• Banyan Drive - Begin your journey to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by driving through the historic Banyan Drive, a tree-lined street along the Hilo shoreline in Hawaii. Known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame,” this area features banyan trees planted by celebrities. These trees have survived multiple tsunamis that have struck the Big Island of Hawaii. The trees, still bearing the names of their planters, honor movie stars, religious leaders, political figures, famous authors, adventurers, and local Hawaiians.

Total Drive Time to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and beyond: 1 hour

• Liliuokalani Gardens - You might think you’re in Japan as you wander through the serene Liliʻuokalani Gardens, named after Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Situated on Hilo’s Banyan Drive, this 24.67-acre Japanese garden was dedicated in 1917 to honor Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the island’s sugar cane fields.

This beautifully landscaped park features arching bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns, and a teahouse. The views of Hilo Bay and Mokuola (Coconut Island) add to the tranquil atmosphere. With so much to see, this park is a favorite spot for families visiting the Hilo area.

• Akaka Falls State Park - At ʻAkaka Falls State Park, located along the northeastern Hilo Coast, you can witness two stunning waterfalls on a short hike. The pleasant 0.4-mile uphill trail takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and draping ferns.

Following the paved path, you’ll first encounter the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Continue along the loop, and you’ll come across the towering ʻAkaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. ʻAkaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on the island of Hawaii. This easily accessible hike takes less than an hour.

• Rainbow Falls - Rainbow Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades 80 feet into the Wailuku River below. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this waterfall is just a 5-minute drive from downtown Hilo. Known as Waiānuenue in Hawaiian, which translates to “rainbow [seen in] water,” the falls often display a dazzling rainbow in the mist as the sun rises.

Visit Rainbow Falls to experience the home of Hina, the ancient Hawaiian moon goddess, who is said to reside in a lava cave behind the falls. This tranquil spot is perfect for an early morning visit to view the falls and explore the beautiful natural surroundings.

• Boiling Pots - These two geological attractions are part of the 18-mile Wailuku River, the state’s second-longest river. Located within Wailuku River State Park, their scenic lookouts are open during daylight hours and offer parking and restrooms.

The Boiling Pots are about 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls and consist of a series of eroded, hollowed-out lava formations that fill with river water. When the river is swollen with storm runoff, the “pots” fill to the brim, become turbulent, and appear to “boil.” You can access the Boiling Pots via Waianuenue Avenue to Peepee Falls Road. Pronounced peh-eh-peh-eh, Peepee Falls can also be seen from the Boiling Pots lookout.

• Hilo - Drop off the guests

• Bottled Water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Local Guide
• Pick up and Drop off

• Gratuities