what to do in kona/hilo for a day

hi, we willbe coming in on the cruiseship to spend a day in hilo and a day in kona..any suggestions on what to do for a day in each place..the cruiship tours don%26#39;t sound very inviting and seem very expensive..this is our first time to hawaii...thanks

what to do in kona/hilo for a day

Having done this several times.. and knowing both the possibilities and the shore pricing.... you are far better off taking the ships tours... they are very fairly priced and the variety is greater than you could go on your own... You cant beat them...

In fact many tours they offer are custom...that on land you cant get for love or money....

Then there is the fact that ships tour passengers are all the first to get off... and other passengers cant till all the tour passengers are off....you will waste hours waiting.. And of on your own and miss the ship....too bad. you could easily spend $1000 to rejoin the ship. On a shiptour the ship will wait

what to do in kona/hilo for a day

My nephew just got back from a cruise in Hawaii to all islands and stopped in Hilo and Kona. One excursion they did was deep sea fishing----they got sick and didn%26#39;t like it. I don%26#39;t know if Hawaii is known for deep sea fishing. I think the other excursion they went on was a waterpark-type thing. They said that was fun. They did price the excursions on their own and the cruise ship prices were equal or better and a lot less hassle. They said the most exciting part of stopping at that island was viewing the lava flow (since 1983 there%26#39;s been an active volcano there). The cruise ship kept a safe distance away from the flow.

thanks for the advice hawaiidan..which tours on the cruiseship for kona and hilo would you recommend then?

When we did the cruise,

Hilo: Husband did the tour from the ship that took him up Mauna Kea to see the highest point of Hawaii. It was memorable for him, plus we went in April and there was snow up there.

Daughter and I rented a car, went to Volcano Park and saw the basic parts of the park. Also saw an Orchid place, Banyon Drive, Big Island Candies, Rainbow Falls,and a few other sights. I would recommend renting a car in Hilo and exploring all the places that you like.

Kona: We went on a tour that I don%26#39;t think exists anymore but I would recommend finding a tour that lets you snorkel or one that takes you to Place of Refuge or both (ours did). Those are two great things about Kona. You can also walk the downtown section and see Hulihee Palace and the Historic Church as well as lots of little shops. I would try to get to Place of Refuge, it is so much of what you think of as Hawaii.

Hilo... Secret of Puna...a 10 person tour that explores, or the Helo tour of the lava ( does not go into the park or over it.)

Kona: Only one snorkel boat...your only option sadly as there are better....however the ships arrival missed their departure The Capt Zodiac trip..