Hilo Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

Hilo Cruise Port is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Welcoming over 200,000 cruise passengers yearly, it is one of several gateways to the island’s lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, volcanic beaches, and tropical landscapes.

Built in the 1930s, this port has grown from a shipping facility to a modern cruise ship port that plays a vital role in helping the state’s thriving tourism industry flourish. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Hilo cruise port.

Hilo Cruise Port Location and Address

As the name suggests, Hilo Cruise Port sits just outside the city of Hilo, which is one of the oldest and largest settlements on Hawaii’s Big Island. Like Hilo itself, Hilo Cruise Port is located on the Big Island’s northeastern coast, making it easy for visiting cruise ships to reach.

When they are docked in Hilo Bay, visiting cruise ships also enjoy natural protection from rough ocean waters by the shape of the bay and the man-made, 10,080-foot-long Hilo Breakwater Barrier. 

Not only is the location ideal for cruise ships voyaging from the mainland of the United States, but the fact it is only 2.5 miles away from downtown Hilo means it is perfect for visiting cruise ship passengers hoping to take in some of Hawaii’s famed Aloha culture.

Plus, Hilo is just a short distance from some truly stunning natural attractions, including the Big Island’s breathtaking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls State Park, which makes it the perfect excursion destination. 

Although it is not as big or busy as Honolulu Cruise Port, Hilo Cruise Port is still a popular docking point for Hawaiian cruises. 

Hilo Cruise Port Address:

Hilo Cruise Port
80 Kuhio Street
Hilo, HI 96720

Hilo Cruise Port Piers and Terminal

Hilo Cruise Port features multiple piers, but only Pier 1 serves large cruise ships. The second pier, Pier 2, is used to dock smaller cruise ships and other small to medium-sized inter-island passenger vessels, and Pier 3 is for smaller inter-island cargo ships.

The port features a relatively small terminal building that is not connected directly to the cruise ship berth with bridges, as is sometimes the case with larger facilities.

Instead, visiting passengers disembark directly onto either pier, where they are greeted with a few open-air kiosks. If they walk to the base of Pier 1, they will find the small terminal building. 

Despite its size, the terminal building features the basic amenities you would expect from a cruise ship terminal, including restrooms, waiting areas, passenger information desks, tourism kiosks, and more.

Terminal Facilities

As previously mentioned, the small cruise terminal building may be somewhat limited in terms of amenities, but it still offers all of the essential services you would expect.

Restrooms

Clean and wheelchair-friendly restrooms are available in the terminal building.

Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, complimentary Wi-Fi is not available at Hilo Cruise Port. While there are no options available in the port itself, Hilo Bay Café is just 1.5 miles away, so passengers needing internet access can walk roughly 30 minutes to connect to free Wi-Fi.

Accessibility

Both piers and the small terminal building are fully accessible, with ramps and ADA-compliant restroom facilities ensuring that all visiting passengers feel welcome.

Cruise Lines that Visit Hilo Cruise Port

Given that Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the United States, it is no surprise that a number of major cruise lines make regular stops at the Port of Hilo Cruise Terminal. The following are just a few of the many cruise lines that visit Hilo:

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

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock?

Almost all cruise lines dock at the larger, east-facing berth on Pier 1. This is not only because the 1,265-foot-long berth can accommodate larger ships, but it is also closer to the terminal building.

During the busy season, some cruise ships will dock at Pier 2, but it can only accommodate small to medium-sized cruise ships, as it has a berthing space of 703 feet.  

Parking at Hilo Cruise Port

While Hilo Cruise Port does not offer a dedicated long-term parking lot for cruise passengers, it is possible to park in the area.

Official Hilo Cruise Port Parking

A short-term parking lot is available on-site but primarily used for pickup and drop-off purposes. It sits at the point where the two piers converge.

Although free parking is available for up to two hours at the lot, it is primarily used for port staff, so you will be told to leave if you stay beyond the two-hour pickup window.

Mokaoku Municipal Parking Lot

If you need long-term or overnight parking, you will need to use one of the nearby unofficial lots. Unfortunately, Hilo Cruise Port is located in an industrial area that primarily services the shipping port, so there are no commercial parking lots within the immediate vicinity of the port.

Located about 1.5 miles away near Coconut Island, this public parking lot offers free daytime parking. Overnight parking is $10 per day. It is a pay-and-display lot, so you must pay ahead of time and clearly display your ticket in your window. Note that this lot is fairly small, and parking is limited.

Kamehameha Ave Parking Lot

Located 2.5 miles from the port at the bus terminal at 329 Kamehameha Avenue, you can find another free parking lot. This one is much larger and offers complimentary overnight parking. Hawaii’s Transit Agency operates it, so it is completely free to use, but keep in mind that it is not a secure lot, so parking is at your own risk.

Traveling to Hilo Cruise Port from Nearby Airports

Another major reason for Hilo Cruise Port’s popularity is its proximity to Hilo International Airport (ITO). Here’s a quick breakdown of how to get to and from the two closest airports:

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Just 3.1 miles from the cruise port, Hilo International Airport is the main airport serving the Hilo area. Some cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, offer free shuttle services from the airport for cruises that list the Port of Hilo as their initial embarkation point.

Several car rental providers are at the airport, so some passengers will rent a vehicle and drive themselves. If you plan on doing so, you can take the following directions:

Take Kekuanaoa Street, then turn right onto Kanoelehua Ave for 0.7 mi. Turn right onto Kamehameha Ave, make a slight left onto Kalanianaole St, and watch for signs for Hilo Cruise Port.

If you are flying into Hilo International and need to get to the port, you have the following options available to you:

Taxis are the most popular mode of transportation from the airport. While the city does not enforce a flat rate for transportation to the port, fares for this 10-minute drive tend to be around $15 to $20.

Both Uber and Lyft are available on the Big Island, and many drivers are willing to pick up passengers at the airport.

As mentioned, there are several rental agencies directly at the airport, including Hertz and Enterprise. Daily rates for a compact car are usually pretty reasonable, so it can be a somewhat affordable way to explore Hilo and the surrounding area.

Kona International Airport (KOA)

The airport is the second that serves the Big Island. Located on the island’s western side, it is 78 miles away from the port. Although this may not seem practical, some cruise passengers will fly into Kona International Airport to explore more of the island before they board their cruise ship.

Plus, the drive is incredibly scenic, offering tourists an opportunity to view some of the island’s volcanic landscape and coastline from the comfort of their vehicle.

If you choose to do so, you should anticipate the drive to take between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Head west on Keahole Airport Rd and turn left on Kupipi St to Keahole Airport Rd and right only HI-19. Then, follow the signs to HI-190. After about 70 miles, take a left onto W Puainako St for 0.6 mi, then turn left onto W Kawili St for 1.2 mi.

Turn right onto E Kawili St then left onto Kanoelehua Ave. After 1.2 mi, take a slight left onto Kalanianaole St and watch for signs for Hilo Cruise Port.

Unfortunately, getting between Kona Airport and the cruise port can be somewhat tricky given the 78-mile distance separating them, but you still have these options available to you:

Because there are no direct shuttle buses from Kona Airport to the cruise port, most people will opt for a cab. Keep in mind that taxi fares can cost upwards of $250, as most drivers will be hesitant to drive across the entire island.

As mentioned, renting a car and taking a scenic drive is another popular option. With drop-off locations just outside of nearby Hilo Airport, it can be a way to see more of the island before your cruise.

How to Get to Hilo Cruise Port

Other ways to get around Hilo and make it to Hilo Cruise Port include the following:

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Given that the Big Island of Hawaii is a major tourist destination, there are plenty of taxis and rideshare drivers looking to capitalize. Depending on where you are coming from, fares can range from $15 to $35. While you can flag down a taxi, some people prefer an app-based rideshare service for their transparent pricing and the fact that you can easily choose where you will be picked up.

Car Rentals

As mentioned, rental cars are another hugely popular way to get around the island. Daily rates vary but can be pretty affordable if you are visiting during the off-season. Larger 4×4 SUVs tend to be more expensive but can be worthwhile if you have lots of luggage or want to explore some of the island’s more rugged and remote areas.

Public Transportation

The Hele-On Bus Service is the main form of public transportation in Hilo. This public bus service offers routes throughout Hilo and the surrounding area, but they do not have a drop-off point directly at the port. The closest bus stop is about a 13-minute walk away.

That said, it is by far the most affordable form of transportation, with one-way fares costing only $2.20 for 0.1 to 4 miles and $3.50 for anything over 4 miles. The bus service also provides routes to some of the most popular tourist attractions surrounding Hilo.

Beaches Near Hilo Cruise Port

While the area surrounding Hilo is better known for its rugged volcanic coastline than the sandy beaches you get in the Caribbean, a few of Hawaii’s famous black-sand beaches are relatively close to the port. If you want to enjoy some relaxing downtime while you visit Hawaii, you can go to the following public beaches: 

Coconut Island Beach

Also known as Moku Ola, the beach adjacent to Coconut Island is just 1.5 miles from the cruise port. There is a small beach and park on the main island, and you can cross a small bridge over to Coconut Island, where you will find two sandy beaches. You can also explore tide pools, and the clear waters are a popular spot for snorkeling.   

Richardson Ocean Park Beach

Although 2.9 miles east of the cruise port, Richardson Ocean Park is another great location for a beach day. The volcanic black sand contrasts with the blue water and lush green palm trees, giving this park and its beach a unique appearance.

The waters along the park’s beach are also home to a thriving reef system, where you can sometimes view monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Whether you want to relax and listen to the waves under a palm tree or you want to take a swim, it’s well worth visiting this island paradise. 

Keaukaha Beach Park

Although not your typical sandy beach, this scenic oceanfront park is the closest beach to the cruise port. Just over half a mile from the port, it’s possible to walk to the park and enjoy its beach. The beach is less than a mile long, but there is a clear gap in the rocky shoreline where locals and tourists enjoy swimming. 

If you do make it out to the park, you will be able to watch cruise ships coming and going from the port and surfers trying to catch a wave. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon, even if it doesn’t have the type of sandy beachfront that you might be more used to. 

Dining Near Hilo Cruise Port

While you will only find vending machines at the cruise port, you don’t have to travel too far to find diners, restaurants, and cafés. Whether you want to try some of the local cuisine or you want some more familiar comfort food, the following options are all fairly easy to get to from the port: 

Hilo Burger Joint

Hilo Burger Joint is a no-fuss, family-owned restaurant and bar that serves up incredible burgers. Everything on their menu is locally grown on the Big Island, and all their burger patties are made with grass-fed, hormone-free beef.

It’s 3 miles away, but with 21 different burgers, including plenty with signature Hawaiian ingredients and flavors, it is an excellent stop for casual eats and well worth visiting. Plus, if you want to cool off, they also have 21 beers on tap, including some local brews. 

The Hawaiian Style Café

Located 2 miles from the port, The Hawaiian Style Café is another family-owned restaurant that is a popular option for tourists and locals alike. Although it opened in 1978 under a different name, it has continued to offer the same huge portions and delicious comfort food that keep people coming back for more.

With plenty of popular Hawaiian dishes on offer, including poke bowls, grilled fish, and Hawaiian-style pork sausages, it is a great place to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes. They also offer plenty of homemade pasta dishes, so if local flavors aren’t your thing, you can try something you’re a bit more used to. 

WSW (Whiskey Steak Wine) Steakhouse

If you are looking for something a little bit more upscale, WSW Steakhouse offers a diverse menu of steaks, seafood dishes, and a full brunch menu.

As you can probably guess from the name, they also have an incredible wine and whiskey menu. The restaurant also offers stunning ocean views, so it is worth the 1.4-mile journey from the cruise port.

Miyo’s Japanese Restaurant & Izakaya Bar

Hawaii has an enormous Japanese-American population, which explains why so many Japanese dishes are adored by the locals. Established in 1987, Miyo’s Japanese Restaurant has been one of Hilo’s most successful. This cozy restaurant uses local ingredients and seafood to prepare delicious Japanese dishes.

They also have a wide range of small appetizer dishes, imported sakes, and Japanese beers. If you want to eat like a local, consider making the 2-mile journey from the cruise port. 

Ken’s House of Pancakes

Just one mile away from the cruise port, Ken’s House of Pancakes is one of the closest options. While it may seem like an unassuming diner, this famous pancake house has been around since 1971 and is one of the most popular spots in Hilo.

This award-winning local favorite has also been visited by countless Hollywood stars, musicians, and professional athletes, as evidenced by the signed photographs that cover the dining room walls. If you have a big appetite, Sumo Size your dish! 

Shopping Near Hilo Cruise Port

Unlike some of the bigger cruise ports you will find in the Caribbean, Hilo Cruise Port has no on-site duty-free shopping or designer stores, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave Hilo empty-handed. There are plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts if you travel to Hilo’s downtown, including the following: 

Hilo Farmers Market

This historic market is incredibly popular amongst locals for its fresh market items. With over 150 vendors setting up every Wednesday and Saturday (and regular market offerings every other day from 7 am to 3 pm), it is a great location to purchase handmade craft items and souvenirs.

Plus, there are plenty of food vendors selling everything from sliced tropical fruit to fresh-made poke bowls. It is one of the biggest markets in the State of Hawaii and something every visiting tourist should experience if they can. 

Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza

If you just need to pick up a few essentials for your cruise, this shopping plaza is only 1.1 miles from the cruise port. Not only is it home to a grocery store, pharmacy, Walmart, and other stores that are perfect for buying cruise supplies, but it also houses several restaurants and cafés, so it’s an easy place to grab a quick bite and a coffee. 

Shopping Along Kamehameha Avenue

If you are willing to hop in a cab, there are plenty of stores, shops, and boutiques along Kamehameha Avenue. Located about 2.5 miles from the port, this popular shopping district is home to plenty of clothing stores where you can purchase swimwear and iconic Hawaiian items, like the classic button-up Hawaiian shirt.

The aptly named Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and Naupaka Island Designs are both popular options in this well-known shopping area.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hilo? 

Like the rest of Hawaii, Hilo enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures rarely straying from the low 70° to high 80° F range.

With that said, the stretch between November and March can be very wet. In fact, the rainfall is so regular during these months that Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the entire country.

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Since most visitors try to avoid these rainy months, the dry season, which runs from April to October, tends to be the busiest. These months are also considered the best time to explore the area, so you will discover that plenty of excursions and sightseeing tours are available during these months.

If you decide to visit outside of the busy season, you can make time to take in the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in February. The world-famous Merrie Monarch Festival also occurs in early April, and this week-long celebration of Hawaiian island culture is definitely worth going out of your way to experience.