Big Island Sample Itineraries
Crafting Your Perfect Adventure - Expert-Designed Plans for Every Timeline
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerCrafting Your Adventure: Sample Big Island Itineraries
To help you visualize how these incredible experiences can come together, I've crafted a few sample itineraries. Think of these as starting points, frameworks to inspire your own personalized Big Island adventure. Mix and match, linger longer where your heart desires, and always leave a little room for the unexpected – that's often where the best memories are made!
Each itinerary is designed to showcase different aspects of the Big Island while considering practical factors like travel times, weather patterns, and activity sequencing. Remember, the Big Island is nearly twice the size of all other Hawaiian islands combined, so realistic planning is essential.
Itinerary 1: The 5-Day Kona & Volcano Quick Dip
Perfect for first-timers wanting a taste of the Big Island's most iconic experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Kona & Coastal Charm
- • Arrive at Kona International Airport, rental car pickup
- • Check into Kailua-Kona accommodation
- • Explore historic Kailua Village: Aliʻi Drive, Huliheʻe Palace
- • Sunset dinner at beachfront restaurant
Tip: Grab fresh poke from Da Poke Shack for authentic first taste.
Day 2: Kona Coffee & Underwater Wonders
- • Morning: Kona coffee farm tour (Greenwell Farms)
- • Afternoon: Snorkel at Kahaluʻu Beach Park
- • Evening: Manta Ray Night Snorkel (book in advance)
Tip: Take motion sickness medication if prone - ocean can be choppy.
Day 3: Journey to Volcano & Pele's Realm
- • Morning: Drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (2-2.5 hours)
- • Stop at Punaluʻu Bake Shop for malasadas
- • Afternoon: Explore HVNP - Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Iki Trail
- • Evening: Dinner in Volcano Village, check for eruption glow
Tip: Dress in layers - much cooler than Kona, rain common.
Day 4: Lava Landscapes & Hilo's Lushness
- • Morning: Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road
- • Afternoon: Drive to Hilo, visit Rainbow Falls
- • Late afternoon: Return to Kona via Saddle Road
Tip: Hilo Farmers Market fantastic if Day 4 falls on Wed/Sat.
Day 5: South Kona History & Departure
- • Morning: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
- • Optional: Snorkel at "Two Step" adjacent to the park
- • Final Kona coffee or local lunch
- • Depart from Kona International Airport
Tip: Allow ample time at Puʻuhonua - it's powerful and beautiful.
Itinerary 2: The 7-Day Big Island Adventure Circuit
A comprehensive exploration, balancing adventure, culture, and relaxation across key regions.
Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Exploration
- • Arrival in Kona, coffee farm tour
- • Afternoon snorkel at Kahaluʻu or Two Step
- • Evening: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Day 2: Kohala Coast Beaches & History
- • Morning: Hāpuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach
- • Afternoon: Puʻukoholā Heiau, Puakō Petroglyphs
- • Evening: Sunset dinner at Kohala Coast resort
Day 3: Waimea Paniolo & North Kohala
- • Morning: Waimea farmers market, Parker Ranch
- • Afternoon: Pololū Valley Lookout, Hāwī town
- • Evening: Drive to Hilo accommodation
Day 4: Hilo's Waterfalls & East Side
- • Morning: Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve
- • Afternoon: Downtown Hilo, Farmers Market
- • Evening: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center (optional)
Day 5: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- • Morning: Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Iki Trail
- • Afternoon: Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail
- • Evening: Check into Volcano Village
Day 6: Coastal Drama & Unique Sands
- • Morning: Chain of Craters Road, Puʻuloa Petroglyphs
- • Afternoon: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
- • Optional: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach hike
Day 7: Relaxation & Departure
- • Morning: Leisurely breakfast, last-minute shopping
- • Optional: ATV tour or zipline experience (late flights)
- • Depart from Kona International Airport
Tip: Many coffee farms offer shipping for favorite beans.
Ready to Plan Your Big Island Adventure?
These itineraries are starting points - customize them to match your interests, pace, and travel style.
Back to Big Island Guide📅 Itinerary Options
- 5-Day Kona & Volcano
- 7-Day Adventure Circuit
- 3-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Custom Adventures
💡 Planning Tips
- Book manta ray tours in advance
- Allow extra time for driving distances
- Pack layers for different climates
- Leave room for spontaneous discoveries
- Check volcano activity before visit
🚗 Key Travel Times
🗺️ Big Island Guide
Itinerary 3: The 3-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Puna & Kaʻū Explorer
For the return visitor or adventurous soul seeking raw nature and local vibes, this itinerary explores the island's most authentic and untouched regions.
Day 1: Puna's Volcanic Heart
- • Base in Hilo or Puna vacation rental
- • Morning: Lava Tree State Monument
- • Afternoon: Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)
- • Evening: Pāhoa town exploration
Special: Wednesday evening - Uncle's Kaimū Farmers Market for local culture
Day 2: Kaʻū's Southernmost Wonders
- • Morning: Ka Lae (South Point) exploration
- • Afternoon: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach hike
- • Late afternoon: Kaʻū Coffee Mill tour
- • Evening: Stay in Nāʻālehu or Volcano Village
Tip: Start early, carry 2+ liters of water per person for desert hike
Day 3: Quiet Reflection
- • Morning: Kahuku Unit (HVNP) trails
- • Afternoon: Wood Valley Temple visit
- • Alternative: Manukā State Wayside Park
- • Late afternoon: Journey to next destination
Note: Kahuku Unit open Thu-Sun only, check NPS website
Customizing Your Itinerary
For Adventure Seekers:
- • Add ATV or zipline tours
- • Include helicopter flights
- • More challenging hikes
- • Water sports activities
For Culture Enthusiasts:
- • Extended coffee farm visits
- • Multiple sacred site visits
- • Traditional Hawaiian workshops
- • Local food tours
For Relaxation Focused:
- • More beach time
- • Spa treatments
- • Gentle nature walks
- • Sunset viewing spots
For Photography:
- • Sunrise at Mauna Kea
- • Golden hour at beaches
- • Volcanic landscapes
- • Cultural performances
Remember: These itineraries are mere sketches. The true art of a Big Island adventure lies in tailoring it to your own rhythm and passions. The island's vastness and diversity mean that even after multiple visits, there are always new trails to hike, new coves to discover, and new local flavors to savor. Use these as inspiration, and let the spirit of aloha guide your journey.