Aloha! We recognize for most people a trip to Hawaii is kind of far and so you want to plan your perfect trip! We hope to inspire you to have your dream getaway!

We offer you a five day itinerary with things to do on the Big Island and plenty of photos to inspire you! At the end we include tips and modifications so you can tailor to your taste!

Quick Preview:

Day 1: Beaches and Beer

Day 2: The Ultimate Day in Volcano National Park

Day 3: Kailua-Kona(Gold Coast), Coffee Tours, and Nature

Day 4: Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive to Hilo

Day 5: Lounge Away, Brunch, and Fly Out

Modifications and Tips

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Day 1: Beaches and Beer

Kona Brewery

Beaches

Day 2: The Ultimate Day in Volcano National Park

Volcanoes National Park

The ultimate bucket list destination when visiting the Big Island! Easily spend a day from dawn to dusk exploring the park, driving and hiking through the park, and ending the day with watching the eruption.

From sea level to 13,681 feet, the park has the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes- Mauna Loa and Kilauea. This is also designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

Tips: This can be a long (but FUN) day depending on where you are located. We were staying in Waikoloa Village so it took about ~ 2 hours to drive here. Regardless, we suggest packing your favorite snacks and preparing for a road trip! Also pack layers or even a jacket/blanket as at dusk things may get cool.

We are going to start with the drive on Crater Rim. Estimated time can span anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours depends on stops/hike times.

Here’s our guide to recommended stops! Of course take your time, food breaks, and chill as it can be a jam packed day!

Kilauea Visitor Center

Find out time for Kalapana lava flow and the most recommended way to see them from the park rangers (there are a few options). Based on weather conditions some may be better than others for that day so be sure to check here. Also can visit online for any updates prior to your visit.

Steam Vents - one mile past the visitor center

Just a short easy walk, in 10 minutes will be our next stop.
You can feel the heat from the water vapor as groundwater seeps into the rocks heated by the magma deep underground. This results in hot steam! Be careful and remain behind railings but it is a very amazing phenomena!

Sulphur Banks and Hike - “Devastation Trail”

Parking is at the beginning of the trail across from the Steam Vents. You will see colorful mineral deposits and vapors with steaming cracks!
This is a relatively easy 1.2-mile hike round trip along a paved path. Estimated time to complete is about 30-45 minutes. Of course with the sun shining on you it can seem like 10 miles, so make sure you have sunscreen and hydration. Stop and rest as much as you may need!
PSA: The trail is known to have a “rotten egg smell” as that is what sulfur smells like. Due to the fumes- it is advised pregnant women, others with medical conditions-esp respiratory conditions sould skip this trail.

Kilauea Iki Overlook

This offers a view of the entire crater-Halemaumau. Back in 1959 it was a lava lake with fountains of lava up to 1900 feet high! The crater is a mile long, 3000 ft across.

Bonus: There is also a trail here if you want rated moderate to difficult that will likely take 2-3 hours. You will see soo many trails, we decided to skip this trial to continue our journey through the park. Since we only had a day, we chose easier trails to maximize the things we could see.

Thurston Lava Tube -definitely check this out!

This is only a ⅓ mile walk= about a 15-20 minutes with stops for photos!
The trail will have a little paved area through lush rainforest prior to entering the >500 year old lava tube where lava once flowed! You may need a flashlight/or your friendly phone as you walk through it.

Jagger Museum

This used to be a Volcanic museum with later addition of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. However after 2018 the eruption of Kilauea Volcano resulted in damage and eruption of the land. While the museum is closed, go check out the views next door of the bubbling lava in the Halemaumau Crater of the Kilauea Caldera.

Dinner/Meals:

You can go outside of the park (there are in and out privileges with your initial ticket) to seek out a wide variety of food options. Check out the Volcano Village options for food and drinks! Food options are also available in the park but may be limited.

Head back to the park for sunset and see the LAVA:

An hour after sunset Halema’uma’u Crater-color changes from pink to orange to bright red and everything in between!

While there are many places to see it from, we highly recommend the short hike to be close to the best views. The rangers do a good job of rotating people so you can get a safe and up close view!

Tip: Parking gets full, soo try to get there early! Pack a blanket/coat, water, and ensure you use the bathroom beforehand. Bring a flashlight/phone for a walk back.

More things to do:

If you are looking for more to fill your day you can also check out the Drive on the Chain of Craters Road (average of 90 minutes with stops) for more views and sights. Our highlights are below:

Puhimau Crater (0.9 mile down the road); sight for crater views
Hilina Pali Lookout
Kealakomo Overlook-windy!
Halona Kahakai pullout—see ocean and lava
Alanui Kahik
Holei Pali-stop/overlook
Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Hike — can also consider the hour long hike round trip
Holei Sea Arch—The formation is from lava rock about 90 ft high and extends into the ocean.

IF you prefer a guided driven tour and are limited on time: consider this highlights tour of the Big Island including the Volcanoes - Big Island in A Day: Volcanoes and Waterfall Sightseeing Small Group Tour

If you are looking for a beach….we got you covered!!

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

This is one of the famous black sand beaches in Hawaii made by lava flow into the ocean and as it cools it reaches the ocean.

Day 3: Kailua-Kona (Gold Coast), Coffee Tours, and Nature

Before we get started on this day, we have a great paid self-guided audio tour that will tell you about all the places as you drive through. Makes for a great addition to your drive around the Island!

Kailua-Kona area (Gold Coast)

Stay at or visit the Kailua-Kona Coast on the Island of Hawaii. Enjoy exploring Aali’i Drive- great coastal walk with tons of food, drinks, and shops. Don’t forget to check out the Kona Farmers market and try all the tropical fruits washed down with fresh coconut water! Also visit Kealakekua Bay, coastal beaches, and the historic town.

If you are looking for a beach break….

Check out Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)- Has beautiful turquoise water and is a white sand beach.

Kona Coffee Tour

Kona Coffee is a term that refers to coffee grown in the specific region of Kona, making it one of the rarest coffee beans in the world!
However, the coffee is not native. In 1828 Samuel Reverend Ruggles brought arabica cuttings from Brazil and that combined with the perfect Kona weather (sunshine, volcanic rich soil, and region) it soon became an established crop in Hawaii by the end of the 1800s.

When in Kona be sure to visit the coffee belt and take part in a unique coffee farm tasting and tour. One of the tours we did and recommended was Greenwell Farms established in the 1850s.

If you are looking for guided tours- two amazing ones to check out:

1) Coffee and Chocolate Tour

2) Sunset Kona Farm Tour

If you are looking for more things to do nearby:

If you are looking for a historical park: Pu’uhoua o Honaunau National Historical Park (City of Refuge). There are some wonderful hikes here too! And it’s near the coffee belt drive.
If you are looking for water, check out Hapuna Beach!
If you are looking for a good snorkeling spot then check out Kealakekua Bay!
A wonderful guided experience that you can add on is the Hawaii Kona Snorkel and Sail with Lunch.

Day 4: Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive to Hilo

The Hamakua Coast is a pretty scenic stretch on the island with many lush tropical rainforests and greenery. In the 19th century, it used to be the place where sugar canes were and today farmers still cultivate tropical fruit, vegetables, and taro. Along the drive you will see lots of small towns that have some boutique shops and make great stops for local flavors.

We share our favorite stops:

Waipio Valley Lookout

Waipio Valley lookout is a great stop along the coastal drive on Hamakua Coast. It is the steepest road of its length in the US-some sections have 45% grade sections!

In the Hawaiian language Waipiʻo" means "curved water.” It is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture and is also known as “the Valley of the Kings.” It happened to be the childhood home of King Kamehameha I and thousands of Native Hawaiians.
The valley is surrounded by cliffs up to 2000 ft high offering a gorgeous scenic overlook of the cliffs and ocean.

If you are into hiking, there are options for a 6.5 mile steep hike as well. We chose the lookout option and save the hiking for more easier trials to maximize our time and energy.

About 40 minutes drive to the next stop

Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park

This will make a great pull out on your coastal drive along the Hamakua Coast. The area is known for scenic views and lava rocks. Stop by to take pictures and enjoy a picnic!

About 30 minutes drive to the next stop.

Akaka Falls State Park

A state park of Hawaii with a quick easy loop with some steps through a lush rainforest offering views of two beautiful waterfalls! There is a small charge per person to enter.

If you want to continue the rainforest vibes, you can add on the Pepe‘ekeo Scenic Drive + Onomea Bay (adds four miles to your coastal drive). Feel free to pull to the side and lookout!

About 20 minutes to the next stop.

Hilo

As we are on the lush rainforest side today, Hilo is a town that offers beautiful outdoor activities and sights.

We know the journey today was filled with beautiful stops so by the time you get to Hilo you may want to relax and spend some time on food and drinks.

Here are some suggestions we have:

Wailuku River State Park

It is known for Rainbow Falls and there is a quick 0.2 km walk (about 5 minutes to the area). This is good for all ages!

Also check out the boiling pots overlook!

Kaumana Caves

Warning-only for the adventurous soul! This is a 25 mile long lava tube created from lava flow in the 1880s. Check out the website for updates and tips to stay safe.

**Hilo Farmers’ Market/ Hilo Downtown**
Opportunity to eat more tropical fruits, have coconut water, and check out the local shops.

Beaches and Coastal Views

You might want to check out Coconut Island -plenty of picnic areas, beaches, and swimming! Of course, there are so many other beaches and coastal views too!

Food and Drinks

Check out the coastal town for your favorite delicacies before you call it a night!

OR if you are the adventurous soul looking for a really cool experience you have to sign up for the Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel experience!

Day 5: Lounge Away, Brunch, and Fly Out

Pick your favorite places to visit today and soak in the tropical vibes and coastal views! Maybe catch a wave or lounge on the closest beach to you and enjoy a long brunch!

Grab some food/brunch and enjoy

If you are looking for guided adventures, we have you covered:

1) Wake Up with a Whales Cruise - A perfect 1.5-hour activity to capture more wildlife!

2) Whale Wathcing and Dolphin Experience - Did you know 12 species of whales can be spotted?? It’s a ~5-hour experience filled with amazing views and a wonderful crew!

3) 9-Line Zip Line Experience - The Big Island is full of nature and adventure if you choose.

4) Kona Coast Ride- Ride from above, appreciating the Island from above!

5) Buggy through the Big Island - for those of you who prefer the ground but still want a unique adventure!

Continue your Hawaii trip and check our Hawaii page for inspiration-
see our trip to **Oahu** and check out our **top 10 things to taste** in Hawaii to continue your tropical oasis!

General tips/modifications:

For the Big Island, we don’t think you can get away without a car. Be sure to book a rental car in advance as it can be very hard to snag one during peak times and may be very expensive last minute!
For lodging there are many options- hotels, resorts, home rentals—so pick your favorite option. Consider starting here. We highly recommend checking the area around your lodging to ensure you have access to good food and drinks. Due to the pandemic, many hours have been cut around the resort towns and you may need to drive 30 minutes plus to enjoy nightlife or options for late-night food if staying at certain resorts. In general, in Hawaii we have found dinner and spots to close pretty early, so just knowing the area around you will be helpful in planning for your days/meals.
Because the island is very big with not that many main roads, be prepared to spend time driving. You could consider lodging on the Hilo side for half your trip and Kona for the other half to cut down on driving time. Both sides have their own airports too.
If you have more days to spend, we absolutely recommend spending at least two days at Volcano National Park and the surrounding area. You might also choose to do more water activities, attend a luau, take a helicopter flight, or just chill on the beaches.
If you have less time, pick your favorites from above. WE definitely recommend a day dedicated to Volcano National Park though!

*Thank you for spending time with us and reading! Mahalo! We can’t wait to hear about your adventures!!*

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