PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Hilo
Pilot
updated Feb 2016- Hilo Bay Pilot boards19°45.8′N 155°04.8′W
The Pilotage area covers all waters inside of a line drawn from the outer extremity of the Hilo Bay breakwater to Paukaa Point Light and is compulsory for all foreign going vessels and US vessels under register in foreign trade.
Pilots board, day and night, 1nm E of Paukaa Point Light (19°46.0'N 155°05.5'W) or 1nm N of the W end of the breakwater. Vessels are requested to rig the pilot ladder, 0.6m above the water on the lee side and maintain a speed of not more than 5kts.
Vessels should contact Hilo pilot on VHF Ch 12, 1 hour before arrival.
Key data
updated Feb 2021Size limits
LOA 289.15m, beam 36.0m, 30,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Oct 31, Summer Nov 1 to Mar 31.
Tides
Range 1.4m springs.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo Harbour | — | 289 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2021Approach
The entrance channel has a controlling depth of 10.7m. The open roadstead is protected by a 3km length breakwater.
Directions for Hilo Harbour: The harbour should be entered from N, keeping in the green sector of Coconut Point Light (19°43.8'N 155°05.3'W).
Pass W of No 1 Lightbuoy (pillar, port hand), moored 0.275nm W of the breakwater head, and then alter course as necessary if proceeding to anchor.
If berthing alongside, alter course gradually E to bring leading lights in line, bearing 097.5°. The channel is marked from seaward, on the N side by No 3 Lightbuoy, No 5 Lightbuoy, No 7 Buoy and No 9 Lightbuoy and on the S side by No 4 Lightbuoy, No 6 Buoy and No 10 Buoy.
Port limits
The port limits extend from an imaginary line from the end of the breakwater to Avealea Point.
Anchorages
There is no safe anchorage for vessels awaiting a pilot.
In good weather conditions anchorage can be found in Hilo Bay, but local knowledge is required. The anchorage is inside pilotage waters and a pilot is required for anchoring.
Anchorage is available anywhere in the lee of the breakwater where depths allow. The Harbour Master normally assigns anchorages for all deep draught vessels.
Tugs
There is 1 tug "Maoi" 1,750hp, based in Hilo Harbour; there are frequently other tugs in the port, or schedule can be adjusted to ensure same.
Charts and publications
BA 1309, 1490. Admiralty Pilot NP62, NP286(5).
Reporting before arrival
updated Feb 2021ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.
ETA should be advised via agent 96hrs prior to arrival and confirmed at least 24hrs in advance, advising LOA, GT and draught.
Communications
All vessels should maintain a Listening Watch on VHF Ch 12, when within the port area.
Documents
Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.
Health
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.
Customs and immigration
For crew not to be detained onboard each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.
Notices and regulations
Navigation rules for US Inland Waters apply in Hilo harbour S and SE of a line drawn 265° from the breakwater head to the shore N of Alealea Point.
Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.
Inspections
Port State Control here: US Coast Guard.
Foreign ships are examined by the US Coast Guard. File the Advance Notice of Arrival 96 hours ahead (33 CFR 160).
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: United States Coast Guard, Office of Compliance. Address: 2100 Second St, SW, Washington DC, 20593, USA. Tel: +1 202 267 2978. Fax: +1 202 267 4858. Email: [email protected]. For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www2.imo.org/ISPSCode.
Port services
updated Feb 2021Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Stores: Available.
Medical
Hilo Hospital, 10km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Hilo International, 5km.
Airport facilities: Passengers and cargo, Jetways.
Working hours
Normally Mon-Fri 0800-1700hrs.
Harbour office: From 0745-1630hrs.
Stevedores: From 0700-1600hrs.
About Hilo
updated Feb 2019Where it is
Hilo is located on the NE coast of Hawaii Island, the largest island in the group, with Honolulu being situated some 162nm NW.
The port
The port has three piers where a wide variety of cargoes are handled. The port's main cargoes include, containers, general cargo, raw sugar, petroleum products, molasses, lumber, cement, livestock, LPG; passenger cruise ships are also accommodated.
Traffic
Approx 2,000,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about Hilo
Where does the pilot board at Hilo?
The pilot boards at Hilo Bay, 19°45.8′N 155°04.8′W.
What time zone is Hilo in?
Local time at Hilo is UTC−10. No summer time.
What is the water density at Hilo?
1025.
Which load line zone is Hilo in?
North Pacific Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Apr 1 to Oct 31, Summer Nov 1 to Mar 31.
Who carries out Port State Control at Hilo?
Port State Control at Hilo: US Coast Guard.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hilo?
The UN/LOCODE of Hilo is USITO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Hilo say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.