With five days on the Big Island, you are starting to be able to get a feel for the whole Island. You get to see the main attractions around the island, and will have plenty of opportunity during your drive around the island to get out of your car and take in the spirit of aloha!

Day 1: Kona and the beach

Start your trip by picking up a car at one of the car-rental offices on the Kona Airport, and get ready to spend your first two days and nights in sunny Kona!  

Drive into town and drop of your bags at your accommodation (if you have not yet booked, have a look here for accommodations in Kona). If you arrive in the winter months, sign up directly for a whale-watching cruise, and if you feel adventurous, combine that with a Manta Ray night dive. These tours are very popular and booking one day in advance (i.e. book your tour for our second day in Kona) is heavily recommended. Afterwards, drive down Highway 11 to explore some of the beautiful west coast beaches. Stop at Kealakekua bay for some snokeling and to check out the James Cook Monument, and then get back in your car and drive 4 miles south to Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau (also known as the city of refuge or Honaunau bay).  This is the favorite snorkeling spot for many locals, and was elected "One of America's best beaches 2004" by the Travel Chanel! Pick up some food and stay here to see the sun dip into the ocean. Then head back to Kona to finish your first day sipping the Islands best Mai Tai's at the Kona Inn.

Day 2: Ocean views and adventures

Get up early the following day. This should be easy since you still will be on mainland time. Have breakfast with Kona coffee at the Fish Hopper at Ali'i Drive and watch All of Kona parading up and down the boulevard. Stroll around Kona town afterwards to explore the excellent shops around Ali'i drive.

If you want to use your second day in Kona for more beaching, head out to Kahalu’u Beach Park. This beach is often nicknamed "turtle beach" and is a great place for leisure and snorkeling. Make sure to be back in time to Kona for the tours you have already booked for today (if you have, of course!).

Else, pick you own outdoor activity to spend this day. Why not spend your day swimming with the dolphins, and spending your night under water with the majestic, 12 ft wide, manta rays?

Day 3: Volcano and the national park

Wake up early again and make the 3+ hour drive to Volcano Village (click here for our overview article on volcano village). Drop your bags in a cozy vacation rental close to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (Have a look here for your vacation rentals in Volcano Village). Then, go to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Start your visit at the visitor center and plan your day in the park from there. Some "must sees" in the park are the Jaggar Museum, the Thurston Lava Tube, the Chain of craters road all the way down to the ocean and at least two of the many trails of the park. If you feel good, we recommend at least the Kilauea Iki trail, that takes you down into the Kilauea Iki caldera.

Go back to Volcano Village to have dinner in one of the local restaurants, and afterwards relax in front of the fireplace or in the hot-tub at your vacation rental. close of your first day by returning to the Jaggar Museum overlook in the park te see the glow of the Kilauea Volcano under the stars.

Day 4: Red-hot lava and hot springs

The following morning drive South one hour over Highway 11 to Hilo (click here for our overview article of Hilo). You have a full day to explore Hilo and the Puna district south of Hilo.

Drive to the Puna District and soak at the volcanically heated pools of Ahalanui and go to the nearby tide pools in Kapoho great snorkeling! Have a late lunch/early dinner in the quaint town of Pahoa. From there, it is a short drive out to Kalapana. This used to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the world, but was overtaken by lava in the 90s, and now is the place to be if you want to see slowly flowing, red hot lava up, close and personal!  (click here for our information and safety tips on lava viewing). Do call the Hawaii Volcanoes National park before you head out to inquire about the current lava viewing conditions. We recommend you to take a professionally organized lava tour, since that will maximize your chance to see the lava and minimize your risks.

Afterward, return to Hilo and enjoy your much-deserved rest.

Day 5: A lazy Hilo morning

Start your day with breakfast on the Hilo Boulevard while watching the sun rise over the Ocean. Take a little stroll along the shops at the boulevard and/or visit the Tsunami Museum and the Farmers Market.

Then get in your car and drive north over highway 19 via the rainbow falls to the Hamakua Coast. This coast itself can easily keep you busy for a full day (click here to read more information on how to spend a full day on the Hamakua coast), but since this is your last day on the island, you have to take some shortcuts.

Stop at either (or both) the 'Akaka Falls state Park to see the most famous waterfall of Hawaii, or the World Botanical Gardens for a short hike through lush fern forests to stunning waterfalls that ends at the multi-tiered Umauma falls.

Then drive further north to Honoka'a Town. This former sugar town has an interesting collection of shops and galleries, and is a great place to grab some food. From Here, it is a short drive to the Waipi'o Valley overlook at the end of Highway 240. This will give you a stunning view of the "Valley of Kings" and shouldn't be missed!

Afterwards, get back in your car and drive back to the airport. If you don't leave the island late at night, you may want to skip exploring Honoka'a town.