Hilo and Kona places of interest near pier

[weston gal]

We are in our 70s and cruising on the Radiance in May. We have been to the both Kona and Hilo on a land tour. We saw most of falls, Liliuokalonie gardens, and volcano in Hilo, the coffee plantations, city of refuge in Kona. Any suggestions for something we can do within walking distance of the pier or a short taxi ride?

[Addict Cruiser]

In Hilo there is Pana'ewa Rainforest Garden and Zoo that is free. I'd say it's about 8 miles from the port. Downtown there is the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Lyman Museum. Then, of course, Richardson Beach Park is a few miles from the port that offers black sand and beautiful scenery.

[weston gal]

Is downtown Hilo within walking distance of the pier?

[Addict Cruiser]

Downtown Hilo is 2 miles from the port. If you're there on Wed or Sat you can take a free Hilo Farmer's Market shuttle downtown. There is also a service called Hoppa on Hoppa off. I think it's something like $15 for an all day pass. The link I gave will take you to their website.

[weston gal]

We are there on Saturday so we will take the free shuttle to the farmers market. Thank you for your help. How do we find this shuttle?

[Addict Cruiser]

As son as you come off the ship, head towards the taxis. There you will find some very nice ladies that will point you in the right direction.

[Kartgv]

In Kona, within easy walking distance of the pier (5 minutes), are two places of historical interest:

 

Hulihe'e Palace

The Palace was a hub of Kailua-Kona when Governor John Adams Kuakini built it in 1838. Among the many things to see inside, there is a collection of local artifacts, which includes some from the reign of Kamehameha the Great, and some beautiful koa furniture. There are sometimes hula lessons or concerts going on.

 

Mokuaikaua Church

Hawaii's oldest Christian church, founded in 1820; the present structure was built around 1835.

 

There's a small beach right at the pier. From there, along about a 1/2 miles stretch of Alii Drive, there are many restaurants and shops, plus a Farmers' Market. There's another thread not far down in this forum listing some of the restaurants in Kona.