency & Shopping

US Dollar (USD)
Hawaiian jewellery, macadamia nuts and, coffee.
Shop for local gifts from Hilo here.

Featured Hilo Itineraries

Learn More about Hilo

Read more on our official travel blog.

Observation Lounge couple strolling-Alaska.

Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Embarkation Day

If you're reading this article, then most likely your cruise vacation date with Norwegian is quickly sailing your way! Embarkation day is very exciting and involves a lot of moving parts as guests check in and board, luggage is delivered to staterooms, and you get settled in and explore the ship. One of the many great things about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is that they have worked hard to ensure that the embarkation process goes as smoothly as possible.

Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki beach and Honolulu's skyline.

Top Things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii

There are plenty of things to see and do there, so we thought some guidance could be helpful. To that end, here are four of the top things to do when you're in Honolulu, Hawaii.

NCL-Barcelona-Family-Walking

What to Pack for Your Cruise

What to Pack for your Cruise Vacation: Packing list and other considerations.

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