Banyan Drive Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Banyan Drive. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls
• Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour
• Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours
• Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour - Hilo Shore Excursion
• Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure

Banyan Drive is free to visit—there’s no entrance fee for walking or driving along the famous tree-lined street, and parking is also free in most areas. However, there are plenty of fun tours that make it more of a cultural experience, and those start as little as US$35 (self-guided) and go up in price from there.

Banyan Drive is a scenic road in Hilo, Hawaii, nicknamed "Hawaii's Walk of Fame." It became famous for its rows of banyan trees planted by celebrities, politicians, and notable figures—each tree features a plaque identifying its planter. The picturesque drive curves around Hilo Bay, offering views of Mokuola (Coconut Island) and Mauna Kea, too.

Famous figures with banyan trees include Amelia Earhart, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Louis Armstrong, Babe Ruth, Cecil B. DeMille, and Richard Nixon. Other notable planters were King George V, Shirley Temple, and Senator Daniel Inouye. Each tree displays a commemorative plaque with the planter's name and date, creating Hawaii's unique "Walk of Fame."

Absolutely, you can walk Banyan Drive—that’s the best way to experience it. The loop is about 1 mile long (1.6 kilometers) with sidewalks throughout, making for an easy 20-30 minute stroll. You can pause to read celebrity plaques, admire the massive banyan trees, and take in the waterfront views. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most visitors, too.

Early morning (7–9am) offers the most pleasant experience on Banyan Drive. During that time, there are cooler temperatures, the beautiful light of sunrise, and fewer people. Late afternoon (4–6pm) is also pretty great, with a breezy atmosphere and good light for photography. Midday can be hot, though the banyan trees provide welcome shade throughout the route.