Volcano national park diy from Hilo cruise port

Question

We will be docked in Hilo on Grand princess cruise from 8 am to 5 pm. We want to do VNP on our own. What is the best car rental option? Is the drive through the park difficult? How much time we need? Also, in this time , can we also do another attraction like Rainbow falls, Hilo downtown etc? Any Guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Exploring Volcanoes National Park (VNP) on your own from the Hilo cruise port is a great way to experience one of the most unique national parks in the U.S. Here’s some detailed guidance to help you plan your day:

1. Car Rental Options:

Best Car Rental Option: There are several car rental agencies in Hilo, including Enterprise, Budget, and Alamo, which offer rentals right at the airport or in downtown Hilo. You can book in advance to save time. Most rental car companies in Hilo are used to cruise ship passengers, and many will allow you to pick up a car directly at the port or nearby.
Pick-up Locations: If you’re docking at Hilo Harbor, it’s a short ride to the rental locations downtown or at the Hilo Airport (which is nearby). Check with the rental companies to confirm pick-up options directly from the cruise terminal to save time.

2. Drive Through the Park:

Is the Drive Difficult? The drive through Volcanoes National Park is relatively easy and well-marked. The main roads are paved and suitable for all vehicles, so you won’t face any challenging driving conditions. However, there are some steep roads in the park, and weather conditions (like rain) can make them slippery, so proceed with caution. If you are visiting during an active eruption, make sure to check for any closures or road updates before heading in.
Time Needed: You’ll want to allow at least 3-4 hours in the park itself to see the major sights, such as the Kilauea Visitor Center, Crater Rim Drive, and steam vents. If you plan to hike (e.g., Thurston Lava Tube or Devastation Trail), factor in extra time. You might also want to stop at the Jaggar Museum for panoramic views of the crater. The park is large, and each stop takes some time to fully appreciate.

3. Additional Attractions:

Rainbow Falls: Rainbow Falls is located in Hilo, so it’s an easy stop on your way out of town. You can visit this beautiful waterfall in about 20 minutes. It’s just a short drive from the port, so if you leave the cruise ship early, you should have time to make a quick stop here.
Hilo Downtown: Hilo has a charming downtown area with shops, cafes, and local attractions like the Pacific Tsunami Museum or the Lyman Museum. You could walk around downtown for about 30-45 minutes, depending on what interests you. Just remember, time is limited, so plan your activities accordingly.

4. Suggested Itinerary:

8:00 am - 8:30 am: Arrive at Hilo port, pick up your rental car.
8:30 am - 9:00 am: Head to Rainbow Falls (spend 15-20 minutes there).
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Drive to Volcanoes National Park.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Explore VNP: Visit Kilauea Visitor Center, drive Crater Rim Drive, and stop at the major viewpoints. If you’re interested, you can also do a short hike.
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Drive back to Hilo, with a quick stop in downtown Hilo for lunch or a quick walk.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Return the car and head back to the port with plenty of time for boarding.

Conclusion: While you can certainly visit both Rainbow Falls and Volcanoes National Park within your time frame, it will be a packed day. Be mindful of your time, and prioritize the stops you’re most interested in. Keep in mind that traffic and weather can affect your schedule, so aim to leave the port as early as possible to maximize your time.

With a little planning, you should have a fantastic DIY tour of some of the best sights on the Big Island! Enjoy your day in Hilo!