Do you need a little help in planning how to spend your time in Hawaii? Then let us assist you! The staff at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo has curated a list of some of the most fun and exciting things to do in the area. With our suggestions, you’ll fill your days and nights with adventure.
Nestled at the base of Mauna Loa, Hawai’i's largest volcano, Hilo is a unique and captivating region. Discover cascading rivers over lava rock, fields adorned with sweet potatoes and wild orchids and ever-changing black sand beaches along the coast. At the heart of it all, you'll find Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, ideally situated on the shores of Hilo Bay. Whether you're a visitor from the mainland or a local exploring the Big Island, Whitney’s five-day itinerary helps you uncover the magic of the region.
About Whitney JamesRise from your ocean view room early, thanks to a few hours of convenient jet lag from the mainland to a glimpse of Mauna Loa peeking above the clouds. Coffee is served strong in the lobby. Grab a cup to go and walk around the property, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and early morning paddleboarders enjoying the quiet beginnings of another glorious day in Hawai’i. Then, fuel up with an avocado toast or aloha buffet before departing for the day’s plans: riding an ATV. You’ll spend the day zooming through figure-eight patterns on muddy terrain and enjoying an authentic Hawaiian barbecue and snacks like freshly cracked macadamia nuts. Wash it all down (and rinse the mud off) with a cold one and a dip in another private waterfall, a staple of any adventure on the “wet side” of the island!
Slow things down on day two with a morning spent in the ocean. KapohoKine Retail Store rents snorkels and stand up-paddleboards poolside at the Grand Naniloa, and their helpful staff will have you doing laps around nearby Coconut Island in no time. In almost all weather, Hilo Bay is tranquil and still — perfect for first-time paddlers hoping to perfect their stroke.
More AdventuresThe following day, enjoy a journey north.
Verdant valleys hemmed in by nearly 2,000 foot cliffs, the area is reminiscent of Kaua’i’s famous Na Pali Coast and is of considerable cultural importance to Hawai‘i(this is where many Hawaiian Ali’i, or kings, resided up until the fifteenth century).
BUT TODAY’S ADVENTURE IS ALL IN THE JOURNEY.
Explore the JourneyOn day four, you have a few options to experience the power of Mother Nature on the Big Island. Visit Volcanoes National Park or stay coastal, where just an hour from the Grand Naniloa you can see the incredible aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Here, a brand-new black sand beach called Pohoiki was created almost overnight. Then, journey along one of Hawai’i's most scenic drives on Kalapana Kapoho Road to Hot Foot Photography, where a volcano-obsessed man named Gary will provide background on different flow events and regale you with tales of losing his home to lava only to rebuild in the exact same spot. For those looking for a midday bite, stop by Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market. Even if the market isn’t on, the grocery store here stocks great picnic options, including cold beer. When it’s time to return to Hilo, make sure you have updated driving directions—lava still blocks many of the local roadways in this area!
All too soon, it’s time to depart for home. But there are plenty of things to do before your red eye flight! Those flying out of Kona might enjoy checking out the southern side of the island, where picture-perfect Papakōlea Green Sand Beach awaits. One of only four beaches with green sand in the world, this remote destination requires an intrepid traveler who knows how to handle the 4x4 in their rental car, but the reward is worth the trouble! Sound out of your comfort zone? Make a pit-stop at Punalu‘u Beach instead. Another incredibly scenic black sand beach, Punalu‘u looks like it’s straight out of a postcard and has the same vibe that you’ve come to know and love of Hilo. For those departing directly out of Hilo, spend your morning visiting the nearby waterfalls you might have missed earlier in your stay. Rainbow Falls is a favorite, but those in search of a real undertaking might seek out a local spot that requires some wayfinding and a healthy sense of adventure. We’ve given you enough clues...this is one last Hilo discovery you have to make on your own!
The rainy side of the Big Island offers unparalleled adventures of all shapes and sizes. From ziplining over a private waterfall to tasting exotic fruits at the world-famous Hilo Farmers Market, here are our top five recommendations for what to do during your Hilo vacation.
About Whitney JamesAwake to views of Mauna Kea over Hilo Bay from your balcony and grab a cup of joe downstairs in Hula Hula. As soon as the KapohoKine Adventures kiosk opens, you’ll be ready to hit the water! Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head around neighboring Coconut Island—where ancient legend states that swimming around the island three times would heal you of sickness or ailments. Warriors thought of the island (Moku Ola in Hawaiian) as pu’uhonua, a place of refuge. Whether you find a healing element during your explorations around Coconut Island or simply a wonderful morning workout, you’re sure to enjoy this special local gem.
For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Maunakea Stellar Explorer from KapohoKine Adventures. This thrilling adventure is the only Big Island star tour to feature nighttime astronomical observing and safe daytime solar viewing with all ages welcome!
Learn MoreThose who enjoy checking national parks off their list won’t want to miss a stop at Volcanoes National Park. Stretching from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet, the park contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and of course the aforementioned Mauna Loa. Although the park was drastically altered by the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, we find this only adds to the interest of exploring a place still in flux. Choose from any number of hikes within the park during your stay and make a full day of it!
There is no shortage of incredible food options in Hilo and at the Grand Naniloa’s Hula Hula restaurant, but the Hilo Farmers Market is absolutely a “bucket list” item during your stay. It operates every day, but on “Big Market Days” on Wednesdays and Saturdays, over 200 local farmers, artisans, crafters, retailers, and food vendors unite for a market that is truly spectacular. Fun for the whole family, mainlanders in particular will be in awe of the exotic fruits and flowers overflowing onto the sidewalks!
Last but certainly not least, it wouldn’t be a classic trip to Hilo without a stop at Rainbow Falls! Less than four miles away from the Grand Naniloa, this 80-foot cascade is heavily impacted by rainfall amounts in the area and as a result is constantly fluctuating. Rainbow Falls is certainly a popular waterfall due to the easy access from town, but early risers can escape some of the crowds and also catch a kaleidoscope of rainbows in the falling water on sunny mornings. The fact that you can find something so beautiful within walking distance of Hilo makes this side of the Big Island even more magical!
If you’re looking to get away from noisy crowds and tourist traps, you’ve come to the right place. Hilo is the perfect escape; embrace a different way of life with scenic island roads, delicious locally sourced food and an abundance of aloha during your stay. Discover Whitney James’ favorite ways to experience Hilo like a local below.
About Whitney JamesThe island of Hawai’i is always evolving, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the newly created Pohoiki Black Sand Beach. As a result of the 2018 lava flows that destroyed 700 homes, this beach is stark, beautiful, and still in flux as the waves pound away at the shoreline. Stroll along the black sand pondering the power of Mother Nature, or rather, the power of Pele—the goddess of volcanoes and fire and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. Only an hour away from the Grand Naniloa, a trip to Pohoiki is a perfect way to spend a morning during your stay.
The secret is out about Hawai’i’s favorite treat, ube, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t sample this delicious, traditional indulgence on a hot day! Made from purple yams grown in abundance on Hilo’s hillsides, the tuber originates from Southeast Asia and today has become an internet sensation due to its gorgeous purple hue and sweet flavor. Grab a soft serve ube and dragon fruit cone at Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack in downtown Hilo and try not to go back for seconds—we dare you!
If you can bear to part with the ocean during your visit to Hilo, we recommend an afternoon visit to a nearby yoga studio such as Yoga Centered. Try a soothing “Yang Ying” class that will stretch out your stiff muscles and kept you limber for the activities still to come on your packed adventure itinerary. After a quick browse through the boutique store attached to the studio, wander a few blocks away to the newly opened Temple Bar, where dragon fruit lychee ciders are the perfect reward for your hard work.
For those interested in learning more about lava and how it impacts life on Hawai’i, there’s one man you simply must meet: Gary, owner of Hot Foot Photography. Gary’s home and business is located near famous Kalapana Beach (where the lava used to flow directly into the ocean), and his front porch offers a wonderful visual history display of the lava flows on the Hilo side of the island. He will regale you with stories like the time he watched his previous house burn down (only to rebuild in the same spot) and will likely offer you fruit or vegetables that he’s grown on site—a particularly generous offer, given that his front yard is full of lava.
Last but certainly not least, we encourage you to pack a picnic and go exploring during your time at the Grand Naniloa. Pick up some poke at the Suisan Fish Market and other goodies at the Hilo Farmers Market, climb into your rental vehicle, and see where the winding island roads will lead. Whether you meander south along the coast towards Papakōlea Green Sand Beach or head inland to find tourist-free waterfalls, part of the joy of experiencing the Big Island is finding your own adventure. We think there’s plenty to go around.
