2 Days Private Cruise Shore Excursions to Hilo and Kona

Day 1: Hilo: Adventure day, Volcano, Black Sand Beach, Turtles, Coffee & Farmers Market

1. Hilo Farmers Market
   25m
   Colorful open-air market offering exotic fruits, fresh flowers, handmade crafts, and local treats.
   Walkability: Easy – Flat streets and stalls.
2. Rainbow Falls
   15m · Admission ticket included
   An iconic 80-foot waterfall where rainbows often appear in the mist during the morning hours.
   Walkability: Easy – Short paved walk from parking.
3. Pass by
   Largest Authentic Japanese Garden Outside of Japan
4. Big Island Candies
   15m · Admission ticket included
   Watch artisans hand-dip cookies in chocolate and browse gift-worthy confections.
   Walkability: Easy – Indoors, flat.
5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Witness the raw power and beauty of an active volcanic landscape.
   
   Thurston Lava Tube – Walk through a naturally formed tunnel created by ancient lava flows.
   Walkability: Moderate – Paved path with stairs and low-light areas.
   
   Steam Vents – See plumes rising from deep cracks in the earth, a reminder of the heat below.
   Walkability: Easy – Short flat walk from parking.
   
   Kīlauea Overlook – Sweeping views into the massive caldera; a prime spot for photos.
   Walkability: Easy – Short paved approach.
   
   Volcano House – Historic lodge with views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Perfect for a quick snack or gift shop stop.
   Walkability: Easy – Indoors and flat.
6. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Famous for its jet-black volcanic sand and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on shore.
   Walkability: Easy – Flat beach access, but walking on sand may be challenging for some.
7. Ka'u Coffee Mill
   15m · Admission ticket included
   Taste award-winning Kaʻū coffee, and browse local treats.
   Walkability: Easy – Flat, accessible facility.

Day 2: Kona: Relaxation Day, NHS, Macadamia Nuts tasting & Hapuna Beach day

1. Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
   25m · Admission ticket included
   Step back in time at one of the most significant temples in all of Hawaiʻi. Built under the direction of King Kamehameha I in the late 18th century, Puʻukoholā Heiau played a pivotal role in unifying the Hawaiian Islands. Standing on this sacred site, you’ll feel the weight of history and the mana (spiritual power) that still resonates here.
   Walkability: Easy to Moderate – Paved walkways, but some gentle slopes and open sun exposure.
2. 20m · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy a flavorful stop at this working processing facility where you can watch macadamia nuts being sorted, roasted, and packaged. Sample an irresistible variety — from buttery classics to inventive island-inspired flavors — along with a taste of fresh-brewed Hawaiian coffee to keep your energy up.
   Walkability: Easy – Indoors, flat surfaces, minimal walking.
3. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches — and crowned the #1 beach in the USA for 2023 — Hapuna is pure paradise. With its half-mile stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place to relax, swim, or simply soak up the sun for a couple of hours before heading back.
   Walkability: Easy to Moderate – Flat access to the sand, but walking on sand may be uneven for some guests.
4. Pass by
   he oldest Christian church in Hawaiʻi, built in 1820 from lava rock and coral, Mokuaikaua stands as a striking reminder of the islands’ early missionary era. Located right across from Kailua Pier, its historic architecture and interior displays tell the story of cultural change and adaptation in the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
5. Hulihe'e Palace
   Pass by
   Once the vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Hulihe‘e Palace offers a glimpse into 19th-century aliʻi (chiefly) life. With its koa wood furnishings, royal portraits, and beautiful oceanfront location, it’s a cultural treasure that brings history to life.
6. Kona Brewing Company
   5m
   After a day of sun, sand, and adventure, why not trade your beach towel for a frosty pint? We’ll happily drop you at the legendary Kona Brewing Company, where you can kick back with an ice-cold craft beer, tropical hard cider, or fizzy seltzer. Think of it as soaking up some bubbles after soaking up the sun!
   
   From here, it’s just a breezy 5-minute stroll back to your cruise ship — plenty of time to savor that last sip and say mahalo to an unforgettable Big Island day.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels