Hilo

Hilo is on the wet side of Hawaii's Big Island, and the greenery shows it. The town has a low-key, slightly faded downtown with a good farmers' market and wooden storefronts that haven't changed much in decades. Liliuokalani Park, a Japanese-style garden along the bayfront, is a calm spot, and Rainbow Falls is a quick drive up from the centre. The rain comes and goes quickly here, and it keeps everything growing. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about 45 minutes south and is the main reason most cruise passengers come to Hilo. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the park lets you walk along the crater rim, through steam vents, and inside the Thurston Lava Tube. The Hilo Farmers Market runs daily and sells tropical fruit, macadamia nuts, and local honey. Pack a rain jacket. Poke bowls and laulau are the local things to eat.