Hawaii: The Big Island
Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii is like embarking on a journey to paradise. With its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage, this enchanting island offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered. From the fiery depths of Kilauea Volcano to the lush rainforests of Akaka Falls State Park, adventurers will find themselves immersed in a world of natural wonder and awe-inspiring beauty. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay to snorkel alongside vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or traverse the otherworldly terrain of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where molten lava flows and steam vents paint a surreal landscape. With its warm hospitality and endless opportunities for exploration, the Big Island beckons travelers to embrace the spirit of aloha and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Day #1
Fly from Honolulu (HNL) to Hilo (ITO) and pick up a rental car. (We had great luck using Turo at this location since it’s such a small airport.)
Explore Hilo including Rainbow Falls, the large Banyan trees, Boiling Pots, Pe’epe’e Falls, and Waiale Falls. If you only have a little time to spare, I recommend Kaumana Caves first (Bring a flashlight!).
There’s a Walmart in the area if you need to stock up in supplies, then check into your accommodations. (Consider using AirBnb or VRBO for a more local experience.)
Day #2
Drive 45 min to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ($30 entrance fee), bring flashlights as some of the best lava viewing is after dark.
Drive along Crater Rim Drive that follows Crater Rim trail and can be accessed at many points along the drive. There is also Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube, and many areas to hike.
There are several lava viewpoints, but be sure to check in at the visitors center as the best viewing points can change location quickly.
Check out the Hawaii Volcanoes NPS website to get the most out of your park experience.
https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Day #3
Drive north from Hilo to explore ‘Akaka Falls.
Along Route 19 just past mile marker 7 there is a 4 mile scenic drive well worth the detour.
Continue north to Umauma Falls and the botanical gardens
Head along the coast to the Waipi’o Valley lookout.
Drive about 1 hour to Hapuna Beach State Park for snorkeling.
Drive 1 h to Mauna Kea for stargazing. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station (VIS) is open from 10:30 to 7:00pm. There is very limited parking so get there early. You may be in Hawaii but the temperature with dip into the lows 30’s, so bring warm clothes!
Drive 45 min back to Hilo.
Day #4
Drive 1.5 hours to Kona and check out the local farmer’s market for great gifts.
Scoot over to Kahalu’u Beach Park for great snorkeling and a high chance of seeing turtles.
There are many kayak tours just around the corner to check out.
Drive 1 hour south to Southpoint Park and see the giant windmills. Papalokea is a green sand beach by Southpoint but is a 2.5 mi walk each way and has a steep incline to descend into it.
Drive to Punalu’u to see an amazing black sand beach.
If you have time for a longer detour, Isaac Hale Beach park has geothermal pools, however this area has change greatly since the last volcanic eruption so go at your own risk.
Drive 1.5 hours back to Hilo.
This is a quick tour to hit the highlights of the big island and still have time to explore Honolulu. If you can extend your trip consider staying on the other side of the island as well, and make sure to stop at all the snorkeling spots you can!
Enjoy an easy printable form of this itinerary below!