The Top 10 Fun Group Activities in Hilo, Hawai’i For Friends & Families
Hilo, Hawaii is a wonderful hidden gem oasis, and is the perfect place to visit with friends and family, especially a large group. Continue reading to learn about the top 10 fun group activities to do in Hilo, Hawaii while you're on the Big Island!
Visit Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo Hawaii for Fun Group Activities
When you’re in Hilo, you will want to visit Hawaii’s largest, private, off-the grid waterfall for a day of relaxing or adventurous activities such as waterfall rappelling, swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding! The waterfall is over 120 feet tall, and is one of the only waterfalls on the Big Island where swimming is permitted (when river safety conditions permit). This lush cascade is ideal for anyone looking for an awe-inspiring adventure, or a casual and relaxing swim. Kulaniapia Falls also offers a day pass, which gives you access to Kulaniapia Falls from 10am to 3pm. You will have the opportunity to explore over 40 acres, stroll through the bamboo gardens, go waterfall rappelling, take a farm tour, or sign up for a cooking class. If you're vacationing on the Big Island and want a beautiful spot with fun adventurous group activities, Kulaniapia also offers vacation rentals at their inn, The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls, for groups interested in an eco-friendly, sustainable, and overnight stay.
2. Head To The Hilo Farmers Market
The best way to foster your appreciation for freshly harvested, locally grown produce in Hilo is by visiting a farmer’s market. Twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, over 200 local farmers gather to share their fresh produce, crafts, and art with the community. Your group will have the chance to enjoy a nice, leisurely stroll through the market, while simultaneously trying foods that are grown right in Hilo. Upon exploring the market, which is the largest and most popular Farmer’s Market on the Big Island, the group will walk away with greater admiration for healthy, fresh, organic foods.
3. Take A Group Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo
Take a guided tour of the Kulaniapia Falls Farm with a passionate member of the Kulaniapia Falls community. You will get to experience, first hand, the food that is harvested right on the property. After taking a tour of the farm, the group will create a plant based lunch using the fresh, healthy ingredients that are harvested right on the property. This activity is great for groups, as the act of creating a meal together allows for quality bonding, and will enable the formation of connections with other Kulaniapia guests and community members.
4. Maunakea Stellar Explorer
Lovers of astronomy will enjoy this unique, day-long experience. The group will begin by driving along the historic waterfront, then arrive at an iconic, picturesque waterfall; Rainbow Falls. Travel up the Wailuku river to secluded boiling pots; and get your camera out because you can expect impressive photo opportunities! Retreat into the Kaumana caves, which are a part of the lava tube system that was responsible for bringing lava 1.5 miles from Hilo-town in the late 1800’s. You can then stop for a picnic lunch on top of the caves, before traveling to Saddle Road, which is situated between two of the most massive volcanoes on earth.
The group will find themselves experiencing sensory overload as they learn, in depth, about volcanoes, geology, and history, while simultaneously taking in breathtaking terrestrial views. Your guide will set up a state of the art solar telescope for you to view, and you’ll stargaze on Mauna Kea, where you’ll observe galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, double star systems, the moon, and much more! Wrap up the evening with 100% Kona coffee, or hot chocolate.
5. Enjoy a Snorkeling Excursion at Sea Turtle Lagoon
A snorkeling excursion in Sea Turtle Lagoon is a family-friendly activity that all the kids will love, and is especially conducive to groups! Whether you are a child or adult, you will truly be living out your Disney Pixar dreams when you find yourself surrounded by sea turtles.
Say aloha to the array of aquatic wildlife that you will encounter, some of which includes colorful corals, eels, eagles and manta rays. This area is particularly concentrated with tropical reef fish, and has a large sea turtle population, making you feel just like you are in Finding Nemo!
6. Go Water Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls
For groups looking for a fun, daring experience, head to Kulaniapia Falls for water rappelling. Water rappelling involves descending down a steep slope, typically a rock or waterfall. Be sure to enjoy the fruit of your labor by going for a victory swim when you make it down to the bottom of the Kulaniapia Falls! When you’ve finished water rappelling, be sure to check out the other activities offered at Kulaniapia Falls. From kayaking, paddle boarding, to cooking classes and fine dining, this hidden gem has a plethora of activities available to guests when you purchase their day pass!
7. Visit the Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo
Gather the group and head to Carlsmith Beach Park and check out a lagoon-style beach which features anchialine, a landlocked body of water with a subterranean connection to the ocean. Locals famously know this area as The 4 Mile! Because of its pool-like layout, Carlsmith beach is one of the best places to visit for swimming or snorkeling on the island, and is the ideal location for families with children. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks, as tables are set up around the water, making it a great spot for a lunch picnic. Feel like you are swimming amongst mermaids when you float along this unique blue lagoon, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for honu (sea turtles), as they are frequent visitors of this shallow area!
8. Elite Volcano Hike
When visiting Hilo, it is essential that your group explores Hawaii’s signature landmarks, volcanoes! Gather the group for the Elite Volcano Hike, where you will begin the tour at the first stop, the Kaumana Caves, which are part of the lava tube system that brought lava as close as 1.5 miles from downtown Hilo in 1881, before heading to the Volcano National Park. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the Volcano National park includes unique landscapes and the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The group will enjoy a picnic lunch at the park, where you will be able to listen to native bird calls, before heading off to Halema’uma’u trail, a 3 mile trail. The group will end the hike along old crater rim drive, which is now slowly being consumed by vegetation. After completing the hike, you will head to the Volcano House, to sit and relax for a bit, enjoying the lush nature and unforgettable views. Your passionate, local guide will then take the group to some other must see sites within Volcano National Park, such as the lava flow of Mauna Ulu. Wrap up the tour and reward yourself for all of your hard work with a satiating dinner at one of the locals’ favorite restaurants in Volcano Village! This hike and experience will allow you to deepen your experience and understanding of Hawaii's unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes!
9. Umauma Falls 9-Line Zipline Tour
For groups looking for an awe-inspiring adventure, the Umauma Falls 9-Line Zipline Tour is the perfect activity. Find yourself immersed in nature on this two mile zip line, where you will soar over 14 waterfalls, allowing you to absorb breathtaking ocean views while adventuring. Known as “The Most Beautiful Zip Line in all of Hawaii,” each line has new and exciting views. Line #2 features a view of a 100 foot waterfall; a hidden gem that many Hawaiian locals have never even seen! Additionally, you will get to cross a river gorge, lava tube, and fern grotto. The zip lining excursion is an absolutely perfect family-fun group activity, providing a combination of both action & adventure and immersion in Hawaii’s one-of-a-kind nature!
10. Royal Humpback Whale Experience & Whale Song Snorkel Upgrade
Get on board a tour boat and stop at all the best spots on The Big Island to watch Humpback whales frolic and play in their natural environment. Set sail in search of Hilo’s majestic gentle giants, where your group will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Humpback Whales, who flock to Hawaii’s warm waters every year during the cold winter months. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as well, as you can expect them to be traveling in pods! This expedition will be enjoyable for all groups of people, from families, to those with children, and groups of friends! You can choose to upgrade your adventure with a Whale Song Snorkel Package, which will allow you to hear the humpback whales as you snorkel in the clear blue waters of Hawai’i.
From visiting Kulaniapia Falls for a swim in Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall, to cooking classes, and snorkeling around Sea Turtle Lagoon, Hilo Hawaii is an ideal place for fun group activities for groups of friends and families. Be sure to follow this guide in order to experience the 10 best group activities that Hilo has to offer!
Mahalo!