Hilo Cruise Ship Special: Botanical Gardens & Waterfalls Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners and steady walkers.
Overview
Discover Hilo’s top natural attractions on a private tour just for cruise ship guests. Explore tropical gardens, waterfalls, and a bustling farmers market on this unique half-day adventure.
Hilo Cruise Ship Guest Special - Botanical Gardens, Waterfalls, and Farmers Market
All Ages! 7 Hours
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
A breathtaking journey through lush botanical gardens, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant farmers markets of the Big Island!
Highlights:
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Iconic waterfalls in the North Hilo area
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Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve and Gardens
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Wailuku River State Park
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Akaka Falls State Park
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Hilo Farmers Market
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Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant along the Hilo coast
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Guided interpretation throughout the day as you learn all about the natural wonders, endemic wildlife, and rich cultural history
Time
This adventure begins at 9:00am at the Hilo Cruise Ship Terminal and returns at 4:00pm.
Duration
7 hours. Guests are picked up and dropped off at Hilo Cruise Ship Terminal unless otherwise noted
Customization
Upon booking, we'll contacted you to go over custom options for your tour - IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! And we want you to have the best tour possible!
What's Included in your Reservation:
Gear
- Patagonia Rain Jacket and Nano Puff
- Nikon ProStaff binoculars
- Umbrellas
- Hiking Poles
Food
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant along the Hilo coast
- Snacks: trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, beef jerky, chips, chocolate
- All non-alcoholic beverages: water, juice, soda, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Inclusions
- Admission into all venues and parks
- Pick up and drop off at Hilo Cruise Ship Terminal (unless otherwise noted)
- Fully guided naturalist tour with educational materials and commentary provided by our top of the line tour guides
- Complementary Photo package: 20-25 professional, edited photos shared via Adobe Cloud for easy access while traveling.
What To Bring and Wear
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Camera
Tour Requirements
- Tours can be adapted to accommodate all ages and abilities. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific needs.
- Assuming no modifications for this tour, guests should be able to walk at least 1-2 miles with some steps included.
- Guests must be able to walk on uneven or rocky terrain and we may encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
- Tour activities are weather dependent.
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour includes walking through garden paths and uneven trails, so sturdy shoes are important for safety and comfort.
Bring Sun Protection
Light sun exposure is common—pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected during the outdoor portions.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a refillable water bottle, as the tropical climate means you'll want to stay well-hydrated throughout the tour.
Respect Local Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing plants or animals to help preserve this delicate environment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nene goose
- Hawaiian honeycreeper
History
Hilo’s botanical gardens reflect a long history of native plant cultivation important to Hawaiian culture and traditions.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize conservation, encouraging low-impact tourism to protect rare native species and delicate ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hilo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating garden paths and natural trails safely.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong Hawaiian sun during outdoor activities.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the tour in warm weather.
Light rain jacket
Useful for occasional showers common in Hawaii’s fall season.
fall specific