Hilo

Hilo Shore Excursions - Royal Caribbean

Best of Hilo

Here is your opportunity to visit three of Hilo 's major attractions: the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, the Nani Mau Gardens with its acres of flowers, and the breathtaking Akaka Falls . While at the Mauna Loa Factory there will be time to visit the gift shop and snack bar. At Nani Mau Gardens , your tour includes a tram ride through acres of world-class botanical gardens. Then it's on to Akaka Falls , which drops 442 feet. Take time to walk along the mile-long path through lush tropical forest before returning to the ship.

The excursion involves approximately 1 mile of walking and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There are numerous steps to view Akaka Falls . The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is closed on Sundays; the gift shop will be open.

Circle of Fire & Waterfalls Helicopter Flightseeing

Departing from the Hilo Heliport, fly to the most geologically active environment on earth: The East Rift Zone. Once in the active region, look for steam vents, sky lights (openings in the lava tubes) and surface activity. Your pilot/guide will point out the black sand beaches and the town of Kalapana and other residential areas that were lost due to lava flows. Leaving the volcanic region, view the small coastal waterfalls or the cascading Wailuku River area. Volcanic activity and weather conditions vary hour to hour, offering a different view on every flight. Tour price includes round-trip transportation from the ship.

Minimum age to participate is 2 years old. Due to weight restrictions on board helicopters, all participants must register their body weight at the time of booking. This is a requirement of the helicopter companies to ensure guest safety and comfort. Approximately 45 - 50 minutes of flight time.

Discover Hilo - Waves & Waterfalls

This tour takes you along the scenic “ Old Road ” through lush rainforest en route to magnificent Akaka Falls plunging 410 feet over the sheer cliffs of dormant Mauna Kea Volcano – take this opportunity to photograph some of the Islands ' dramatic tropical foliage. At the Tsunami Museum you will watch an educational film about the awesome power of the tsunami, including real footage of the Tsunami of 1946 that devastated so much of Hilo , and listen to informative talks given by local docents. Your visit to the Shinmachi Memorial – erected in honor of the many residents of Hilo who lost their lives to the Tsunami of 1946 – will be even more powerful, as you will understand the magnitude of the devastation caused by the powerful tsunami.

Layered clothing for variable weather, including rain, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour involves walking over damp and slippery surfaces, including steps.

Explore the Land of Frozen Fire

et a first-hand look at the result of Kilauea 's repeated eruptions. From the pier you will travel to Lava Tree State Park in Puna (East) District, on the eastern rift zone of Kilauea . In 1960 the massive Kapoho Lava flow engulfed the area with enough lava to pave an eight-lane highway around the world. Today you can see the lava tree molds formed when lava surrounds a tree, chills against it, then drains away. After a photo stop at Ahalanui Warm Springs, you'll drive along a stretch of highway that often floods at high tide. Along the way and at brief stops you may view the dramatic scenery formed when lava meets sea: cliffs, lava tubes and blowholes. Along the tropical coast you will visit Kaimu, once the site of a famous black sand beach and a small town, both destroyed by a 1990 lava flow. Here, you can walk on the "Frozen Fire" and view the active volcanic vent in the distance. Stop at a survivor of the eruption, a local snack shop, where you may view a picture exhibit of the formation of lava you just walked on.

Minimum age to participate is 10 years old. Sturdy shoes are required (no sandals). Long pants and a pack for carrying water are recommended. Walking poles, water and poncho (if needed) are provided. This tour involves approximately 0.5 miles of hiking over uneven, flat trails and undulating cracked lava. Participants may choose not to hike and still experience the scenery of Hawaii 's frozen fire.

Hawaiian Eco-Safari

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most unique eco-systems on the planet. Learn more about the plant and animal life in Hawaii as you experience the Hawaiian Eco-Safari. Visit the arboretum at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor's Center and view many of the trees and plants that have played an important part in Hawaiian history. Walk through Lava Tree State Park while you learn about native plants and view the lava trees that are a lasting example of what happens when a lava flow overruns a rainforest.

Visit Ahalanui Park , home to a geo-thermal pond. The salt water pond is fed by fresh water heated by the volcano which makes for water temperatures as high as 95 degrees. Take a relaxing dip, or explore the park and ocean views. A stop will be made at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, where you can observe some of Hawaii 's native wildlife and other inhabitants of rainforest around the world.

Participants should wear a swimsuit under their clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Sturdy walking shoes and water shoes are recommended. A picnic lunch is provided.

Hilo & Kilauea Volcano with Lunch

Experience the Big Island 's diversity on a tour that combines sightseeing in Hilo , the wettest city in the U.S. and the flower capital of the world, with a visit to Hawaii 's best-known attraction, Kilauea Volcano. Begin with a drive through Hilo . Continue through the tropical forest to Volcanoes National Park , 4,300 feet above sea level, where you'll visit the Jagger Museum and ride along the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive . Experience firsthand Hawaii 's volcanoes from many viewpoints. View two kinds of lava, smooth and jagged, lava tubes, sulphur banks, and bleak desert areas. Lunch will be served at a restaurant located within the National Park.

Heading back to Hilo and before returning to the ship, a stop will be made at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.

You will not view molten lava on this tour. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is closed on Sundays; the gift shop will be open.

Hilo Bay Waterfall Kayak

Upon arrival to a black sand beach, you will be outfitted with an ocean kayak, safety gear and paddling instructions. This guided kayak tour in breakwater protected Hilo Bay will take you out past Coconut Island and along Hilo 's shoreline with view of the Wailoa Park Estuary and the Wailuku Waterfall where the 18-mile river reaches the ocean. Itinerary is subject to change due to weather and water conditions.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh less than 250 pounds. This excursion involves approximately 1.5 hours of kayaking. Participants should wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. This tour is not recommended for persons with back problems or heart conditions.

Hilo and Kilauea Volcano

Experience the Big Island 's diversity on a tour that combines sightseeing in Hilo , the wettest city in the U.S. and the flower capital of the world, with a visit to Hawaii 's best-known attraction, Kilauea Volcano. Begin with a drive through Hilo . Continue through the tropical forest to Volcanoes National Park , 4,300 feet above sea level, where you'll visit the Jagger Museum and ride along the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive . Experience firsthand Hawaii 's volcanoes from many viewpoints. View two kinds of lava, smooth and jagged, lava tubes, sulphur banks, and bleak desert areas. Heading back to Hilo and before returning to the ship, a stop will be made at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.

You will not view molten lava on this tour. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is closed on Sundays; the gift shop will be open.

Kilauea Lava Viewing Hike

Join your guide for a 4,000-foot ascent from Hilo to the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , home of Kilauea Volcano. Your drive continues back down to sea level, you will have the best chance to see lava and walk on the newest land on earth. Your hike will begin where the lava has recently covered the Chain of Craters Road. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for years with lava moving slowing along the coastline as it enters the sea. After working up an appetite on the lava, a lunch stop is made before the return drive to Hilo . If time permits, after the hike you may visit other park features.

Hiking to flowing lava is an experience like none other and is not for everyone. Minimum age to participate is 10 years old. Only those individuals with good balance and coordination should attempt this hike. This tour involves approximately 2 to 6 miles of hiking over very sharp and uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are required (no sandals). Long pants, lightweight clothing and a pack for carrying water are recommended. Conditions on the hike are usually hot and windy. While seeing lava is the goal of this excursion, red lava viewing is not guaranteed. Natural sulfur gases may affect persons with respiratory problems. This tour is not recommended for persons with heart or heat-related problems.

Kilauea Two Ways

Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano on the planet, has been erupting continuously since 1983! Explore this natural wonder in two unique ways. First travel in an off-road outfitted vehicle right across the recent lava flows. The ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Kalapana and the surrounding subdivisions were completely destroyed here in 1990. The story of Kalapana, as told by former residents, plays on the onboard multi-screen video system on your way to the remains of the village. Explore Kalapana as buried under fifty feet of new rock and look for surface outbreaks and ocean entries before reboarding your vehicle. As lava flowed towards the village, residents tried to save important structures and you will visit one of these saved structures, the Star of the Sea Painted Church , built in 1928. Lifted off its foundation and moved up the highway and out of harms way, this church was the home to Father Damien who later was the patron of Moloka'i's leper colony. Travel to the Kazumura Cave System, the longest cave in the world with over 40 miles discovered and waiting to be explored. Lava once flowed through this cave system from Kilauea on its way to the sea. Meet your geologist-guide and descend into the mountain for a subterranean exploration of Kilauea you will never forget! Stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone are just some of the natural formations left behind the violence and searing heat of a lava flow. The forest hovering over the cave is a memorable backdrop for a moment of relaxation with a cold beverage after your adventures.

Participants must be at least 8 years old and not more than 300 pounds. Umbrellas, rain jackets, gloves, flashlights and hard hats are provided. Comfortable, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Red molten lava will not be seen on this tour; natural features change daily.

Kilauea Volcano Bike Adventure

Your adventure begins with a narrated drive from the dock to the Visitors Center at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . After receiving a detailed orientation and safety briefing, the bikes and safety equipment will be unloaded from the van, and you'll head off on your biking adventure.

Your bike ride takes you around the Kilauea Caldera and is punctuated with photo stops and short hikes to the Kilauea Iki Overlook, the famous Thurston Lava Tube, Pu'u Pua'I Overlook and the Keanakako'I Overlook. A stop will be made at the Jagger Museum , home to many seismographs. Throughout the tour your guide will share the area's history and geology. All necessary equipment (bike, helmet, gloves and rain jacket) are provided.

Participants must be at least 12 years old, at least 54-inches and be comfortable riding a bicycle. The excursion involves approximately 8 miles of cycling over mostly level or downhill terrain over 2 - 2.5 hours. Comfortable layered clothing, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. Natural sulfur gases may affect those guests with respiratory problems. Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks involved in any cycling excursion. You will not see molten lava during this excursion.

Kukuihaele Ocean Cliffs ATV Adventure

Drive your own 4-wheeled ATV from the highlands of a nearly 1000-acre working cattle ranch to the rugged coastline of Hawaii 's Hamakua Coast .

Your day begins with a narrated scenic motor coach ride up the Hamakua Coast to the ranch where your Hawaiian born guides will greet you. After a full safety briefing and donning your helmet, your ride will take you alongside the old Hamakua Ditch, an engineering masterpiece which was the irrigation lifeline of Hawaii 's past sugar cane industry. You then cross to a spring fed reservoir where Hamakua Sunfish are raised. Your ride descends toward the ocean through grasslands and old sugar cane fields. The scenery reaches a climax as your ATV expedition travels under a canopy of ironwood trees through remnants of an old Hawaiian Village to the majestic sea cliffs that provide a view of the Pacific surf below.

Participants must be at least 16 years old, between 100 and 280 pounds and have valid photo identification. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required for protection against flying rocks and debris. Tank tops are not permitted. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. There are inherent risks involved with All Terrain Vehicles and guests must be aware of them before deciding to participate in this activity.

Mauna Kea Summit Tour

Mauna Kea Volcano, measured from its base 18,000 feet below sea level, is the world's highest mountain. The summit, 13,796 feet above sea level, is home to the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people, as well as most of the world's largest telescopes. Discoveries from Keck, Gemini and Subaru Telescopes have advanced our understanding of time and space. Depart from the Hilo pier through the historic town of Hilo and then northwest toward Mauna Kea , a sacred place created by fire and ice. The ancient Hawaiians considered it the home of the Female Deities of their spirituality, who bought life to all below. It was the meeting place of Heaven and Earth and the burial place of High Chiefs. The view atop Mauna Kea may be best described as majestic, with the clouds often below you. This tour includes a stop at Onizuka Center for International Astronomy at 9,200 feet and the world's largest telescope at Keck Observatory (closed on weekends and certain holidays) near the summit. A light picnic-style lunch is included.

Minimum age to participate is 16 years old. Pregnant women and persons with heart or respiratory problems are advised not to participate in this tour. Participants should wear jackets, long pants and comfortable shoes. Throughout this tour you will be at high altitudes and you must judge your abilities accordingly. During winter, rare overnight storms can close the summit road without warning. In such cases, an alternate tour will be provided, and you will not be able to visit the telescopes.

Tropical Botanical Garden Tour

World renown and acclaimed by visitors as "the most beautiful area in Hawaii ," this Garden in the Valley on the Ocean is a "must see." Within this tropical rain forest's waterfalls, meandering streams and rugged ocean coastline, there is a vast array of tropical flowers, fruit and plants. To enhance the natural beauty, a wide selection of tropical plant life has been collected from many parts of the world. These include many species of orchids, palms, bromeliads, gingers, heleconias, exotic ornamentals, plants of medicinal value and endangered species. Plants are labeled for identification, naming each by family, species and country of origin. There are over 2,500 different species in the Garden's collection.

On the way to the Garden your driver will provide narrated sightseeing of the Liliuokalani Garden , Hilo Bayfront and the Four-Mile Scenic Route on the way to Onomea Bay . Arriving at the Garden you will be given a trail map so you may explore the trails that wind through different environments, from the groves of coconut and monkeypod trees, through palm jungles and giant tree ferns. Your tour of the Garden is self-guided so you may view the Garden at your leisure, take photographs or absorb the atmosphere of peace, quiet and serenity.

The excursion involves approximately 1 mile of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. State law requires that children 4 yrs old and under must be seated in a car seat.

Volcanoes National Park

Experience the most famous attraction on the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park . Arriving at the park, located at 4,300 feet above sea level, visit Jagger Museum for an overview of the area's volcanoes. View ongoing videos of volcanic eruptions, geologic displays and working seismic equipment. There are overlooks into Kilauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater. Afterwards, depart on the 11-mile Crater Rim drive that circles Kilauea 's summit caldera and craters. There will be stops to let you experience firsthand Hawaii 's volcanoes. See smooth and jagged lava, lava tubes, sulphur banks and bleak desert areas. Finally, take a short walk through a rain forest path leading to the famed Thurston Lava Tube, a natural wonder unique to Hawaii . Stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory before returning to the ship. Visit the gift shop and snack bar to sample firsthand one of Hawaii 's main agricultural exports.

You will not view molten lava on this tour. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is closed on Sundays; the gift shop will be open.

Waipi'o Mule Drawn Wagon

Step back in time and visit Waipi'o Valley as few have - in a mule-drawn wagon! Your day begins with a narrated drive up the Hamakua coast to Waipi'o. Arriving near Waipi'o Valley, meet your guide and transfer to a four-wheel drive vehicle that will take you to the wagon departure point in the valley.

Waipi'o Valley is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Hawaiian Islands - lush and green - it is remote and not easily accessible to the public. Ride over backcountry roads to view scenic points, sites of historical significance and conditions permitting, cascading waterfalls that can fall 1200-feet to the valley floor! Experience one of nature's wonders where you will see pristine pools, lush flora of untamed Hawaii , taro patches, lotus and fishponds and maybe even wild horses. Your drive/guide will share the history of the valley, its legends and spiritual significance.

Participants should expect to drive on uneven, bumpy terrain and through streams on the valley floor. Comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are recommended. Any participant weighing 250 pounds or more must contact the onboard shore excursion desk; tour capacity may be decreased for guest comfort. This tour does not operate on Sundays.

Waipi'o Valley of the Kings Expedition

Experience views inaccessible to others from onboard a 4-wheel drive van. Your day begins with a narrated drive up the Hamakua coast to Waipi'o. Upon arrival begin your journey into the Waipi'o Valley, considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Hawaiian Islands . A lush green valley, it is remote and not easily accessible to the public. Travel over backcountry roads and trails to view scenic points and sites of historical significance.

Conditions permitting view cascading waterfalls that can fall 1,200 feet to the valley floor, pristine pools and the flora of untamed Hawaii . Relax in the calm and quiet of Waipi'o Valley where you will see taro patches, lotus and fish ponds and wild horses. Experience one of nature's wonders and learn the significance of the Valley of the Kings , while your guide takes you back into Hawaiian history.

A snack will be served at a local art gallery prior to returning to the cruise ship pier. Bring your camera so you may share this day with friends and family and remind you of Hawaii 's peace and serenity. There are no paved roads in Waipi'o Valley and the roads may be bumpy. This tour does not operate on Sundays.