Volcanoes, beaches, a rainforest … it can all be a part of a perfect day in Hilo, Hawaii … The Big Island.
This island could keep you entertained for weeks, if you have the time to explore. Hilo is also a great spot to get away and relax for just a few days.
For us, “a few days” meant two days on the Big Island. We had one day in Hilo and one day in Kailua-Kona … and a lot of ground to cover!
We had such a short time in Hilo, so we leaned on a semi-private tour through Aina Tours to see as much of the island as possible.
ABOUT AINA TOURS
Gil and Tina are a husband and wife team … and are transplants from the mainland. They’ve lived in Hilo for years and are very knowledgeable about the big island.
We met Gil and the other six people inside the cruise terminal. The day started with a trip to Volcano National Park. We were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to explore the area. Rangers closed the park for months before our trip because of eruptions. We lucked out. The park reopened the day before we arrived!!
VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Gil drove us to the Park’s visitors center. Inside you’ll find all kinds of maps, models and displays showing the layout of the park.
After spending time at the center, we headed down a section of Chain of Craters Road. Our first stop was at Lua Manu Crater where Gil pointed out the lava flows. He explained the difference between pahoehoe and a’a flows. Then he pointed out examples of each. A’a flows form the individual lava rocks you see. Pahoehoe is thick and smooth … almost like thick parking lot tar.
From the lava flows, we traveled to a massive crater. We made a short walk to a viewing platform and looked out at the Pauahi Crater stretching out before us. The crater formed during an eruption in November of 1973. The eruption lasted 31 days.
Gil then drove to the Mauna Ulu Lava Fields. At this location, you will see just how destructive lava is. It’s at this point where the lava just flowed over the road and consumed everything in its way. There are only piles of lava that remain. It’s nearly impossible to think this area used to be a dense forest.
The Kealakomo Overlook stop shares what makes Hawaii unique and beautiful. The stop highlights panoramic views of the ocean and the lava fields. You can walk down to the overlook to snap better pictures. There is also a picnic area if you are looking for a spot to enjoy your lunch.
The steam vents and steaming bluff are a must see when you’re in the area. Gil made sure they were on our tour stop. Watch steam rise out of the vents. Then take a short walk to the steaming bluff. The steam comes from water seeping down onto the hot volcanic rocks. It returns to the surface as steam. As you look around you’ll notice that there aren’t any trees in the area. It’s because the rocks below the surface are so hot it kills the roots.
Gil cooled things down following the steam vents. The Kīlauea Iki outlook area looks much different than it did 60 years ago. In 1959, the crater held a massive lake of lava. All of the lava is gone, but the massive crater remains.
RAINBOW FALLS
From Hawaii’s fire and lava to the island’s beautiful waterfalls … Gil had us covered.
After the volcanoes, we drove to the Rainbow Falls. Talk about a perfect day to visit! Full sun over the waterfall … and we spotted a rainbow over the rushing water.
BLACK SAND BEACH
It’s not a day in Hawaii without a visit to a beach. On the way to the black sand, Gil drove along Banyan Drive.
Banyan Drive is Hilo’s version of Hollywood’s walk of Fame. The street is lined with banyan trees, each planted by an actor or actress, a politician, spiritual leader, community leader, or other well-known name. There are dozens of banyan tree lining the road. You’ll also notice each has a plaque honoring the person who planted it.
Hundreds of people sunned themselves on the black sand beach or played in the water when we reached the beach. Unfortunately we didn’t really have time to join them!
We did have a few minutes to look for sea turtles and check out the black sand. The sand itself was much finer and softer than other black sand beaches I’ve visited.
EXPLORE AN ORCHID FARM
We wrapped up things at the beach and headed to a beautiful orchid garden. Inside the building, there were dozens and dozens of orchids for sale. They will also ship to the mainland. Make sure you check out the orchid that smells like chocolate during your visit!
CHOCOLATE FIX
By this time, our small group wanted something to eat. The final stop before heading back to the cruise terminal turned out to be at a chocolate factory. Big Island Candies offered a wide variety of options if you need to grab some gifts before heading home. There are also a lot of free samples to taste. After eating our share, Gil dropped us off at the cruise terminal.
Think a Hawaiian vacation is out of your budget? Think again! How we saved $5,000 and managed to still get the most out of the trip!
DIY TOUR
This tour cost us $95 a person. If you have a car and don’t mind missing the stories and information from a guide, a DIY-version of this tour is possible.
Start planning your day with a visit to the National Parks Service site. The site has a ton of useful information … including any warnings and alerts about areas of the park that are closed.
The cool thing about Rainbow Falls is, of course, the rainbow! But it’s also just minutes from downtown Hilo and is very easy to reach.
Don’t forget about the stop to see (and smell) the beautiful orchids at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Yeah, it’s a tourist trap, but it’s also cool to see so many different orchids in one place! The gardens also offers a garden lunch and a tour and ice cream tasting if you’re interested.
Finally, who doesn’t love chocolate?!? The massive shop we stopped at is called Big Island Candies. I’m sure there are many other places like this around the island too.
I can’t wait to return to Hilo for a longer visit. What do I need to do the next time I’m there?