Exploring Hilo Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around hilo airport

Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii. The airport is minutes away from downtown Hilo, with Volcano Village and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park being approximately 45 minutes away by car. The Island of Hawaii is home to active volcanoes, orchid farms, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. Tourists can visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night to see the glow over the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The Island also offers scenic drives, such as the Onomea scenic drive and the Kapoho Kalapana road scenic drive. Tourists can also visit the Tropical Botanical Garden, which is a unique experience, and the Hilo Farmers Market for locally grown exotic fruits.

Characteristics Values
Location East side of the Island of Hawaii
Served by Interisland airlines
Nearby attractions Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, Hilo Daijingu, Alae Cemetery, Wailoa Center, Malahini Tours, Kulaniapia Falls, Makaio Tours Hawaii, Discover Paradise Adventures, Wade Morales Photography Gallery, Mana Wellness Massage Therapy & Holistic Health, O.K. Farms, Shaka Braddah Tours Llc, King Kamehameha Statue, Hilo Farmers Market, Tropical Botanical Garden, Coconut Grill Hilo, Pineapples, Papajacs, Big Island Candies, Hawaiian Tropical Bioreserve, Volcanoes National Park, Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Jaggar Museum, Isaac Hale Beach Park, Onomea scenic drive, Kapoho Kalapana road scenic drive, Pohoiki, Volcano Village

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Helicopter tours

Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii. The island is home to active volcanoes, orchid farms, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the island is by taking a helicopter tour.

There are several helicopter tour companies operating from Hilo Airport, including Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which offers tours of the Circle of Fire, a wide circle around the Puna region, known for its volcanic activity, rainforests, and rugged terrain. The typical flight path includes a flyover of Volcanoes National Park, including Kilauea's active crater and Mauna Loa's recent lava flows, as well as the easternmost coast of Hawaii.

Another popular tour is the Discover Hilo tour, which takes you on a breathtaking adventure to see the island's unique rainforest, newly formed landscapes, black-sand beaches, and stunning waterfalls. You will also witness the results of Madame Pele's incredible volcanic activity, including the smoldering landscapes of freshly formed earth.

The Hamakua and Kohala Coastline tour is another option, which takes you from lush tropical rainforest to dry, desert-like land. This tour departs from Waikoloa and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the diverse landscapes of the Big Island.

When booking a helicopter tour, it is recommended to book in advance, and some companies require a credit card to secure your reservation. Most companies offer free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and it is important to check the weight and height requirements, as well as the dress code, which usually recommends dark-colored clothing to reduce glare.

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Hike to waterfalls

Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii. The island is home to active volcanoes, orchid farms, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. There are several waterfalls in the Hilo area that you can get to easily.

Rainbow Falls

The popular Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that can be accessed via a short walk. The falls are so-called because, on some days, the way the water flows into the pool below produces a visible rainbow. There is a paved path that makes a short loop with some elevation change. The trail surface is asphalt and cement. You can also see the Peepee Falls and the Boiling Pots just up the road from Rainbow Falls.

Akaka Falls State Park

Located about a 30-minute drive from the Boiling Pots lookout, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two waterfalls—Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls. There is a scenic, roughly 0.5-mile path that takes you through beautiful green vegetation, small streams, and unique and colorful plants to ultimately reach the waterfalls. There is a $5 parking fee.

Pu'u Oo Volcano Trail

The Pu'u Oo Volcano Trail is the longest trail in Hilo at 15.2 miles long and takes, on average, 6 hours and 14 minutes to hike.

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Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located just 45 minutes by car from Hilo International Airport. The park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the fire goddess Pele. The volcano's fire pit, the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, is believed to be Pele's home. The park offers a range of adventurous activities for visitors.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the lava viewing. Visitors can witness the lava flows and the lava lake in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The park can also be visited at night to see the glow over the crater. This is a family-friendly experience that is perfect for those seeking adventure.

The park also offers hiking opportunities, with various trails to explore. The trails range from short loops to longer, more rugged paths. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the lush rainforest, paved walkways, multiple staircases, and the beautiful singing of birds. The park is also home to the 422-foot ʻAkaka Falls, which can be accessed via a paved path.

In addition to the natural wonders, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also offers cultural experiences. The park is home to the Jaggar Museum, now closed, which adds to the overall experience. Visitors can also explore the nearby Volcano Village, known for its bohemian lifestyle, unique "shacks", and farmers' markets. The village provides a great base for those wanting to explore the park and view the lava lake.

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Explore the coastline

Hilo is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii and is known for its rugged coastline. The coastline is surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Here are some suggestions for exploring the coastline around Hilo:

Akaka Falls State Park

Marvel at the 422-foot ʻAkaka Falls, surrounded by lush forests and tropical plants. The park offers paved walkways and multiple staircases, making it accessible to visitors. The short loop trail takes you through the tropical environment and offers views of the towering waterfall.

Rainbow Falls

Another popular waterfall in Hilo is Rainbow Falls, which is easily accessible and free to visit. The falls are set against a backdrop of large plants, trees, and beautiful flowers, creating a tropical atmosphere. The paved path takes you on a short loop with some elevation change, allowing you to experience the beauty of the falls up close.

Isaac Hale Beach Park

Located at the end of Highway #132, this park is known for its black sand beach formed by the 2018 lava delta. The basaltic sand has widened and elongated the beach in Pohoiki Bay, creating a unique coastline. The area is also known for its bohemian lifestyle and is home to farmers who produce fruits and vegetables for local markets.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

If you're looking for an underwater adventure, head north of Hilo along the Puna coast to explore the waters around the beach parks. Here, you can snorkel or scuba dive and discover the marine life that thrives in these waters.

Scenic Drives

Take a drive along the Onomea Scenic Drive or the Kapoho Kalapana Road (also known as the Red Road). These routes offer breathtaking views of the coastline, with the latter being one of the most scenic drives on the Island. You'll pass through lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and vibrant farming communities.

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Try snorkelling and scuba diving

If you're looking for an underwater adventure, try snorkelling and scuba diving in Hilo. The Big Island is home to stunning natural sights, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

Hilo Ocean Adventures, a family-owned dive shop on the northeast side of the Big Island, offers snorkelling and scuba diving tours that are perfect for beginners. Their tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who will take you to the best dive sites, teeming with marine life and colourful coral reefs. You can also explore remote locations around Hilo Bay, such as Mauna Kea Crater and cascading waterfalls, only accessible by boat.

For a truly unique experience, they also offer night diving, which requires extra precautions but provides an exhilarating adventure. Their tours are carefully curated with respect for local indigenous communities and the environment, ensuring a safe and ethical experience.

With its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, Hilo is a snorkeller's paradise. You can explore the underwater world, home to a variety of fish and other marine creatures, while also taking in the beauty of the surrounding islands and the rugged coastline. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, snorkelling and scuba diving in Hilo offer a chance to discover the stunning underwater world of Hawaii.

Airports and Sleep: Any Rest Stops?

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Frequently asked questions

Hilo is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii and is home to active volcanoes, orchid farms, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline. Some outdoor activities you can do near the airport include hiking to waterfalls, snorkelling, visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, exploring the Onomea scenic drive, and going to the beach.

Some attractions near Hilo Airport include the 422-foot ʻAkaka Falls, the Tropical Botanical Garden, Rainbow Falls, and the hot springs at Pohoiki.

Some dining options near Hilo Airport include Café Pesto, Pineapples, and Papajacs.

Hilo International Airport is located minutes from downtown Hilo and is accessible by taxi or rental car.

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