One day in Hilo - would you hire a car?

Question

Hi, we are a couple (active / mid 40’s) visiting next month on a cruise and are thinking the best way to optimise our stop in Hilo is to hire a car to see the sights. Would you recommend this, and if so where would you suggest we visit? We’d look to book the car from 9:30am -4pm.

As a side note the day before we are in Kona the day before going on a Gold Coast & Cloud Forest tour.

Thanks for any help :)

Answer

Hiring a car in Hilo for a cruise stop is highly recommended if you want to maximize your sightseeing in the limited time available. Public transportation options in Hilo are limited, and many of the island’s highlights are spread out, so a car gives you the flexibility to see more in a short day.

With a rental from 9:30am to 4pm, you can comfortably visit several key sites around Hilo and nearby areas. Here are some suggested stops:

Rainbow Falls: A short drive from downtown Hilo, this 80-foot waterfall is easy to access and offers a classic Big Island photo opportunity.
Boiling Pots and Pe’epe’e Falls: Located a few minutes from Rainbow Falls along the Wailuku River, these pools and waterfalls are scenic and unique.
Liliuokalani Gardens: A beautiful Japanese-style garden in Hilo town, perfect for a relaxed stroll and some shade.
Hilo Farmers Market: Open daily, with Wednesday and Saturday being the busiest. Great for local produce, snacks, and small souvenirs.
Akaka Falls State Park: About a 30-minute drive north of Hilo, this park features a short hike to view the spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls and nearby Kahuna Falls.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: Just past Akaka Falls, this garden is a lush, scenic stop with a variety of tropical plants and ocean views.
Car rental logistics: Consider booking a small or mid-size car for easy parking and fuel efficiency. Make sure you check for any parking fees at state parks.

Tips for your day:

Start with attractions closer to the port, like Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens, to ensure you see the highlights even if you run short on time.
Plan your route to avoid backtracking; Hilo is compact but traffic around downtown can slow you down slightly.
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Even though the Big Island is lush, the sun can be strong and some parks have limited amenities.
If you prefer a less rushed day, you may skip the Tropical Botanical Garden, as it is a longer drive north, and focus on waterfalls, gardens, and local town charm.

Overall, a rental car will give you freedom and flexibility, allowing you to tailor your day to your interests and pace. Without a car, you’d be limited to a single tour or a few downtown stops, which may not fully showcase the beauty of the Hilo area.

One day in Hilo - would you hire a car?

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