Hilo...What would you consider a "Do not miss"?

[3girls]

Wanted to get the general opinion as to what not to miss on Hilo? Suggestions???

[marysb]

Definitely go to Volcano National Park. A tour is a good idea here to see the steam vents, viewing centre, Thurston Lava Tube, etc, and get a good history.

[alansfreed]

I would agree that the best use of your time would be to head south to Volcanoes National Park and explore that area. Hilo itself is on the rainy side of the island, and you're more likely than not to get some precipitation there. There are a couple nice waterfalls to see (Rainbow Falls and Pe'epe'e Falls), but I wouldn't consider them "must-see" attractions like the volcanoes.

 

If you get a chance, go further south and check out the Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park... and if you have even more time, check out South Point (the "real" southernmost point in the US!).

 

Just wanted to clarify that Hilo is a city, not an island. I don't mean to sound like a smart alec or anything... I'm just not sure if you knew that since your post asked what there is to see "on" Hilo, rather than "in" Hilo. Hilo is one of the larger communities on the Big Island.

[sptrout]

I agree with the others that VNP would be my first choice by far, but just incase you are not interested in VNP, here are links to two tropical gardens:

 

1. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: http://www.htbg.com/

2. Nani Mau Gardens: http://nanimaugardens.com/

 

Both will require some kind of transportation (as with most places to visit in the Hilo area), but both are not far from the port.

 

We have been to both gardens and they are very nice if you like flowers and tropical experiences.....

[MissJen]

In addition to sptrout's comments about gardens, we spent some time at the end of our day hanging out at the Lili'Uokalani Park/Coconut Island Park. It's not far from the port (you can see it from the PoAM), it's free (parking and access) and it was a very relaxing end to a hectic day of driving around Hilo and VNP. The park itself is a decent size and doesn't offer any services other than bathrooms (no snack stands, etc), but the views were beautiful, there were interesting sculptures and trees to look at, and it was a nice end to the day. Though it was just my husband and I, there were a lot of kids there and I could see it being a nice place for kids to run around and spend some energy after sitting in the car all day.

[austriaworldtraveler]

Das the volcano national park is the number one thing to do und if you really want to see the lava you must take the helicopter tour. The park is great but can not see the lava close.

 

In Kona must see is the city of refuge http://hawaii.aloha-hawaii.com/tours/city+of+refuge/ must see und I got to see the turtles close up. The coffee plantation is not a recommendation.

[Boytjie]

Helicopter excursion over the volcano. Expensive but so worth it.

[dolfandude]

If you get a chance, go further south and check out the Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park... and if you have even more time, check out South Point (the "real" southernmost point in the US!).

 

I'd agree with that. Rent a car and drive south. It's wonderfully beautiful!

[smslms]

Guess it all depends on what your interests are. VNP is definitely worth seeing, but if you're interested in gardens, plants etc then Tropical Botanical Gardens and Queen Liliuokalani gardens are well worth seeing. If you're interested in wine then a trip to Safeway is definitely a must.:D