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Scenic view of Nawiliwili Bay on Kauai with turquoise water, green hills, palm trees and a docked cruise ship in the distance.

Hilo, Hawaii

Cruises to Hilo, Hawaii

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Things to do in Hilo

Big Island energy hits differently. It’s humid. It’s lava-scorched. It’s wrapped in rainforest and occasionally smells like… cookies? Hilo goes big — it’s all about waterfalls, volcanoes and endless seas in every direction. And whether you're in it for the geological drama or just want to eat tropical fruit like it’s your last chance ever, Hilo's got what you’re looking for.

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  • Field of cacao saplings planted in protective tubes across green grass, with palm trees and scattered clouds in the distance.

    Sample fresh poke, macadamia‑nut cookies and tropical fruit that showcase the island’s agricultural flavor.

  • Bronze and gold statue of King Kamehameha I in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale, a historic courthouse with a clock tower and palm trees.

    Discover the saga of Polynesian kings, old sugar‑plantation mansions and the rise of volcanic forces tightening their grip on the land.

  • A tall waterfall streaming into a circular pool surrounded by mossy cliffs and dense tropical forest, with a faint rainbow at the base.

    Stand beneath 80‑foot waterfalls, explore the dripping green of rainforest and gaze up at volcanoes that literally reshaped the island.

  • Market stall display featuring piles of fresh tropical fruit including yellow guavas, green bananas, red rambutans and a large soursop.

    Connect with traditional Hawaiian “talk‑story” heritage, stroll vibrant markets and feel the aloha vibe that underpins the Big Island.

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Shore excursions to explore in Hilo

You came for adventure. You’re getting jungle zips, lava strolls and helicopter views that’ll make you reevaluate what you thought a ‘good day’ could be. These excursions serve up Hilo’s weird, wild and wonderful heart in the best ways possible.

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  • Bright orange lava seeping through cracks in dark, cooled volcanic rock on the Big Island.

    Ultimate Hilo: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Tastes of Hawaii

    Spend the day hiking through freshly minted lava fields with a guide who knows where all the good secrets are buried (sometimes literally). Then toast to molten rock with a glass of wine grown on a volcano. How’s that for dangerously decadent? Also, there’s going to be cookies. Cookies make every adventure even better.

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  • Wide grassy plain leading to the dark outline of Maunakea, with bright sunlight breaking through drifting clouds above.

    Honolii Orchards Chocolate Tasting & Farm Tour

    Climb Maunakea’s flank to a cacao farm where you’ll meet locals who grow chocolate like their tending to the most important crops in the world (and, who are we kidding, they are). Learn how it’s made, why it matters and taste your way through 10 bars that’ll ruin grocery store chocolate forever. Pro tip: the ‘talk-story’ part is real — and it slaps.

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  • Coastal view of Punaluʻu Beach with jet-black volcanic sand, foamy waves and tall palm trees lining the shore under a sunny sky.

    Waterfall, Pana‘ewa Zoo & Black Sand Beach

    Start with coffee. Obviously (you’re gonna want to be alert, after all).  Then chase waterfalls, chill at a zoo in the middle of the rainforest and walk a black-sand beach that may or may not have sea turtles just vibing on the shore. Finish with a picnic lunch and some Boiling Pots — because apparently even rivers get spicy here.

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  • Multi-level waterfall flowing down a green canyon surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and colorful foreground plants.

    Rainforest Zipline & Waterfall Adventure

    Rainforest? Check. Eight ziplines? Oh yes, very much check. One literal half-mile flight across a waterfall. Che— wait, what? Yeah, it’s what ziplining should be, provided you’ve got the nerve. You’ll be strapping into a harness, soaring over treetops and making Tarzan look like an amateur. Bonus: suspension bridge walk just to make sure your knees are still functioning.

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  • Wooden one-lane bridge crossing a rocky stream, surrounded by dense tropical foliage and a winding paved road through the forest.

    Jungle Falls Bike Adventure

    Trade fair winds and following seas for pedal power. Ride through old plantation roads and jungle trails, past waterfalls and sugar ghosts, with a guide who probably has stories you’ll want to Google later. End with tropical smoothies and handmade sweets because you earned them — or at least sweated for them.

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  • Thick plumes of steam rise where hot lava flows into the ocean, with black volcanic rock and waves crashing along the shoreline.

    Volcanic Landscapes by Helicopter

    You haven’t seen Hilo until you’ve seen it all at once… by flying over it in a helicopter, staring down at lava scars and black beaches that look like something out of a planetarium fever dream. Fifty minutes of jaw-drop views, followed by the smug satisfaction of knowing your vacation is objectively cooler than anyone else you know.

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Explore all Hilo shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Hilo

Hilo’s cruise port keeps it chill. Step off the ship and into a world where moss creeps up every surface, the air smells like rain and there’s always something hissing in the distance (we’re pretty sure it’s just steam). You're minutes from downtown, a few scenic bends from the rainforest and surrounded by the same geothermal activity that created the very islands you’re exploring. Hilo is a central gem in the crown of Hawaiian cruise itineraries, and we can’t wait to see you caught up in the shine of it.

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16-Day Hawaiian
Islands

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19-Day Hawaii & Japan Pacific Crossing

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23-Day Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean

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Discover Hilo on your next cruise

Hilo is primal. This isn’t the kind of port that gives you a sanitized, buffet-line version of Hawaii. You’ll see valleys wrapped in mist, lava that still feels warm to the touch (but maybe don’t touch it?) and stories told by people who’ve lived on land that literally moves beneath them. Princess Cruises sails you straight into this beautiful chaos — then offers you a hot tub and a steak dinner after. That’s balance of the best possible kind.

Cruises to Hilo
Tall waterfall dropping into a round basin, surrounded by steep green cliffs and dense tropical forest under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Stand before the mighty plunge of ʻAkaka Falls as it crashes through lush Hawaiian jungle into a misty pool below.

 

Flowing red lava weaving through hardened black rock with a glowing sunset sky above, where a rainbow arcs across the horizon.
A vibrant rainbow arcs across the twilight sky above molten lava flowing through volcanic rock formations at sunset.

Ships sailing to Hilo

Comfort, class and the kind of deck where you can watch Mauna Kea rise out of the sea like the world’s most dramatic lava cake. These ships don’t just get you to Hilo — they make the journey sing.

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Ruby Princess®

Ruby Princess®

Ruby Princess® pairs easygoing energy with elevated experiences, giving guests a relaxed journey as they to explore Hawaii.

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Diamond Princess

Emerald Princess®

Emerald Princess® is built for island cruising, with inviting spaces, warm hospitality and the perfect mix of relaxation and activity.

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Crown Princess

Crown Princess®

Comfortable, crowd-pleasing and ready to whisk you away with all the right touches of luxury.

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Coral Princess

Coral Princess®

Designed for smooth sailing through smaller ports, Coral Princess® balances cozy charm with grand-scale adventure.

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Island Princess®

Island Princess®

Perfect for guests who want intimate vibes without missing out on big-ship perks and experiences on their Kauai cruise.

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Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess®

Sapphire Princess® brings laid-back sophistication to every voyage, with space to relax and reasons to stay up late.

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Grand Princess

Grand Princess®

With The Sanctuary’s private cabanas, handcrafted Neapolitan pizza at Alfredo’s and Movies Under the Stars®, Grand Princess® turns every sea day into a chance to unwind, indulge and be entertained.

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Cruises to Hilo FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

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  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

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  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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