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You are here: Big Island > Travel Planner > Itineraries > Hilo & Volcano

Travel Itinerary:
Hilo & Volcano in 8 Hours

 

Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea

Hilo Bay with Mauna Kea in background

Hilo Bay, Big Island

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Plan your Day in Hilo
There is a lot to see in and around Hilo town, including the impressive Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens.  Whether you are a cruise-ship passenger or just short on time, you may only have one day to see everything,  If you only have one day to see the main attractions, a must-see is the Volcanoes National Park.  We recommend you take at least two days to visit all the attractions on the Hilo (eastern) side of the island.  But, if you have but one day, here is a suggested itinerary.  Remember to consult Big Island maps and guide books for more details prior to starting your trip.

Tour of Hilo and Volcano in 8 Hours or less

Event
Time
Elapsed
Time
Activity
Description
START 0:00 Arrive Hilo International Airport or
Depart area hotel
0:15 0:15

Richardson Beach ParkDrive to Richardson Beach Park, walk around and take a look at the black sand beach and scenery

0:30 0:45 Rainbow Falls, Big Island HawaiiDrive to Rainbow Falls State Park at the edge of Hilo town and view the falls
0:30 1:15 Pick up a Plate Lunch (Blane's Drive Inn or Kuhio Grille) or Deli Sandwich (Manono Mini Mart) to-go for a picnic at the Volcano
0:45 2:00 Drive to the Volcanoes National Park (10$ entrance fee per vehicle) View road map
0:45 2:45 Volcanoes National Park Visitor's CenterStop at the Visitor's Center, view exhibits and walk across street to the Volcano House and observation deck
1:45 4:30 Halemaumau Crater with Mauna Loa in BackgroundDrive around Crater Rim Drive counter-clockwise stopping at these attractions:  Sulphur Banks; Jaegar Museum; Halemaumau Crater; Thurston Lava Tube
2:00 6:30 Lava flow ocean entryDrive to the ocean via the Chain of Craters Road and stop at these attractions: Scenic Overlooks; Holei Sea Arch; end of road where lava flowed
1:30 8:00 Drive back to Hilo, stop at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory on the way home

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