The Big Island is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands you will ever visit. It hosts 8 out of 13 of the world’s climate zones, stunning beaches, waterfalls, and rainforests inhabited by species found nowhere else on the planet. It is also home to active volcanoes that are constantly changing the island’s landscape.
This itinerary is meant primarily as a template. As tastes differ we encourage you to change it as much as you want to tailor your own perfect Hawaiian getaway.
Table of contents
We hope that you enjoy your time on the Big Island and ask that you help preserve this unique ecological and cultural gem by respecting local customs and paying heed to the golden proverb: “take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
Money-saving and trip-enhancing trip planning tips
With life getting so expensive it makes sense to save as much money on your trip as you can. These resources help you to save money (#1), to book the best tours and activities (#2), and greatly simplify trip planning (#3 + #4):
- The Discount Hawaii Car Rentals website is our first stop for a quote when we need a rental car. We like them (a) because they offer the BEST rates, (b) require no prepayment and charge no cancellation fees, and (c) because they offer additional benefits such as free extra drivers and reduced young driver rates.
- We put a LOT of effort in figuring out which tours actually are the best. Have a look at our curated tour section to see tours that get consitently good reviews *and* offer great value.
- Did you know we are giving away free itineraries for all Hawaiian islands? These are a great place to start planing your own trip.
- Our Trip Planning 101 Guide is a another GREAT place to start planning for 1st time visitors.
Day 1: Kona and the Beach
Start your trip by picking up your rental car from one of the car rental offices at the Kona Airport. Kona is the sunny outdoor capital of the Big Island and you will spend your first two days and nights here enjoying the beach.
Drive into town and drop off your bags at your place of accommodation (if you have not yet booked, have a look here for accommodations in Kona). If arriving between December and April, sign up directly for a whale-watching cruise or if you feel even more adventurous, we recommend to find out more about the Manta Ray night dive/snorkel. These tours are very popular and we suggest that you book at least 48 hours in advance. Afterward, drive north up Highway 11 to explore some of the beautiful west coast beaches such as Kua Bay, Beach 69, or Hāpuna (or see our pick for the 10 best Kona beaches). Or if you are short on time, stop by the pier fronting the King Kamehameha Hotel in the center of Kona for a quick dip or a bit of snorkeling.
Sunset Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Keauhou Bay
Manta rays at Keauhou's Manta Village feed within inches of the lit flotation board. Sea Paradise has operated here since 1985, making them one of the longest-running operators at this location.
from:
$130
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.
King Kam beach in downtown Kona is a good place to take a quick dip in between activities. You can find decent snorkeling on the other side of the pier
Finish your day by watching the sunset and enjoying a mai tai at the Kona Inn or any of the beachfront restaurants on Aliʻi Drive. Tomorrow will be a busy day, so don’t go to bed too late and be prepared for an early start.
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 a relaxed breakfast in town with a view of the ocean or drive south toward Captain Cook to go to the Coffee Shack, a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to order yourself some fresh Kona coffee. After breakfast continue south to the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (also known as the City of Refuge or Hōnaunau Bay) to learn about the ancient practices and rituals of the native Hawaiians and finish up with some snorkeling at one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, Two Step (300 ft. from the park entrance). This is a favorite snorkeling spot for many locals and a culturally significant place for the Hawaiian people so remember to be respectful of both the animals and the surroundings.
Fast, Fun, and Family friendly Snorkeling Experience from Kona
Fast, Fun & Family Friendly Snorkeling in Kailua-Kona to two of Kona’s most underrated snorkeling sites - includes snack breakfast & picnic lunch
from:
$130
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.Make sure to combine your activities of the day with the tours you possibly booked. Or if you don’t feel like snorkeling, you can choose one of the many outdoor activities near Kona.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is a good place to take in Hawaiian History. Next door (300 feet from the park entrance) is one of the best places of the island to go snorkeling
Day 3: Volcano Village and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 is another early day so try packing your bags before you go out for breakfast and start your 2+ hour drive to Volcano Village directly after. Make sure to stop along the way to make the drive more enjoyable, for example at South Point (the southernmost point of Hawaiʻi) or Punaluʻu black sand beach, which is famous for its status as a turtle nesting area. Once you reach Volcano Village drop your bags in a cozy vacation rental close to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (have a look at our favorite vacation rentals in Volcano Village), then head into the park for a few hours of hiking and sightseeing.
Start your visit at the visitors’ center and plan your day in the park from there. Watch the 30-minute educational video in the auditorium and talk to the park rangers about the current situation in the park, ranger-led (free) hikes, and tailor-made advice. Also, ask the rangers about if there is currently lava visible in the park. Some “must see stops” in the park are the Thurston Lava Tube, Kīlauea Iki Overlook, and the Chain of Craters Road. If you feel up for it, we recommend you hike the Kīlauea Iki trail, which descends from the beautiful Volcano rainforest into the caldera where you can see firsthand the effects of millions of years of volcanic activity.
Afterward, head back to Volcano Village to have dinner in one of the local restaurants and then relax in front of the fireplace or in the hot-tub at your vacation rental of choice. End your first day by returning to one of the many overlook spots around the caldera after dark to see the incredible glow of the Kīlauea Volcano under the stars.
Visit one of the many overlook areas in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night to see the glow above the Halemaʻumaʻu caldera
Day 4: Jungle and lava fields
Today you can choose to either return to the Hawaii Volcanoes National park and get in a solid day of hiking on the 100+ miles of trails inside the park or to drive down to lower Puna, a serene and simply breathtaking area that is home to Kalapana, once one of the most beautiful beaches in the world before it was overtaken by lava in the 1990s. Currently, a new black sand beach is forming at Kaimū, allowing a glance into the constant processes of creation and destruction which reign supreme on the island. If you choose to head to Puna, we recommend you make an entire day of it to enjoy the many gems the district has to offer.
From Kaimū, head east down the famous Red Road, stopping for photo ops at MacKenzie State Park and Isaac Hale (Pohoiki to the locals). Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved dinner in the quaint, colorful old town of Pāhoa. We recommend any of the many restaurants along the main road, where you can enjoy pizza, Thai, Hawaiian-fusion cuisine and much more.
Finish your day by driving back up to Volcano Village to enjoy your last night in the peace and quiet of the rainforest. If you’re not ready for bed just yet, head to the Volcano House just inside the national park for a stunning view of the glow at Halemaʻumaʻu (if there is an eruption at the crater) and a night cap.
Drive down the chain of craters road in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the Holei Sea Arch stick out of the 80 to 90 feet high cliffs.
Day 5: Hilo and the Wailuku River
The following morning drive south one hour to the beautiful coastal town of Hilo and start your day with breakfast at Ken’s Pancake House, an old American-style diner complete with window booths and smiling local waitresses that respond best when being called “auntie,” as per local customs of respect. Afterward, head downtown to take a stroll through the many shops, galleries and boutiques and/or visit the Tsunami Museum.
Private Kulaniapia Falls Day Pass
Swim and play at a private waterfall at the lush Hilo coast to skip the crowds.
from:
$49
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.If it’s market day (Wednesday or Saturday) stop at the Farmers Market to see how shopping is done local style. Pick up some souvenirs or some fresh fruit and bentos for lunch later in the day. Got a sweet tooth? You can also head over to Two Ladies kitchen (274 Kilauea Ave) for some fresh mochi, a Japanese delicacy in the islands which will leave you craving more (make sure to take cash!) After you’ve had your fill of exploring downtown, head out for a stroll through Lilioukalani Park and over the bridge to Coconut Island. Or, stop for a brisk swim at one of the beaches in the majestic Keaukaha area. We recommend Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile to the locals) or Richardson’s, both for the views of Hilo Bay and easy access (see all beaches in Hilo).
Afterward, head up to Rainbow Falls for a couple of photos (Note: there is now a parking fee for non-residents making this stop a bit less desirable. Head up 15 minutes to explore the Kaumana Caves lava tube as an alternative) and then continue up Kaumana Drive past Hilo Hospital to the Boiling Pots.
Now it is time to drive up Saddle Road to go stargazing at one of the best locations of the world: Mauna Kea. You can reach the visitor center to see the sunset with any rental car but you’ll need a 4WD if you want to visit the summit.
Maunakea Summit, Sunset, and Stargazing Tour
A small-group tour from Kona to the 13,796-foot summit of Maunakea: dinner at 9,200 feet, sunset above the cloud layer, and a private star show with an 11-inch telescope. Saturn, Jupiter, and the Milky Way on a clear night. 8 to 9 hours.
from:
$315
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.There are also professional tours organized from Hilo (and Kona!) that will take you up the mountain, such as the one above that is organized by the professionals at Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail. For more information and safety tips see our guide to stargazing on Mauna Kea.
Afterward head back to your accommodations in Hilo and get some much-needed rest.
The Kapoho-Kalapana (Red) Road in Puna is one of the most scenic roads of the Big Island.
Day 6: The Hāmākua Coast
Start your day with packing your bags and then enjoying a lazy breakfast in downtown Hilo while watching the sun rise over the bay. Afterward, head out to Highway 19 onto the Hāmākua Coast and get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
Start by turning on to the four-mile Scenic Route just a few minutes outside of Hilo and enjoy the winding, magical drive along the coast. You can also stop at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens for a short hike through lush fern forests. Once back on Highway 19, make sure you stop at the multi-tiered UmaUma Falls or the ʻAkaka Falls State Park to see two of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii.
Continue north to the historic town of Honokaʻa. This former cane sugar stronghold has an interesting collection of shops and galleries. It also is a great place to grab some lunch or a fresh, hot malasada at Tex Drive In. From here, it’s just a short drive to the Waipiʻo Valley overlook at the end of Highway 240, which will allow you a stunning view of the “Valley of Kings”, one of the most culturally significant spots for the native Hawaiians and a hot spot for the traditional cultivation of the locally prized “kalo” or taro crop.
If you have enough time and if the valley is accessible to visitors, you can tour the valley on foot, but be prepared for a long, challenging and hot hike. Bring plenty of drinking water, good hiking shoes and a hat or a cap against the sun. Afterward, continue to Waimea for a luxurious dinner at one of the locally renowned culinary gems (we recommend Merriman’s) or continue a half hour to the Kawaihae harbor for sunset and dinner there before returning to Waimea for the night.
The Rainbow falls in Hilo are hidden on the edge of town. If you come early, you can see how they got their name, as the rising sun creates rainbows in the falling water.
Day 7: Waimea and Pololu Black Sand Beach
Kua bay is close to the airport and a great place to watch your last Hawaiian sunset if you have a late flight
Waimea is an old ranchers town and offers easy access to great hikes and beautiful beaches. This is a good place to spend a leisurely last day on the island before slowly making your way back down the coast toward the Kona airport.
Take Highway 250 up to the historical colonial town of Hawi. From here it is a short trip to the beautiful valley and black sand beach of Pololu. Pololu is a GREAT place to see the sunrise if you are an early riser, but please take lots of drinking water and sunscreen for the short but steep hike in and out of the valley. Return to Waimea and get yourself ready for the airport before driving south along the coastal Highway 270 to the Waikoloa resort or the King’s Shops. Here you can stop for some local grinds to recharge or pick up any last-minute souvenirs on your way back toward Kona.