Planning Your Itinerary: Blueprints for Your Adventure
Sample itineraries to help you craft your perfect Big Island experience
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerChapter 6: Planning Your Itinerary: Blueprints for Your Adventure
The sheer number of things to do on the Big Island can be overwhelming. The best approach is to think of your itinerary as a flexible blueprint, not a rigid prescription. Use these skeletons as a starting point and swap in the activities that excite you most. The key is to group your activities geographically to avoid spending your whole vacation in the car.
These itineraries are designed to balance relaxation with adventure, beaches with culture, and famous attractions with hidden gems. Think of them as a foundation you can customize to your own style.
Itinerary 1: The 7-Day First-Timer's Classic (Split Stay)
This itinerary offers a balanced introduction to the island's famous duality, blending classic relaxation with essential adventures. It's built around the "split stay" strategy for maximum efficiency.
Days 1-3 (Kona Base)
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Arrive at Kona Airport, pick up your rental car, and settle into your accommodations. Take a stroll through Historic Kailua Village and grab a casual dinner on Aliʻi Drive.
Day 2: Snorkeling & Hawaiian History
Start your day with some of the best snorkeling on the island at Kealakekua Bay, near the Captain Cook Monument. The area known as "Two Step" offers easy entry and abundant marine life. In the afternoon, explore Hawaiian history at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Day 3: Beach Day & Manta Rays
Enjoy a perfect beach day at the magnificent Hāpuna Beach State Park, known for its long stretch of white sand and great boogie boarding waves. For the evening, book a once-in-a-lifetime Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour out of Keauhou Bay.
Days 4-5 (Volcano/Hilo Base)
Day 4: Cross-Island Drive & Volcanoes
Check out of your Kona lodging and begin your cross-island journey. Drive south and make a stop at the famous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, a favorite resting spot for our beloved honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Continue on to Volcano Village, check in, and spend the late afternoon and evening exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Hike the incredible Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you across a solidified lava lake, and stay after dark to see the glow from Halemaʻumaʻu crater (if the volcano is erupting).
Day 5: Hilo Town & Waterfalls
Drive down to Hilo. Explore the charming downtown area and the Hilo Farmers Market. Visit the beautiful Rainbow Falls and then take the scenic Hāmākua Coast drive north to the towering ʻAkaka Falls.
Days 6-7 (Transition and Departure)
Day 6: Northern Route & Scenic Views
Enjoy a final east-side breakfast. Start the scenic drive back west along the northern route. Stop in the cool upcountry town of Waimea, and continue to the stunning Pololū Valley Lookout for one last breathtaking view. Spend your final night near the Kona airport for a stress-free departure.
Day 7: Departure
One last taste of Kona coffee before heading to KOA for your flight home.
📋 Itinerary Options
- 7-Day: First-Timer
- 10-Day: Adventure
- Strategy: Split Stay
- Best For: All levels
💡 Planning Tips
- • Group activities by location
- • Book popular tours in advance
- • Allow flexibility for weather
- • Don't overpack your days
🗺️ Travel Guide
Itinerary 2: The 10-Day Adventure Seeker's Loop
This itinerary builds on the 7-day classic, adding more time for deeper exploration, challenging hikes, and high-altitude wonders.
Follow Days 1-7 above, then add:
Day 8: North Kohala Exploration
Instead of just seeing the lookout, dedicate a day to North Kohala. Hike down the steep trail into the majestic Pololū Valley. Afterwards, explore the quirky, artistic towns of Hāwī and Kapaʻau, home to the original King Kamehameha I statue.
Day 9: Extreme Landscapes
This is a day of contrasts. Head to the southernmost point of the United States, Ka Lae. From there, undertake the 5.6-mile round-trip hike (or take a paid shuttle from someone offering rides) to the unique Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, one of only four in the world.
Note: This is a strenuous, hot hike with no shade.
Day 10: Reach for the Stars
Spend the day relaxing before an evening adventure. In the late afternoon, drive up Saddle Road to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet. Acclimatize to the altitude and stay for the unparalleled stargazing program offered by the rangers. The clarity of the night sky here is truly mind-blowing.
Remember: These itineraries are flexible blueprints.
Adjust activities based on your interests, energy levels, and weather conditions. The goal is to experience the island's diversity without burning out. Leave room for spontaneous discoveries—some of the best island moments happen when you're not rushing to the next scheduled stop.