Hilo private tour without volcano

[CU64]

I have read Hawaii port and done research. We are first time in Hawaii….do not want volcano but prefer rainforest and other lush environments. Any suggestions from those who have been there or used a flexible private tour.

Also, Kona looks more like we might just walk around after two days of excursions on Oahu and Kauai.

Thanking you in advance.

Barbara

[karatemom2]

On your visit Hilo, you might enjoy the Hawaii Tropical Gardens. They are quite lush and lovely and easy to access by taxi from the port.

 

https://htbg.com/

 

Other enjoyable things we have done besides the Volcano in Hilo is visit the Zoo, Macadamia Nut Farm and Hawaiian Vanilla Farm. Any of those options are a worthwhile use of your port time as well.

 

Kona is a great port and if you enjoy snorkeling offers convenient boat tours to Kealakekua Bay which is a pristine place to view underwater life.

[mtnesterz]

We were in Kona in August this year, a substitute port we learned we would make, as on the way over, the fire broke out in Lahaina. We are so very thankful the Emerald's 3K passengers were not ashore when the fire broke out given the speed of the fire!

Anyway, since you haven't been there, Kona is the dry side of the island. The town of Kona, well, there's not much to see. Snorkeling for the active crowd. If you're like us, more the history and culture type, we took the coffee roasting, City of Refuge with tide pools area and historic Catholic church tour. It was OK. But if you just stay at the dock, just a little shopping and bars. There used to be a shuttle that took passengers to the Walmart but we didn't see those running.

Must have Musubi from the ABC store. Yummy!

Edited December 1, 2023 by mtnesterz

[cr8tiv1]

5 hours ago, mtnesterz said:

We were in Kona in August this year, a substitute port we learned we would make, as on the way over, the fire broke out in Lahaina. We are so very thankful the Emerald's 3K passengers were not ashore when the fire broke out given the speed of the fire!

Anyway, since you haven't been there, Kona is the dry side of the island. The town of Kona, well, there's not much to see. Snorkeling for the active crowd. If you're like us, more the history and culture type, we took the coffee roasting, City of Refuge with tide pools area and historic Catholic church tour. It was OK. But if you just stay at the dock, just a little shopping and bars. There used to be a shuttle that took passengers to the Walmart but we didn't see those running.

Must have Musubi from the ABC store. Yummy!

 

 

You are absolutely spot on with regards to Lahaina.

 

Rent a car at both Hawaii Island ports.  

Hilo has lots of gardens.

Kona actually has 3 National Parks.  It is the drier side of the island with not much within walking distance.

 

[Fouremco]

On 12/1/2023 at 10:46 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

 

You are absolutely spot on with regards to Lahaina.

 

Rent a car at both Hawaii Island ports.  

Hilo has lots of gardens.

Kona actually has 3 National Parks.  It is the drier side of the island with not much within walking distance.

 

That would be my recommendation as well. We stayed just outside Kona for a couple of weeks a few years ago, and drove all over the island enjoying ourselves. A bit of research will provide lots to see and do during the available port time.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 12/1/2023 at 1:56 PM, CU64 said:

I have read Hawaii port and done research. We are first time in Hawaii….do not want volcano but prefer rainforest and other lush environments. Any suggestions from those who have been there or used a flexible private tour.

 

Hawaii Island is not a lush island. There is Akaka Falls State Park close to Hilo, but mush of Hawaii Island is barren. There is actually a desert on Hawaii Island, the Kaʻū Desert. Lush and tropical is Kauai and Windward Oahu.

[CU64]

13 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

Hawaii Island is not a lush island. There is Akaka Falls State Park close to Hilo, but mush of Hawaii Island is barren. There is actually a desert on Hawaii Island, the Kaʻū Desert. Lush and tropical is Kauai and Windward Oahu.

Ty. You are so experienced and knowledgeable about Hawaii. Good to read all of your Posts.