Hilo : Profile

Location

This harbour is on the eastern side of the island and is the second largest settlement in the islands. It lies at the feet of three volcanoes, Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest; Mauna Loa, the world’s most voluminous; and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

Whilst there has been talk of closing Radio Bay since 2009 (see report adjacent) it is still open to cruising yachts as of May 2011.

Clearance

Notify the CBP office 48 hours ahead of arrival if requiring clearance.

The Harbour Master will direct yachts to berth in Radio Bay.

The Customs office handles all clearance formalities.

Last updated July 2011.

Customs
(US Customs and Border Protection Office), Port of Hilo, 29 Kuhio Street, Hilo, HI 96720
Tel:(808) 933 6975, Fax:(808) 933 6976
george.a.valdez@dhs.gov
Opening Hours: 06:00-14:0 (Mon-Fri)
Customs office is just outside the dock gate.
Notify the office 48 hrs ahead of arrival if requiring clearance, if possible. This is especially required if arrival will be at weekends, holidays or out of hours.
George Valdez is the senior office to contact.

Docking

Radio Bay Anchorage
There are local moorings present with floats attached, however these are not suitable for cruising yachts. Anchor or it is also possible to tie (tahiti-style) to the sea wall.

The anchorage and seawall are inside the port security area, so crew must be escorted to and from the boats, but the security escorts are available 24/7.

There are toilets and showers by the Seawall. A $50 security deposit (cash only)is required for the facilities key. Water and electricity are available on the dock.

Reeds Bay
Not a recommended anchorage as the bottom is silt over lava rock. Once the wind blows the anchor digs in and encounters lava rock slab - next thing you know you are on the rocky shore.

Last updated May 2011.

Port of Hilo Office
(in the commercial dock)
Tel:808-933 8850
Harbormasters office and state office where you pay harbor fees.

Wailoa Sampan Basin and Boat Harbor
400 Hualani St, Hilo, HI 96720-4783
Tel:(808) 933-0414, Fax:(808) 933-6002
Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, a county agency overseeing all anchorages in the islands that are not state run.

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