Hawaiʻi Island day trip: Hilo and the volcano

Start in Hilo with the free Liliʻuokalani Gardens and a loco moco at Café 100 or Ken's House of Pancakes (Hilo is where the loco moco was born), see Rainbow Falls, then drive about 45 minutes up to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to see Kīlauea and, if it's erupting, the glow in Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

1. Hilo
2. Liliʻuokalani Gardens
3. Café 100
4. Rainbow Falls
5. Kīlauea Visitor Center
6. Volcano Village

• 1. Liliʻuokalani Gardens (Banyan Drive): free Japanese garden on Hilo Bay, open 24 hours.
• 2. Loco moco: Café 100 (969 Kīlauea Ave., serving it since 1949) or Ken's House of Pancakes (1730 Kamehameha Ave., open 24 hours).
• 3. Rainbow Falls (Wailuku River State Park): short walk; rainbows on sunny mornings.
• 4. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: $30 per car for 7 days, card only. Kīlauea Visitor Center first for eruption updates.
• 5. Kīlauea overlooks: eruption activity changes constantly; check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Lots can fill by 10 a.m.
• 6. Volcano Village: dinner and a cozy night if you want to see the glow after dark.
• Volcanic gas can affect people with heart or breathing problems, pregnant people and young children.
• Add-on north of Hilo: ʻAkaka Falls and the Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden.
• Tap "Open all stops in Google Maps" for the whole route. Phone browsers may show only the first few stops; the Google Maps app shows them all.

Sources: Hawaiʻi Magazine: Where to eat a loco moco in Hilo · GoHawaii: Liliʻuokalani Gardens · National Park Service: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.