Disembarking in Hilo. How much time?

[Mary Ellen1]

Hi there.  We're trying to book an excursion in Hilo. We're looking at a 9:10am tour departure (a helo in Hilo!) at the nearby airport (approx a 10-minute Uber ride from the cruise pier), and we arrive at 8am on the Koningsdam. 

 

Having never been there, we're wondering if this is manageable, and specifically, how long it typically takes to get off the ship.  If we're at the gangway early,  it should be pretty straightforward, right? Barring any  unforseen problems or huge delays getting off the ship.  

 

Later excursions are sold out, until 4pm or so, and that's too late as we've got a  5:30 all-aboard.

 

Thanks, cruisers.

[FOPMan]

One risk to manage is priority disembarking. If you are in Club Orange, you shouldn't have an issue if the ship docks on time and you get off quickly. How are you getting to the helipad? Do you need to find a ride, or is the tour operator picking you up? If you aren't first ashore and need to get a ride, there could be some delay.

[Mary Ellen1]

Thanks FOPMan. Kind of what we thought.  We don’t have priority status (3-star), and would need to order an Uber or Lyft, which could take some time in a potentially crowded, gridlocked port area.  Thank you so much. 

Edited December 23, 2023 by Mary Ellen1

[CruiserBruce]

The ship docks in Hilo. You shouldn't have any problem getting off fairly quickly.

[Mary Ellen1]

19 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

The ship docks in Hilo. You shouldn't have any problem getting off fairly quickly.

Thanks Bruce. We're the only ship in port that day, so that helps. 

[YourWorldWithBill]

5 hours ago, Mary Ellen1 said:

Hi there.  We're trying to book an excursion in Hilo. We're looking at a 9:10am tour departure (a helo in Hilo!) at the nearby airport (approx a 10-minute Uber ride from the cruise pier), and we arrive at 8am on the Koningsdam. 

 

Are you aware that it rains about 275 days a year in Hilo? Just wanted to mention this, as it might be a good idea to have an alternative backup plan (not trying to cast gloom; I hope you get a bright sunny day!).

[Mary Ellen1]

20 minutes ago, YourWorldWithBill said:

Are you aware that it rains about 275 days a year in Hilo? Just wanted to mention this, as it might be a good idea to have an alternative backup plan (not trying to cast gloom; I hope you get a bright sunny day!).

Did not realize that!  I think we're going to do this as a walk-up reservation, giving us the flexibility to stay back if the weather, or ground transportation, doesn't favor us.  

 

Thanks! 

[YourWorldWithBill]

But it's beautiful there! And if you're planning a helicopter over the volcano, that's definitely a great experience, so I hope it works!