Saturday, October 18, 2025

The Final 5 Day Huge Island of Hawai’i Itinerary: Go Huge Or Go Dwelling!


If paradise had a “plus-size” possibility, the Huge Island of Hawaii can be it. Twice the dimensions of all the opposite Hawaiian Islands mixed, it’s a land the place fireplace meets ocean, and the place the espresso is as sturdy because the soil. It’s an island that by no means stops rising — actually — due to Kīlauea’s fiery outbursts — but it surely’s additionally a spot the place extra hidden gems are being found.

On this information, we share our five-day Huge Island itinerary that we personally did on our journey there. For those who comply with our route, you will be waking as much as the scent of sturdy Kona espresso brewed from volcanic soil, be snorkeling with manta rays or watch Inexperienced Turtles nesting on black sand seashores.

Akaka Falls

Every coast tells a special story, so now we have divided every day as much as discover all 4 corners of the island. You’ll be exploring the luxurious, waterfall-draped lands of Hāmākua, the black-sand mystique of Punaluʻu, the ranchlands rolling by Waimea, and the sun-drenched serenity of Kona.

So pack your sense of surprise and your mountaineering boots, let’s begin exploring.

Be aware: The most important island of the Hawaiian archipelago is Hawaii Island, often known as the Huge Island, which attracts hundreds of holiday makers eager to see its energetic volcanoes. To clear issues up, all 137 islands within the Hawaiian archipelago are thought-about Hawaii, which is why folks usually confer with the Huge Island by its nickname to keep away from any confusion.

The next interactive map reveals the stops on this itinerary:

Day 1: Hilo, Huge Island

girls standing at akaka falls lookout sign
We made it to Akaka Falls

We’ll be beginning this Huge Island of Hawaii itinerary masking a number of the most stunning nature spots on the Hilo aspect.

You may anticipate us to start out this itinerary in Kona, since that’s often the place you fly into, however we flew into Hilo on the west aspect of the island as we had been visiting different Hawaiian islands first. Hilo allowed us to enter straight into the genuine, rural aloha spirit. You possibly can alter this itinerary and do Kona first, if that’s the place you fly into.

Hilo sits on the island’s lush jap flank, and is a laid-back city identified extra for its rainforest than resorts. Downtown Hilo has an old-Hawai‘i allure: colourful plantation-era buildings stuffed with mom-and-pop retailers, artwork galleries, and the ever-bustling Hilo Farmers Market.

Close by, waterfalls tumble dramatically in rainforests, and the shoreline crashes in opposition to black-lava shores. It rains usually right here, but it surely simply creates a misty magic and makes the deep inexperienced forest come alive. Right here’s how we suggest you start your adventures in Hilo…

Fascinated about visiting the seashores? Though Hawaii is thought for its seashores, I don’t really feel the Huge Island of Hawaii is the place for a seaside trip. If you wish to see some implausible seashores, then I like to recommend you add a cease to the neighboring islands of Maui and Oahu, which have extra gorgeous seashores, akin to the long-lasting Kaanapali Seashore. The seashores on these islands are higher for swimming and stress-free.

Cease 1. Go to the jaw-dropping Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls cascading over cliffs
Akaka Falls

Plunging 442 ft right into a stream-eroded gorge, Akaka Falls is Hawaii Island’s most well-known waterfall throughout the Akaka Falls State Park – it was one of many greatest waterfalls we noticed within the US. You can too see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls on a paved looped path close by as effectively.

Ensure to verify the climate earlier than visiting. The loop stroll was closed for us, I consider on account of storm injury, so we missed the falls. Craig returned early the subsequent day within the morning and the solar was shining on the falls. He noticed a a lot prettier and extra vibrant waterfall than the one we noticed the day earlier than.

The path is straightforward for many vacationers, even these with young children, but it surely does take roughly 25-Half-hour to succeed in the falls from the trailhead. You possibly can park up the street simply exterior the automobile park to nab the cheaper value!

Scorching Tip: Don’t go to through the afternoon like we initially did. The solar is within the worst place behind the falls making it arduous to see together with your eyes, not to mention get a photograph.

Cease 2. Witness the breathtaking Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls dumping over the cliff
Rainbow Falls

Close to the middle of Hilo city is Rainbow Falls, a smaller, but fairly and misty waterfall. A brief path from the parking zone affords views from the waterfall’s summit. For those who time it proper you might even see the rationale for the autumn’s title.

From the lookout space, take just a few slippery steps up and thru the beautiful forest (ah these bushes!) to the river and waterfall views from above.

Warning: Swimming isn’t suggested anyplace on the island of Hawaii (aside from the seashores). This is because of unseen lava tubes that may be anyplace. Lives have been misplaced.

Cease 3: Lunch at The Booch Bar

Lunch plate at Conscious Culture Cafe

Once we requested our social media group for recommendation on the place to eat, The Aware Tradition Cafe in Hilo, now known as The Booch Bar, was talked about a number of instances. It was all the pieces I beloved in a sq. constructing on the aspect of the street: ginger and turmeric kombucha, wholesome smoothie with bee pollen, and natural, vegetarian meals.

I additionally beloved the way it performed music from the 60’s Vietnam period from White Shades of Gray to If You’re Going to San Francisco.

Awesome milkshakes at Just Cruising Coffee in the town of Hilo, Big Island Hawaii
Milkshake at Simply Cruising

This place was one in all our favourite finds in Hawaii. It had our vibe and was a tip from a few locals. Be sure to at all times ask them for hidden gems to go to!

If you would like an unhealthy milkshake or breakfast on the go, head to Simply Cruisin Espresso. Once more, locals beneficial to us that this was the very best place on the town for espresso because it was a neighborhood enterprise.

I gained’t say it was the very best espresso I had – I’m a bit of espresso fussy – but it surely was higher than Starbucks, and our children beloved their milkshakes.

Cease 4: Boiling Pots of Wailuku (Lava Swimming pools)

boiling lava pools

Since Huge Island is so well-known for its volcanoes, you’ll be able to’t go to Hilo with out taking a visit out to see the Boiling Pots, that are effervescent basalt-lava rock swimming pools.

At first, the swimming pools simply appear like some other river, besides on nearer (however not too shut) inspection, these swimming pools on the Wailuku River appear like little witches’ cauldrons!

The formation was made by lava flows from Mauna Kea a few years in the past, and so they additionally made these underground tunnels that push water up and make the cylinder-like rock that you simply see right now.

The lava flows that created the river are stated to be the identical circulate that shaped Rainbow Falls. Apparently, the river will get its title from the way in which the water appears to be like throughout a storm.

When you have extra time to spend earlier than dinner, you might make a cease by the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Backyard, which is a pleasant, stress-free fast cease to see some native crops and fauna of the island.

Cease 5: Dinner – Hilo Bay Cafe

The meals at Hilo Bay Cafe is modern and contemporary, following modern American, French, and Asian types. The ambiance was peaceable with views overlooking stunning Hilo Bay, previous Hilo City, and the slopes of Mauna Kea. I additionally beloved the ginger and turmeric kombucha made by the native Huge Island Booch.

The place to remain in Hilo, Huge Island

Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton in Hilo, Big Island Hawaii
Grand Naniloa Resort, a Doubletree by Hilton

Hilo is a superb place to remain for one evening earlier than heading off to the subsequent vacation spot on our Huge Island itinerary.

We stayed on the Grand Naniloa Resort, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort – the rooms had been fairly small, however the views that overlook stunning Hilo Bay, previous Hilo City, and the slopes of Mauna Keau to the ocean had been nice, as was the situation.

Or, you’ll be able to head to Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park for the night. It is determined by your time-frame.

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Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, Huge Island

girls looking at lava steam at volcano national park

On the second day, we extremely suggest you spend the entire day (and night) exploring the Volcanoes Nationwide Park.

Visiting Volcano Nationwide Park was my favourite homeschooling lesson as I didn’t should do something; I let Mom Nature take over to show the women about fireplace, land development, and rainforests. The place else on this planet are you able to get so near an energetic volcano?

Our solely disappointment was that we couldn’t stroll near the lava circulate or see the place the lava flows into the ocean. You may get nearer with an 8-mile return hike, or on a ship tour, however apparently, visibility on the time wasn’t good.

We didn’t have time for both, however we had been additionally warned that it’s not a good suggestion with younger kids. The excessive sulfur content material can injury their growing lungs. Not well worth the threat. It goes on our bucket listing for once we return!

Scorching Tip: Watch out for the Kapu! It’s kapu (taboo) to take the rocks from the lava fields. Yearly, dozens of packages are despatched to put up workplaces on the Huge Island returning rocks or black sand that introduced the thief unhealthy luck! Hawaiian custom is powerful and guarded by Pele, the Goddess of Hawaii’s volcanoes.

young girl sitting on lava beds

We drove alongside the crater chain hyperlink street, spending time pulling off the street to view the craters, seeing large fields of lava rock, and marveling at their texture and form, imagining the red-hot lava seeping down and cooling all the way down to protect its final motion into rock.

The women had been fascinated. Particularly Savannah, who grabbed a pen and piece of paper to jot down a narrative of all she realized about volcanoes and lava.

We sat down collectively by a sprouting child fern and talked about rainforests and the way volcanoes assist create them. We additionally visited the Jaggar Museum & Overlook to be taught extra about earthquakes and volcanoes and to see the effervescent lava within the crater.

We realized about Pele, the Hawaiian Hearth Goddess, and creator of the Hawaiian Islands, who lives contained in the Halema’um’a Crater on the summit of Kilauea and continues to ship forth lava and develop the island chain. She destroys all the pieces in her path, but creates. We may see the information of Pele’s spurting up through the day, however later we returned after dinner to see a fiery glow within the sky above and the volcano actually on fireplace.

Night time view of lava in Kilauea -
Evening time view of lava in Kilauea

It was wonderful to see it shifting round. There’s a lava lake within the crater and when it fills up it bubbles over. We arrived on the fortunate bubbling-over day.

You may even be capable to discover strands of Pele’s hair throughout the Nationwide Park. These glistening golden threads are literally fragile volcanic fiberglass and are shaped when lava is ejected into the air and small droplets are caught by the wind, which then cools and stretches them into very skinny strands.

Another notable points of interest in Volcanoes Nationwide Park are the Thurston Lava Tube and the Chain of Craters Street.

You possibly can mix Volcanoes Nationwide Park with a Tri-Park Move, which incorporates entry to Puuhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park and Haleakalā Nationwide Park on Maui.

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Excursions of Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Wish to take a helicopter tour of the volcanoes and waterfalls, or a motorcycle tour? Try these excursions:

The place to remain at Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Hale Ohio Cottage
Hale Ohai Cottages

For those who’re in search of nice locations to remain close to Volcanoes Nationwide Park, we stayed at Volcano Village Estates simply exterior the Nationwide Park.

You can too keep at Volcano Home throughout the Park. We suggest having dinner on the lodge (at the least a drink from the bar) as a result of you’ll be able to see the pink glow from the crater from the eating room home windows.

For those who didn’t keep right here the day earlier than, positively accomplish that tonight. I’d suggest staying at Volcanoes Nationwide Park after exploring for the day so you’ll be able to have a full day attending to Kona tomorrow, as there’s a good bit to see on the way in which.

Day 3: Kona

On the third day, we might want to go away early within the morning so you’ve loads of time to discover a number of the sights on the drive from Volcanoes Nationwide Park to Kona.

You would even drive over the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, in case you’re not uninterested in volcanoes by now.

Cease 1. See Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles at Punalu’u, Black Sand Seashore

Punaluu Beach (Black Sand Beach) on the Big Island of Hawaii
Punaluu Seashore

Not solely is Punalu’u Black Sand Seashore so attention-grabbing to take a look at and stroll on, it’s additionally a spot the place Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles like to go to. We had been fortunate to see one chilling on the sand on the water’s edge.

Please bear in mind to respect the turtle’s house. No selfie is price distressing an animal over. There are many reminder indicators round. And even lifeguards politely remind you. Blew my thoughts to see folks nonetheless persevering with to stay their cameras inches from their faces.

See turtles on Black Sand Beach -
Inexperienced Sea Turtles

Use a zoom lens. That’s what we used to get this picture above so though it appears to be like shut we had been a respectful distance away.

We continued our classes on how volcanoes form the land with a go to to this seaside, the jet-black sand shaped when molten lava from two close by energetic volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea) flowed into the water, cooled, and broke into fragments that washed ashore.

Cease 2. Papakolea Seashore Inexperienced Sands Seashore

Papakolea Beach.
Papakolea Seashore

We needed to make a judgment name on Inexperienced Seashore, in any other case referred to as Papakolea Seashore. We had loads of folks suggest it as one in all Hawaii’s greatest, however because it was a few 12 mile (a technique) detour from the principle street, we had been working brief on time, and it had simply began raining, and we feared it will be only a fast I used to be right here picture. Was it well worth the mad race and stress of being late? So we determined no.

I’ve since realized that you might want to hike 2.5 miles (a technique) from the parking zone to succeed in the seaside. I’m so glad we listened to our intestine! This might have been too difficult time-wise with the women and actually put us out. Apparently, the hike is gorgeous, and because the seaside is so distant you’ll have it to your self.

A go to to Papakolea Seashore is a full-day journey, so plan forward. The hike to and from the seaside alone takes about 2-3 hours, relying on how briskly you’ll be able to stroll, and then you definately nonetheless must calculate for a while on the seaside and the drive time it takes to get to South Level.

In hindsight, I’d have traded the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park (see under) with this, arriving early within the morning after a fast cease at Punalu’u Black Sand Seashore. For this reason we write these guides – that can assist you be taught from our errors to have a greater expertise.

Cease 3. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - Hawaii

What enjoyable we had attempting to pronounce Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Nationwide Historic Park. Even after the park ranger gave us a lesson on it, we nonetheless couldn’t say it. That is an 180-acre nationwide historic park that was as soon as the positioning of royal grounds and was a spot of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers.

I discovered it fascinating that if a lawbreaker was capable of make it right here alive, they had been absolved of their sins. The Pu’uhonua remains to be thought-about a sacred web site. You possibly can nonetheless really feel the spirit of peace and forgiveness that continues to encompass and bless this particular place.

The park is in a phenomenal location on Honaunau Bay. It’s the place the Kings as soon as resided, so in fact, it will be!The Hale o Keawe temple homes the bones of the chiefs that infuse the world with their energy or mana.

This space is often known as the second greatest snorkeling spot on the Huge Island. So you’ll be able to mix that into your journey. You possibly can’t snorkel off the historic park although, the world is barely north. You possibly can see it from the shores of the Metropolis of Refuge.

If you’re brief on time, I like to recommend skipping this park.

Cease 4. Manta Ray Evening Snorkel

swim with manta rays big island of hawaii
Unimaginable expertise. Picture: Deposit Pictures

WOW…I’m unsure there may be anything to say. This was positively our favourite cease on our Huge Island itinerary.

It didn’t hit me till our conventional Hawaiian 40-foot double-hulled Hawaiian crusing canoe pointed in the direction of the setting solar that it hit me what we had been about to do. Swim within the ocean, at the hours of darkness, with manta rays and my five-year-old little one! Have been we loopy? I used to be nervous, and I used to be letting the women do it?

Savannah was doing that pretending to be courageous factor she does so effectively however I may inform she was shaking on the within. I promised her that Mummy and the beautiful crew from Eka Canoes would positively take care of her and she or he didn’t to do it. She did. I used to be so happy with her.

Over the sting of the boat we went, myself and Jono fastidiously lifting her down and guiding her to the floating surfboard. The board had deal with grips on the aspect, which we held onto, and laid on our stomach with ft up so we didn’t disturb, or kick, the manta rays.

That was sufficient for Savannah although, she refused to place her snorkeled face into the water and see the manta rays, however she positively noticed them swimming under illuminated by the lights. The lights entice the plankton, which attracts the manta.

I wasn’t anticipating something like we skilled.

Right here got here these light butterflies of the ocean, flapping over to our board and barrel rolling over and over so shut that we may peer into their stomachs.

They passed by so near our faces that we may have simply planted a sloppy kiss on their horned fins. Their eyes appeared into mine, “I see you. Keep nonetheless and let me present you ways stunning we’re.” It’s troublesome to get nice photographs on account of it being nighttime, underwater, and the illuminated lights.

You get about an hour within the water with the manta rays. I solely bought about quarter-hour with the women, but it surely was so price it. It was among the finest wildlife encounters I’ve ever had.

You’ll be buzzing after this expertise and doubtless hungry. As an alternative of driving into city, I beneficial consuming at Rays on the Bay on the Sheraton. It’s proper subsequent door to the place you’ll alight out of your swim with the manta rays expertise.

It was by far the greatest exercise in Hawaii for youths.

.stk-4b0vyli .stk-button{background:#EF6B50 !essential;}See manta rays for your self on this evening snorkel tour right here!

The place to remain in Kona, Huge Island of Hawaii

Sheraton Kona - Hawaii
Sheraton Kona

We stayed on the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. For those who wished so as to add just a few extra days to your Huge Island itinerary, we’d suggest staying additional nights at Kona and simply stress-free. The Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is nice for households.

They’ve a number of swimming pools, one with nice views of the ocean, particularly at sundown. Our solely disappointment was that we didn’t have sufficient time to benefit from the views from our balcony!

Sunset over Keauhou Bay from the Sheraton Kona
Sundown views from the resort
Awesome pool at Sheraton Kona, Hawaii
Superior pool

Our ladies beloved the waterslide. Kalyra thinks it was the very best one out of the Hawaiian resorts we stayed at. There was additionally a smaller one for the little tots within the interior pool which is opened 24 hours.

girl coming down Waterslide at the Sheraton Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii

The rooms right here had been spacious and comfy, and the service was nice – it’s a Sheraton!

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Day 4: Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay and Discover Kona City

family on boat going Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
On the way in which to Kealakekua Bay

You possibly can both change at the present time round – go snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and discover Kona city both within the morning or within the afternoon. No matter works greatest for you.

For those who solely have two nights in Kona, and also you do the swim with manta rays on the primary evening, you may wish to do the morning tour at Kealakekua Bay so you’ll be able to catch the sundown at Hugo’s (see under).

We did the afternoon Kealakekua Tour, which is cheaper because the morning features a BBQ lunch.

Cease 1. Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour

girl Jumping into Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii

How does zipping down a slide right into a pristine marine bay stuffed with colourful fish and coral sound? Or maybe, making your entry off a excessive diving tower? Our snorkeling tour with Truthful Wind Cruises to Kealakekua Bay was a blast. Kalyra and I beloved racing one another down the slides.

Kealakekua Bay is an underwater marine sanctuary 17 miles south of Kona. The bay isn’t just well-known for its pristine magnificence and underwater world, but in addition because the place the place Captain Prepare dinner misplaced his life.

Given our deep historic connection to Captain Prepare dinner, Australians will get a thrill out of seeing the place the place he was murdered on account of tense relations with the locals. You be taught all concerning the fascinating story if you arrive.

Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay on the Kona Coast of Big Island Hawaii

The subsequent 90 minutes are spent snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying within the water.

They’d loads of flotation units for kids and non-confident swimmers. Savannah beloved holding onto the rubber tube and snorkeling. She put her head below for this one and noticed a lot of colourful fish.

The perfect place for snorkeling is the world close to Captain Prepare dinner Monument the place the cruise boats take you.

man and child Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii
coral seen while Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii

Your different choices are a bit of extra restricted as a result of rising reputation of this space and the necessity to limit the damaging impression on the reef system. Your selections to get there from the automobile park, which is on the alternative aspect of the bay:

  • Swim from the automobile park space (1.5) miles
  • Hike to the alternative finish of the bay
  • Hire a kayak and paddle. It’s unlawful to land vessels alongside the Ka‘awaloa shoreline or moor on the wharf adjoining to the Captain Prepare dinner Monument. Be sure to ask to see the allow from whoever you lease the kayak from to keep away from getting in bother. Huge Island Kayak, Kona Boys are two rental firms we suggest. We initially wished to go to this manner, however thought it could be an excessive amount of for the women.
.stk-foltsy8 .stk-button{background:#EF6B50 !essential;}Try this snorkel, kayak and dolphin tour!

Day 5. Discover Kona City or Scuba Diving Kua Bay

Since day 5 is the final day on this Huge Island itinerary, the possibilities are you’ve a flight to catch and gained’t have an excessive amount of time for exploring. The final day shall be decided by how a lot time you’ve.

One of many stress-free issues to do on the Huge Island of Hawaii is to discover Kona city. For those who don’t have lots of time, we suggest exploring Kona City some extra and even spending a while out on the water.

It’s solely actually one road that runs alongside the water’s edge, but it surely has a vibrant really feel to it. There are many cafes and eating places to select from and some procuring locations.

It’s fairly a historic city because it as soon as was the retreat for Hawaiian royalty and you may see a number of the historical past mirrored within the Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church.

You could be within the Ironman World Championship that begins and finishes right here every October. I solely want I may.

It appears to be like like a enjoyable place to be of a night with stay music and Hawaiian chill spilling out from the bars and eating places onto the Bay.

Kona can be a very good place for stand-up paddle boarding. You possibly can rent a SUP from Kona Boys. Paddle out to the bay right here and also you simply could be joined by dolphins.

When you have a full day earlier than your flight, then you definately may wish to make a journey out to Kua Bay to do some scuba diving.

.stk-r5so8xv .stk-button{background:#EF6B50 !essential;}See browsing classes in Kona right here

Locations to eat in Kona, Huge Island

Because you’ll be spending a few days within the Kona aspect, it’s a good suggestion to avoid wasting nice locations to eat. Listed here are some eating places that we actually loved.

Sundown at Huggo’s

Sunset drinks at Huggos Bar in Kona - Big Island Hawaii
Sundown drinks at Huggo’s Bar in Kona

Huggo’s on the Rocks got here beneficial to us because the place to go for sundown views. Test it out for your self.

Additionally they serve meals right here if you wish to grasp round for dinner or test it out for lunch. We didn’t eat right here so can’t touch upon that however I did just like the views.

Island Lava Java

omelette and fruit Breakfast at Lava Lava on the Big Island of Hawaii

We ate at their sister restaurant close to Waikoloa and had a yummy breakfast. Island Lava Java on the Kona coast has views of the ocean, however could be very standard so get there early! It’s an amazing place to strive some Kona espresso and chill out.

Kona Canoe Membership

Hilton Waikoloa Village swimming pool
Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort

We discovered this proper earlier than our flight to Maui. It was implausible and so low cost. We made Comfortable Hour 2-5pm! We had ocean views and a colourful gecko hanging out with us. This looks like a neighborhood’s favourite, which is the place we love to hang around most.

For those who don’t select to remain in Kona, you’ll be able to head a bit of additional north to Waikoloa Village. As we had moved so rapidly earlier than this, we determined to spend the day stress-free on the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.

Greater than 5 days?

Do you’ve greater than 5 days to spend in your Huge Island itinerary? Then we suggest you lengthen your journey by spending a pair days in Waikoloa.

Locations to go to close to Waikoloa

Listed here are some points of interest within the Waikoloa space we suggest including to your Huge Island itinerary.

  • Barely north are the seashores of Hapuna Seashore State Recreation Space
  • Kauna’oa Bay has one of many few white sand seashores on the Kohala Coast
  • Waimea is Often called paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) nation and is house to rolling, inexperienced pastures, cattle, cowboys, and ranches. Take the scenic drive north to the charming city of Hawi and the Pololu Valley Lookout, which showcases breathtaking coastal views of the Hamakua Coast.

The place to eat in Waikoloa: Lava Lava Seashore Membership

family sitting at table on beach at Lava Lava Beach Club on the Big Island of Hawaii

What made our keep at Waikoloa worthwhile was the wonderful Lava Lava Seashore Membership. I didn’t discover the meals on the Hilton Waikoloa significantly thrilling and it was overpriced. I’d positively drive the brief 5 minutes to the Lava Lava Seashore Membership if just for a sundown drink!

Watch the sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikaloa

Get there early to seize a seaside chair and benefit from the vibe and views. It does get busy so take into account reserving a desk within the restaurant upfront. In any other case it’s first come first serve to seize a seaside chair.

We had been fortunate that somebody left as quickly as we walked by. We had the very best seat in the home. The sundown didn’t showcase an excessive amount of initially on account of clouds, however then it shone this gorgeous pink colour while we had a bit of enjoyable dancing to the band.

Getting across the Huge Island

Strive your greatest to fly into Hilo Airport. We flew right here from Oahu, and from there, you’ll be able to choose up a rental automobile in Hilo. For those who fly into Kona, that is high-quality too, simply sdjust this itinerary accordingly.

As a result of Huge Island is so huge and lots of the points of interest are far-off and troublesome to get to, you do want a automobile. Public transport within the Huge Island isn’t as environment friendly as Oahu, so whereas you will get round lots of locations with the general public (Hele-on) bus service, it takes a very long time and the bus schedule is all over.

It’s a cheaper possibility than renting a automobile, however with solely 5 days to spare, you’ll should miss out lots of points of interest. When you have greater than 5 days, and also you wish to lower your expenses, it’s attainable to make use of buses, however we don’t suggest it.

There are not any trains on the island. You can too use Uber, Lyft, or taxis, however this shall be dearer than renting a automobile.

Earlier than you go, we do suggest you e-book your rent automobile upfront because it’s a preferred vacation spot and costs soar when reserving final minute.

For those who’re arriving in Hilo, you’ll be able to drop off your rental automobile in Kona for a small price. It can most likely work out higher than driving again to Hilo.

There’s an airport at Kona so you’ll be able to fly to your subsequent Hawaiian Island. You can too get a ferry from Kona-Kailua and Kailua-Kona however there’s just one per day so flying is probably the most handy approach to journey. There are not any ferries between Kona and Kauai.

We flew to Hawaii from Australia with Hawaiian Airways and beloved them. There are at all times common flights from the US, too.

HOT TIP: You could wish to lease a hilo camper as an alternative to tour round this space. It is a enjoyable approach to discover the island, and also you get to avoid wasting on lodging.

.stk-ckvmlto .stk-button{background:#EF6B50 !essential;}See Costs & Availability For Automotive Leases Right here

Ultimate ideas

The Huge Island, for me, is about volcanoes and unimaginable adventures. We had 5 nights, six days on the Huge Island of Hawaii, which was simply sufficient time to see all the very best issues to do on the island.

Every island in Hawaii has its personal distinct taste and purpose for visiting. For the Huge Island, you’ll uncover it’s the place for giant adventures, waterfalls, and wow moments!

Being the most important island within the archipelago, there may be actually lots of floor to cowl and locations to go to, so we suggest spending at the least 5 full days on the Huge Island to discover all of it.

We hope this Huge Island itinerary helped you intend your journey and gave you inspiration on your journey.

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5 Day Itinerary - tips on things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii including tips for Kona, Volcanoes National Park, Hilo and Waikoloa.
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What are you most excited to see on the Huge Island of Hawaii? Tell us within the feedback.

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