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If you’re on the hunt for a Big Island Hawaii itinerary that covers all the best aspects of the island with limited time, you’ve come to the right place.
I often hear people default to Maui, Kauai, or Oahu when planning a Hawaiian vacation, but I’m here to tell you that the Island of Hawai‘i, a.k.a. “The Big Island,” shouldn’t be overlooked for your next Hawaii trip.
The Big Island is not at all a copy and paste of other Hawaiian islands. Home to four active volcanoes and eight out of thirteen different climate zones found on Earth, The Big Island has a completely unique feel.
Being the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands, it’s also much more spread out—and as the least frequented of the major Hawaiian Islands, that means there’s more to explore with fewer crowds to worry about.
Another thing I love about Hawaii’s Big Island is its ruggedness. It’s not nearly as built up as the other main islands. You even fly directly over a lava field when landing at the airport, which is a pretty wild welcome to the island!
Overall, this is a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers or just anyone looking for a peaceful and remote Hawaiian vacation. The Big Island has an incredible variety of epic adventures, from hiking through lava fields and chasing waterfalls, to witnessing active volcanoes, or lazing by beautiful black sand beaches.
I put together this Big Island itinerary for five days for those that might have limited time to explore and want to see as much as possible, because the vastness of this island makes it a bit more challenging to navigate than other Hawaii destinations.
Of course, you could certainly take a slower approach and spread your trip out over more days, but I know that’s not always possible. Read on for my ultimate five day Big Island Hawaii itinerary that will help you have the most magical trip.
Short on Time? Here’s My 5 Day Big Island Hawaii Itinerary at a Glance
Want a quick look at what you’ll be exploring in this itinerary? The guide below covers five exciting days exploring all the highlights of the island, starting in Kona and making your way clockwise around the island.
You’ll be spending the first three nights on the Kona side (the West side) and then finish off the last two nights at accommodations in Hilo (East side).
Here is my suggested route and the highlights covered each day:
- Day 1: Arrive in Kona, check into your hotel and explore the Kohala Coast
- Day 2: Coffee farm tour in Kona, snorkel in Captain Cook and night swim with manta rays
- Day 3: Morning hike in the stunning Pololū Valley followed by burgers and beach time
- Day 4: Drive to the lush side of Big Island to explore Hilo and chase waterfalls
- Day 5: Full day exploring Volcanoes National Park
Suggested Hotels Near Kona: Pacific 19 Kona ($), Westin Hapuna Beach Resort ($$), Fairmont Orchid ($$), Mauna Lani ($$), Rosewood Kona Village ($$$), Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ($$$)
Suggested Hotels Near Hilo: SCP Hilo Hotel ($), Orchid Tree B&B ($), Grand Naniloa Hotel ($)
Important Note: You’ll need to rent a car for this itinerary as the island is BIG and it’s the most efficient way to get around. I personally love booking car rentals with Discover Cars on my travels to find the best deals, plus their “full coverage” option gives me great peace of mind in case anything should happen.
The Ultimate 5 Day Big Island Hawaii Itinerary
When Is The Best Time To Visit Big Island Hawaii?
Hawaii’s Big Island is one of those magical places where the weather is ideal year round. Temps are consistently in the 70s and 80s, but peak months for tourism are June, July, and December.
Though Big Island sees a lot fewer visitors than the other Hawaiian Islands, exploring in shoulder season is still ideal if you want fewer crowds.
I recommend traveling in April–May or September–October for a mix of the best weather and fewest visitors. With that said, we visited in March and found it to be a great time of year to see the island and didn’t experience overcrowding.
The beauty of planning a trip here is that there really is no bad time to visit the Big Island!
Note on Timing Your Visit: You can’t necessarily plan for it, but seeing Volcanoes National Park when it’s erupting is an unforgettable bucket list experience. If you happen to be on island when there’s some volcanic activity brewing it’s definitely worth your while to go check it out, but you also may want to plan a spontaneous getaway to try to catch the lava flow.
How Many Days In Big Island Hawaii Is Enough?
This is really a personal decision and dependent on how thoroughly you want to deep dive into the beauty of this island. I’ll be honest—we did everything that I’m about to share in this itinerary in three days, which was super rushed. I wouldn’t recommend it …but it is possible.
With that said, five days is much more comfortable and if you have a full week to explore you’ll be able to balance longer drives with days spent relaxing by the beach in a way that feels like you don’t need a vacation from your vacation if you know what I mean.
I’m sharing this Big Island Hawaii itinerary for five days for people who want to get a taste of the best aspects of the island but have limited time to explore. However, every destination included in the itinerary from Volcanoes National Park to Hilo and Kona invite you to stay longer for a deeper dive into the island.
How to Get Around the Big Island
As the name suggests, the Big Island is well…big, so you’re definitely going to want to rent a car. Everything you’ll want to do during your visit will require some driving and a lot of attractions are spread out, so having your own set of wheels is essential.
I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars, which is what I always use when I travel abroad. You can compare cars from global and local agencies, making it easy to find the best deals. Just make sure to choose a reputable rental company when booking and read the reviews.
You can pick up your car right when you arrive at Kona International Airport.
Where to Stay for this Big Island Itinerary
While the Big Island technically has six main regions, people generally refer to things as being on the “Kona side” or the “Hilo side.”
I’ve split up this itinerary with three nights on the Kona side and two nights on the Hilo side to cut down on driving long distances to various parts of the island.
Where We Stayed: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
For our entire trip, we stayed on the Kona side at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort which sits along the stunning Kohala Coast. The location was central for most of the things we wanted to see and totally doable, but if I were going to do it again I would split up the trip between staying in the Kona area and somewhere else closer to Hilo and Volcanoes National Park.
We loved our hotel but it was 2+ hours from the national park which made for a fair amount of driving. Staying somewhere closer would have just made things a little easier and also allowed us to experience that part of the island more.
The Westin Hapuna was wonderful though and what we really appreciated was their commitment to educating guests about Hawaiian culture.
JT and I were able to take part in a beautiful private E ala e sunrise ceremony (which included chanting, wading into the water, and making offerings) led by their cultural ambassador who is a local Hawaiian. It was a highlight of our trip and honestly really hard to put into words just how special it was.
Where to Stay Near Kona
In general, all the nicest hotels on the Big Island are on the west coast a bit north and outside of Kona because that’s where all the most beautiful beaches are. Here are the top properties I would recommend checking out on the Kona side.
Best Hotel Options Near Kona:
- Pacific 19 Kona ($)
- Westin Hapuna Beach Resort ($$)
- Fairmont Orchid ($$)
- Mauna Lani ($$)
- Rosewood Kona Village ($$$)
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ($$$)
Where to Stay Near Hilo
The Hilo side of the island is more known for its lush jungle terrain, thus you won’t find as many big beach resorts as you will on the Kona side and up the Kohala Coast. The nice thing about staying in Hilo though is that prices are a bit more affordable compared to hotels near Kona.
Best Hotel Options Near Hilo:
- SCP Hilo Hotel ($)
- Orchid Tree B&B ($)
- Grand Naniloa Hotel ($)
Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island Responsibly
One last note before we jump into this Island of Hawai‘i itinerary: It is essential to explore responsibly and respect the land and the people of Hawaii when you choose to visit.
There is much current debate over whether Hawaii even wants or needs more tourists due to the impacts on the environment and local communities. Though I don’t believe people will ever stop visiting Hawaii, I do think that creating more mindful visitors is what we urgently need, so please keep these below principles in mind.
How to Explore Hawaii Responsibly:
- Embrace the Spirit of “Aloha:” Beyond just a greeting, “Aloha” is a philosophy and way of life in Hawaii. When visiting the islands, embody the aloha spirit by showing respect and kindness to both the land and its people. The relationship that Hawaiians have with their land is so unique and special in this modern world and something we can all learn from and take back home with us.
- Explore Beyond the Resort: The island of Hawaii has so much more than pretty resort beaches—from lush rainforests to dramatic volcanic landscapes, this is the perfect adventurer’s island, so make sure to get out and explore all of its natural spaces. When you step outside the big resorts, that’s when you start to integrate the beauty and lessons that Hawaii has to teach us.
- Respect Local Culture and Traditions: Before embarking on your trip, read up on local history and traditions so you can be informed and understand the “why” behind certain traditions. A huge part of this is honoring sacred sites in Hawaii that are plentiful. With that, I would also encourage any visitors to seek out cultural experiences to learn about Hawaiian culture during your visit (many hotels are now starting to incorporate this educational programming, so make sure to ask).
- Support Local: While the big resorts are beautiful and worth staying at, I really encourage you to get off the resort during your trip, experience the diverse natural beauty of the island, and shop and eat at local spots to give back to the local community and land.
- Protect Marine Life: Make sure to leave wildlife undisturbed, and wear reef-safe sunscreen when swimming and enjoying the beaches of the Big Island.
- Leave No Trace: The beauty of the Island of Hawaii is ours to protect, so please don’t be that person that leaves their trash behind. Stay on marked trails, obey signage, and leave no trace during your visit by picking up any trash you’ve created. This also means leaving natural elements as you found them (ie. not removing plants/rocks/shells to bring home with you).
- Respect the Power of Mother Nature: With so many different climate zones and powerful ocean currents, it’s important to stay alert and humble to the power of mother nature during your visit to stay safe. This ensures that emergency services are available to locals and not stretched to capacity. When raining, make sure to stay high above ground, out of rivers and streams and as Hawaiians always say: never turn your back on the ocean. Also, stay up to date with volcanic activity as there are four active volcanoes on the island!
Read More: how to travel more sustainably
What To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Day 1 : Arrive in Kona and Explore the West Coast
The first day in Hawaii’s Big Island kicks off with a relaxed itinerary including picking up your rental car, checking into your hotel, and diving into a bit of Hawaiian culture, local beaches and Kailua Kona’s food scene. Depending on what time you arrive onto the island, you’ll either want to adjust this day to your interests or start this on your first full-day exploring.
Arrive: Once you arrive, grab your rental car, and depending on what time your flight lands, you’ll want to head straight to your hotel to check in or kill some time exploring.
Mid-Day: To kick your trip off with some intentionality and education on Hawaiian culture, make sure to visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. It’s home to one of the largest restored heiau (temples) in Hawai’i. Doesn’t hurt that the site has beautiful coastal views too.
If you’re tired from traveling and still have time to kill, you can relax at one of the area’s beautiful white sand beaches, like Waialea Beach or Kahalu’u Beach Park which is also great for snorkeling.
Evening: Before turning in, grab dinner at Izakaya Shiono Kona which is a great little sushi spot. It’s right next to Kona Brewing Co. too, so you can pop over after for a beer.
Note: If you end up getting to the island late, start this itinerary on day two.
Day 2: Coffee Farm Tour in Kona + Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
The second day of this Big Island Hawaii itinerary is packed with a mix of fun adventures, including learning about the local coffee scene, exploring the best snorkeling beach and swimming with manta rays. Make sure to book all activities ahead so you don’t miss out on anything if it gets booked up.
Morning: No trip to the Big Island is complete without sampling some locally grown coffee, so book a farm tour at family-owned Kona Joe Coffee.
We found it super interesting to learn about the coffee making process here and as an added bonus, the location is absolutely stunning perched up on a hill overlooking the coastline. We got to pack our own coffee to take home as a souvenir which made for the perfect gift for friends.
As a random side note, I never knew until taking this tour how toxic the process of decaffeinating coffee can be! Who would have thought?
Tours run Monday through Sunday on the hour from 9 AM and 3 PM, except on Wednesdays when they have a limited schedule from 1 PM to 3 PM. I’d recommend booking ahead to secure your spot.
As a second option, this award-winning farm tour gets rave reviews and offers the chance to explore a coffee plantation as well as chocolate farming on the island.
Next, head straight to grab food at The Coffee Shack (they’re open for breakfast and lunch). They have great food here, but it’s really the family-run charm and lush views overlooking Kealakekua Bay that make it a winner—and their epic dessert options. Don’t miss this spot: It’s a fan favorite on the island.
Afternoon: Head out for some snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook Monument which is considered the best spot on the island to snorkel. You can bring your own gear and swim around on your own or book a guided tour.
This Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive is a 3-hour boat cruise that will tour you around the bay stopping at the most exciting sea caves and lava tubes, while stopping at the best spots for snorkeling.
If you have more time, you can hike the Captain Cook Monument Trail that’s just under 4 miles there and back. You’ll get amazing views and the hike will bring you all the way down to the water and monument where you can snorkel afterwards for a refresher. Be warned that the hike back is uphill the entire way so be sure to bring water and pack appropriate footwear.
Evening: One of the most epic things to do on the Big Island is go for a night swim with manta rays—this is the only place in the US and Hawaii where you can experience night swimming with them, so it’s a must-do.
The tour that I recommend booking to swim with manta rays is Anelakai Adventures as they are the most sustainable company offering this tour. Their tours are run in small groups and they use canoes instead of boats with motors to minimize impact. You can browse more manta ray tour options here as well.
I have to say, this was the activity I was most excited about doing on the Big Island as it’s such a unique experience, but unfortunately our tour got cancelled due to choppy waves and we couldn’t reschedule because it was our last day. I included it early on in this itinerary so that if you need to reschedule, you’ll have time to do so!
Day 3: Hiking in Pololū Valley
The Pololū Valley is one of the most stunning coastal areas of the island, and it’s one of the most sacred areas for locals. You’ll want to get an early morning start here to avoid crowds and enjoy the hike while temperatures are still mild.
Morning: Head out to Pololū Valley to hike the Pololū Trail where you’ll take in stunning views of the coastline, while navigating a trail that leads you to a gorgeous black sand beach.
The hike down to the beach takes about 25 minutes along a pretty rugged path, which we didn’t find difficult, but there are quite a few bumpy roots and rocks you’ll want to pay attention to as you hike.
It’s helpful to wear hiking shoes for this one, but pack a pair of sandals for once you get down to the beach. This is one area where you’ll want to be super mindful of the currents and only enter the ocean if you’re a strong swimmer.
Important Note: Pololū Valley is one of Hawaii’s “overloved” sites where they’re actively trying to manage tourism, so when you arrive you will be greeted by a steward of the land who will explain the area’s rules and safety.
As it is anywhere you travel, it’s super important to be respectful here, stay on marked trails, and leave the land better than you found it. Parking is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
Lunch: After a sweaty hike and beach morning, head back down towards the Kohala Coast, stopping at Kohala Burger & Taco for lunch. Here, there’s always a line for their grass-fed burgers, tacos, and milkshakes. This is a super casual spot that focuses on using fresh, local ingredients and there’s a small area to dine in or you can carry out.
Afternoon: Head back to Hapuna Beach (which is the largest white sand beach on the island) to relax by the water. If you’re staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (like we did) then you’ll already be right there. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas here, which makes it an easy beach to spend a few hours.
Evening: Get dinner at Meridia (Mediterranean-inspired food) in the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort or Cipriano’s Kitchen (Italian/Peruvian cuisine).
If you’ve never done a luau before and it’s on your Hawaii bucket list, this would be a great night to do so.
Day 4: Drive to Hilo and Chase Waterfalls
This is the point of the trip where you’ll want to check out of your hotel on the Kona side and check into a hotel on the Hilo side of the island where all of the activities for days 4 and 5 will be located. This day is all about exploring the lush rainforest area surrounding Hilo and exploring some of the island’s prettiest waterfalls.
Morning: Get up early and check out of your hotel to start making the drive to the Hilo side of the island. You’ll want to drive straight to Akaka Falls State Park to beat the crowds. Tour buses typically start showing up here around 9 AM, so the earlier the better.
There’s an easy 0.4-mile loop to the falls, which is Hawaii’s tallest “sheer drop” waterfall and is two times the height of Niagara Falls!
There is a parking fee of $10 and an entrance fee of $5 per person (for non-residents) and bathroom facilities here for visitors.
Sidenote: If you want to make a slight detour along the drive, you can make a quick stop at Waipio Valley Lookout which is one of the most stunning viewpoints on the island, located along the Hamakua Coast. This will probably add about 30-40 minutes to your trip, so keep that in mind.
Next, head over to Wailuku River State Park where you’ll find Rainbow Falls. It’s only about 30 minutes from Akaka Falls and there is no charge to enter here.
Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that is known for the rainbow that often forms on misty mornings. I enjoyed that you can walk around to get several different vantage points of the falls, whereas Akaka is a bit more obstructed. We got there a bit too late in the morning to see the rainbow, but it was still absolutely stunning.
Your best chances of seeing the rainbow are in the morning light, so aim to get there around 10 AM if you can. However, if you choose to follow this itinerary closely and visit Akaka Falls first you probably won’t make it there in time. You can always swap this activity out to first thing in the morning of your departure day if seeing the rainbow is a priority. There are bathroom facilities here as well.
Lunch: After all the waterfall chasing, stop at Hilo Farmer’s Market Kitchen for delicious poke bowls.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon bopping in and out of local shops in downtown Hilo, or visiting the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden where you can stroll around the lush grounds and see thousands of species of rare flora. Afterwards, grab a mochi at Two Ladies Kitchen.
At some point in the afternoon, you’ll want to check into your hotel and decompress for the evening as the final day of the itinerary will be a full day of exploring Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Full Day Exploring Volcanoes National Park
For your final day on the Big Island, I’d recommend waking up early to make the most of a full-day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Visitor Center is about 45 minutes from downtown Hilo, so make sure to factor that into your plan for the day.
Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve with more than 155 miles of trails and beautiful scenic drives and overlooks. It’s also home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world: Kīlauea and Maunaloa. If you’re lucky and plan your trip right, you could visit while the volcanoes are putting on an epic lava show!
Below I’m going to share some essential tips for visiting and also suggestions for what I would prioritize seeing depending on how much time you want to spend in the park.
TIPS FOR VISITING VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
- Entry: If you don’t already have a valid America the Beautiful National Parks pass, you’ll need to book a reservation with recreation.gov before visiting to cover the entry fee. It’s pretty easy to do last minute, but service can be spotty near the park, so book before you get there.
- Visit on a Weekday: To avoid the crowds, plan to visit on a weekday if possible.
- Check NPS Website Ahead of Visit: It’s always worth checking the National Parks website or social accounts before visiting to get info on any closures or important updates. At this park in particular, you’ll want to check to see if they’re currently experiencing any volcanic activity.
- Hours: The park is open 24 hours and it’s actually a great spot after hours for stargazing, so stick around a little longer after sunset!
- Accessibility: In general, I found Volcanoes National Park to be accessible for all ages and activity levels as there are quite a number of drive-up spots with short walks.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
If you’re exploring for half a day, here’s my hit list:
- Crater Rim Drive
- Kilauea Overlook
- Steam Vents
- Thurston Lava Tube
- Chain of Craters Road
- Holei Sea Arch (found at the end of Chain of Craters Road)
If you plan to visit for a full day, add on: A hike along Kilauea Iki Trail (4 miles), and the short Devastation Trail (one mile out and back), as well as some stargazing.
Note: A lot of people skip over Chain of Craters Road because it’s a little bit of a trek to get to, but honestly it was one of my favorite parts of the entire park. Seeing the juxtaposition of endless black lava fields with the ocean as a backdrop was unreal.
Chain of Craters Road also leads to Holei Sea Arch which is beautiful for photography at sunset—don’t skip this one if you have the time!
PS—This is the camera I use for all my travels.
Lunch or Dinner: If you want to stuff your face with massive amounts of Thai food, don’t miss Aunty Pon’s Thai Food Truck which is just outside the park (the portions are massive). They’re closed on Sundays but open until 6 PM most days (5:30 PM on Fridays).
If you have more time, make sure to check out Volcano Village which is just minutes from the national park and is an artist community where visitors can browse galleries of works from local painters, glass blowers and ceramic artists.
Bonus: If you don’t feel like spending a full day at Volcanoes National Park or have a late flight the following day, you can add on a trip to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
Have More Time on the Island? Don’t Miss These Epic Adventures
If you’re lucky enough to have additional days to explore, definitely consider adding the following activities to your itinerary:
- Mauna Kea Summit and Star Gazing
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
- Zipline Over KoleKole Falls
- Deluxe Snorkel and Dolphin Watching Tour
I hope this post helped you plan your trip to Big Island Hawaii. If I missed any tips that you’d recommend let me know and I’ll be sure to add them to the post!
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