The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Big Island Hawaii
You’ll get plenty of epic views like this with this 7-day itinerary for Big Island
Are you planning a trip to Big Island Hawaii but aren’t sure how to plan your itinerary? Do you want to know how to optimize your time and what not to miss? From swimming in black sand beaches and snorkeling with sea turtles, to stargazing atop volcanoes and hula dancing at luaus, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to paradise!
This epic 7-day itinerary for Big Island makes sure you get in all the highlights of the island. You’ll get a good mixture of exploring cities, going hiking in nature, relaxing on beaches, and delving into the food scene. I also break down where to stay on Big Island for each leg of your trip.
This itinerary includes the bustling capital city of Kona and its wonderful dining options and coffee, the incredible Volcanoes National Park where you’ll see active volcanoes and steam vents, and the best spots to snorkel on Big Island. In addition, it will take you to lesser known parts of the island, including a hike to secret waterfalls, jaw-dropping beaches, scenic drives, and local farmers markets.
I’ve spent weeks exploring all parts of the island, and I’ve combined all of my favorite sights and experiences into one epic week-long Big Island itinerary! Though you could spend months exploring the area and going deeper into the spiritual mysticism, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time and make sure you don’t miss any must-see sights!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be absolutely blown away by all the incredible scenery, spirituality, and serenity on offer. And, you’ll be plotting your next trip before you’ve even left the island. Let’s dive in!
Check out my in-depth guide on how to pack for a tropical vacation!
BIG ISLAND ITINERARY SUMMARY
How many days are enough in Big Island? 7 days is the perfect amount of time, and I created this itinerary to reflect that.
The route you’ll be taking on this Big Island itinerary begins in Kona, takes you through the north side of the island over to Hilo, and then back over to Kona via the south side of the island. So you’ll be doing a loop around the island that ensures you won’t miss any of the highlights.
Here is the route and one-week itinerary broken out day-by-day:
Day 1: Coffee plantation tour & Manta ray night snorkel, spend the night in Kona
Day 2: Daytime snorkeling & Stargazing on Mauna Kea, spend the night in Kona
Day 3: Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls State Park & Drive to Hilo, spend the night in Hilo
Day 4: Explore Volcanoes National Park, spend the night in Hilo
Day 5: Explore the east side of the island, spend the night in Hilo
Day 6: South Point, Papakolea Green Sand Beach & Drive back to Kona, spend the night in Kona
Day 7: Explore Kona
Note: This itinerary is for 7 full days on the island, not including travel days to and from the island. If you have a limited amount of time, you can easily mix and match parts of this itinerary to suit your needs.
I also have you starting and ending your trip in Kona. This is because Kona has the main airport on the island, and this is the best route to take in the sights in both the north and south of the island. If you are short on time, there is also an airport in Hilo on the east side.
And if you’re lucky enough to have more than 7 days to explore, I’ve included some additional recommendations for a longer stay at the end of this article.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE BIG ISLAND
Renting a car is the best way to get around the island - The Big Island is large, and it takes about 8 hours to drive around the entire island. For this reason, hands down, the best way to see the island and to make the most of your time is by renting a car. This itinerary is structured for a road trip around the island. There aren’t public buses or trains that can get you to all the sights, so a car will allow for the most flexibility and freedom. I highly recommend comparing rates on Kayak to make sure you get the best deal because car rentals on the island can get pricey.
Book day tours if you can’t rent a car - Though I recommend renting a car for the best experience, you can still experience a lot if you want to use your resort as your home base and take day tours and ubers to get around. Here is a list of some excellent tours that all depart from Kona.
It rains a lot on the east side of the island - I know when you think about Hawaii, you probably think of palm trees and 24/7 sunshine. And that is true - but only for the west side of Big Island. The east and west sides of the island are very different. The east side of the island gets tons of rain and has less infrastructure. Think wild and rustic jungle vibes with spotty cell phone reception. My best advice is to bring along a poncho or travel umbrella.
The Hawaiian language only has 13 letters - You may find that some of the streets and landmarks have extremely similar names. That’s because the traditional Hawaiian language has a limited range of letters.
Be sure to try authentic Hawaiian food and drink - There are a few local culinary staples that are must-try’s when you’re in Hawaii. Local specialties include poke, mai tais, malasada donuts, and Okinawan purple sweet potatoes used in many sweet and savory dishes. You will find these at establishments all over the island.
Hawaiian spirituality runs deep - Most people that visit Hawaii don’t realize how rich the local spiritual traditions are. Hawaiian culture has roots in Polynesia. Locals revere the goddess, Pele, whose power is said to control the volcanoes. Sacrifices are made to appease her and other gods and ancestors. Belief and respect for them runs deep, and evidence of their power is reflected in the constantly evolving, living, and changing nature of the land.
Download Google Maps offline - Some parts of the island, especially the east side, don’t get the best cell reception, so downloading a map ahead of time will be a life saver. Here’s a tutorial on how to do this.
WHERE IS THE BIG ISLAND LOCATED?
The Big Island is part of the Hawaii archipelago comprised of several large islands and dozens of smaller islands. For the purposes of tourism, there are 6 main islands in Hawaii that you can visit:
The Big Island - This is the largest of all the islands. As home to 4 active volcanoes, the landscape is constantly changing with lots of new lava formations and beaches.
Maui - This island is known as “The Valley Isle” and is more developed and touristy than the Big Island.
Oahu - This is the most developed and most populated of all the Hawaiian islands, with Honolulu as its largest city. It is home to over 1 million people, and also the place where president Barack Obama was born.
Kauai - This island is known as “The Garden Isle” because it is green and lush, but the greenery comes at the cost of lots of rain.
Molokai - This is a small, less visited island due to its lack of infrastructure for tourism. Only a few airlines fly here and they only fly from other islands in Hawaii. It was home to thousands of quarantined lepers up until the 1960’s.
Lanai - This last main island in Hawaii is the smallest of the 6, and the entire island was formerly a pineapple plantation. It is very underdeveloped with few hotels and mostly dirt roads.
The Big Island is the bottommost island in the chain of islands that make up Hawaii. It is very easily accessible from the West Coast of the U.S. and Asia. Flights run regularly and are easy to come by.
I highly recommend comparing prices on Kayak to find the best flight deals.
Flight Times to Kona International Airport (KOA):
Los Angeles - 5 hours, 12 minutes
Seattle - 5 hours, 34 minutes
Anchorage - 5 hours, 56 minutes
Chicago - 8 hours, 30 minutes
New York - 9 hours, 52 minutes
Tokyo, Japan - 8 hours, 7 minutes
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BIG ISLAND?
Big Island is one of those awesome destinations that is great to visit any time of year. That being said, there are some times of year that are more ideal than others depending on your preferences and budget.
Not surprisingly, summertime and the winter holidays are the busiest tourism times for the island. This means higher prices and more crowds on the island overall, though this itinerary for Big Island still has some secret spots that most visitors don’t know about.
The other callout is that the rainy season on the Big Island is during the months of November to April. The Kona side will still be mostly dry and sunny, but the east side of the island gets a lot of downpours during this time. The upside is that the winter months are the best time go whale watching as that’s the time of year when humpback whales migrate down from Alaska!
Book a whale watching tour with guaranteed whale sightings here!
Active volcanoes on the island lead to a constantly evolving landscape
HERE IS THE PERFECT 7-DAY ITINERARY FOR BIG ISLAND:
Day 1: Kona Coffee Tour & Manta Ray Night Snorkel
This will be your first full day on the island, so it’s the perfect day to jump right in to all the goodness that’s in store!
Note: You will most likely arrive in the afternoon or evening on the actual day you fly into Kona, so I am not counting that towards this 7-day itinerary. On that day, I recommend that you start by getting settled into your hotel or vacation rental. Then, depending on what time you arrive and how much energy you have, you can get some relaxation in at the beach and check out one of the great restaurants in Kona (see list below).
Start your day by grabbing some delicious crepes at Peaberry & Galette. Then, get your caffeine fix on a Hawaiian coffee plantation tour.
I did a tour at Heavenly Hawaiian and absolutely loved it! Everyone there was so friendly, the views from their plantation were beautiful, the coffee and chocolate tastings were delicious, and I learned a lot about how coffee is made on the island.
Coffee tours typically last one hour, but you should allot 2-3 hours in total because you will likely want to linger and enjoy all the scenery and delicious treats. (I came home with a huge bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans that fueled the rest of my trip)!
The tours are free, but you can pay for deluxe experiences. Buddha’s Cup is another highly rated farm that has lots of animals to see and offers ATV tours, and Kuaiwi Farm grows macadamia nuts and local fruits that you can sample.
The coffee tours are free and accept walk-ins, but I highly recommend calling ahead to make sure they have availability.
Coffee plantation tour:
After the tour, head back into town and grab some lunch.
My favorite restaurants in Kona are:
Huggo’s - A casual seaside spot with ocean views and great food.
Da Poke Shack - A no-frills poke shop that always has a line out the door because the poke is fresh and fantastic.
Umekes Fish Market - Their fish tacos and bao buns are to die for, and they have an excellent happy hour.
Then either head to a beach or your hotel to relax for a few hours. You will need your energy for the exciting night ahead.
Snorkeling was hands down one of my favorite things to do on Big Island. I fell in love with the beautiful reefs and rich underwater worlds I got to experience there. But no snorkeling experience tops a night snorkel with manta rays.
I can easily say this was my absolute favorite thing that I did on Big Island. It was amazing and breathtaking, and I got so close to the manta rays that one actually tapped my leg! I loved, loved, loved this experience so much and I really can’t recommend it enough.
Don’t think, just do this!! You’ll need to book with a tour company to experience this as you can’t go on your own. After researching a ton of tours, I booked this manta ray snorkel tour and was EXTREMELY satisfied.
Book your manta ray night snorkel tour here!
WHERE TO STAY IN KONA:
Kona is the heart of The Big Island, and there is no shortage of great places to stay in the area. These are my top picks based on location, price, comfort, and amenities:
Kona Tiki Hotel - This highly-rated hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach, has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and barbecue facilities. The location is excellent and close to everything you could possibly need. Book it here!
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort - If you’re seeking a resort vibe, this stunning hotel is an excellent option. It’s right next to an 18-hole golf course, has a full-service spa, modern fitness facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The location is next to Waikoloa Village, a cute area with lots of resorts and restaurants 30 minutes north of the Kona airport. Book it here!
Vacation Home with Ocean Views - If a vacation rental is more your speed than a hotel, this gorgeous designer home is the stuff that tropical vacation dreams are made of. It has jaw-dropping ocean views, a hot tub, and sleeps 5-6 people. It’s perfect for a family or group of friends, and is close to all the snorkeling action. Book it here!
Want to see more options? Browse more Kona hotels and Kona vacation rentals!
Ferry boat to the snorkeling spot
Check out a preview of what’s in store in this awesome video!
Day 2: daytime snorkeling & STARGAZING ON MAUNA KEA
Today is another great day to get some sunshine and beach time in. After all, that’s what you came to Hawaii for, right?!
There is no shortage of exciting beach activities to do, but I highly advise that you spend the morning snorkeling. (If snorkeling isn’t your jam, then you can also spend today just lazing by the beach).
After having your appetite whet from last night’s snorkeling adventure, you’ll be exhilarated seeing the marine life of this island during the day. Imagine schools of colorful, tropical fish all around you, bright coral reefs, and sea turtles! It’s a whole new world down there, and it will leave you filled with awe at its magnificence.
Here are the best spots for snorkeling on the Big Island:
Kealakekua Bay (aka Captain Cook Monument) - This is easily the most famous spot for snorkeling on the Big Island, and for good reason! It’s known for dolphin and whale sightings in addition to tropical fish and coral reefs. The easiest and most fun way to get there is by taking a tour that will pick you up right from Kona and sail you directly to the bay. The other way to get there is by doing a long, strenuous hike in the heat. (I attempted to do this but turned around because it was too hard). Here is a detailed guide if you want to hike it. I highly advise doing the tour - it’s worth it. Book your snorkeling tour here!
Kahalu’u Beach - This spot is known for its turtles (and is also one of the top surf spots on the island). I saw a lot of colorful fish and beautiful reefs here!
Honaunau Bay (aka Two Step) - I recommend waking up super early to snorkel here for the best marine life sightings. I dragged myself out of bed at 6am, and saw some really incredible reefs, schools of fish, and even a shipwreck!
Pukao Beach - If you are staying in Waikoloa Village, then this is an excellent nearby snorkeling location. My friend who is a local took me here specifically to see turtles, and I got to see a ton. It was awesome!
Note: I personally hate using rented snorkel gear. It’s pretty gross to think about how many mouths have been on that stuff. I recommend bringing along this snorkel set and anti-fog spray which are easy to pack. You will also need reef-safe sunscreen which is mandated by the state of Hawaii.
After your incredible day at the beach, it’s time to wash up, get some food, and prepare for the evening’s adventures!
Tonight you will go stargazing on top of the Mauna Kea volcano. This is the highest point in all of Hawaii, and the views from here are simply wondrous. Be sure to bring water, snacks, and dress warm because it gets chilly up there.
Get to Mauna Kea in time to catch the technicolor sunset and then stick around until it gets dark to see the stars. In terms of how to get to the top, you have a few different options depending on your budget and adventure tolerance.
How to summit Mauna Kea:
Take a tour to the summit - This is my recommended method to get to the summit because the other methods require a TON of work and logistical planning. The tour picks you up and drops you off in Kona and lasts several hours, allowing time to acclimate to the altitude and to warm up afterwards. Book your Mauna Kea tour here!
Drive yourself to the summit with a 4WD vehicle - Only 4WD vehicles are allowed to drive up beyond the Visitor Center. A lot of rental companies won’t allow their vehicles to be driven to the summit, so be sure to check with your rental company beforehand. Note that the road to the summit closes for bad weather, and the summit closes 30 minutes after sunset.
Hike to the summit - For the truly adventurous, you can hike up to the summit from the Visitor Center. It’s a 13-mile round trip that ascends 5,000 feet. If you choose this option, skip snorkeling in the daytime and start early. Here is route information.
If you aren’t able to summit due to bad weather or not having an appropriate vehicle, you can still get excellent views from the Visitor Center. From the center, you hike up a small nearby hill, and from there, you can watch the sunset and stargaze.
day 3: waipio valley, akaka falls state park & drive to hilo
Today you will leave the sunny, dry, west side of the island, and head to the wet, east side. I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, it will be worth it. Set out from Kona early as you’ve got an action-packed day ahead.
Start off by heading to artistic Hawi. Take a quick break in this cute town to grab some breakfast and coffee at Kohala Coffee Mill. Browse the shops and grab any essentials before moving on.
Then head to Pololu Valley. This is a short hike that leads you to a really beautiful coastline. From the parking area, it’s a half mile downhill to get to the beach, and should take around 30 minutes. Note that the water isn’t safe for swimming.
Now head to Waimea for lunch.
Waimea is a hotspot for farmers markets on the Big Island. If you’re passing through on a Wednesday or Saturday, grab lunch here:
Waimea Town Farmers Market, Saturdays, 7:30am-Noon
Kamuela Farmers Market website, Saturdays, 7:30am-1pm
Waimea Midweek Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 9am-2pm
If you miss the farmers market, grab lunch at Merriman’s, an excellent restaurant owned by a well-renowned chef that uses locally-sourced ingredients.
After lunch, head to Waipio Valley, a wondrous lush green valley that is reminiscent of “The Land Before Time.” You can soak in the views from the lookout before moving on.
If you are very brave and adventurous, you can also hike down into the valley along a super steep road. It is dangerous because cars are whizzing by, and the road gets slippery in the rain. It’s 5-miles roundtrip, and took me 3 hours to complete, so skip Pololu Valley if you opt to do this hike.
Bring a raincoat, wear proper shoes, and bring a bathing suit if it’s a hot day so you can go swimming. At the time of writing this, the trail was closed. Check here for the trail route and latest trail updates.
After Waipio Valley, you have one last stop. Drive over to the jaw-dropping Akaka Falls. Towering at 442 feet tall, it’s easily the most epic waterfall on the island.
After this busy day, head to Hilo for dinner.
My favorite restaurants in Hilo are:
Booch Bar - Delicious, healthy food with tons of options for dietary restrictions.
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill - An excellent choice for upscale dining and gourmet food.
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack - This place is fun for dessert! Great for smoothies, ice cream, and acai bowls.
Finally, head to your hotel for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
WHERE TO STAY IN HILO:
For accommodation on the east side of the island, you can either stay in Hilo or Volcano Village, a small town right next to Volcanoes National Park. I recommend Hilo because it has a way better selection of dining and sleeping options, and has much better infrastructure and amenities. Here are my top picks based on location, price, amenities, and comfort:
Orchid Tree B&B - This adorable B&B is one of the top rated hotels in Hilo, and for good reason. It has a pool, garden, sun terrace, sea views, and continental breakfast included. Book it here!
Spectacular Hilo Vacation Home - This house that sleeps 5 can be called nothing short of spectacular with its incredible panoramic views. Sit on the patio, drink coffee, and welcome the sunrise while listening to waves crash against the cliffs below. Book it here!
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls - This beautiful inn sits among 22 lush, natural acres. It has access to its own private waterfall that you can go swimming or rappelling in! Book it here!
Want more options? Browse more Hilo hotels and Hilo vacation rentals!
Day 4: EXPLORE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is unlike any other national park I’ve visited, offering rare glimpses of an active volcano. The Kilauea volcano erupted here as recently as 2023, and there are reminders of its power all over the park.
How long do you need to see Volcanoes National Park? You can easily see the best of the park in one day. I spent one entire day exploring the park and left feeling totally satisfied.
Note: Be sure to bring a poncho and plenty of layers because it rains and gets cold in this area. Also, to make the most of your time in the park, I highly recommend filling up your gas tank before entering, and bringing enough food and water to get you through the day. The closest town is Volcano Village, a 10-minute drive from the Visitor Center, and you won’t find any places to fuel up inside the park. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, grab some food from the Volcano Village Farmers Market from 6-10am.
Start your day with a visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can speak with rangers and get a lay of the land. Then, depending on your willingness to work up a sweat, you can either do several awesome hikes in the park, or drive to lookout points and admire the views.
I recommend doing a combination of the two because the park boasts some of the best hiking on Big Island.
The best hikes in Volcanoes National Park are:
Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) & Steam Vents - An easy 0.7 mile walk along wooden walkways. Start at the Visitor Center and walk to the sulphur banks and then 0.6 miles further to the steam vents. It is incredible to see the steam coming from the ground and to realize how alive the earth beneath you is!
Crater Rim Trail - An easy walk along the Kilauea Caldera that provides some great lookout points over the caldera. The trail runs deeper into the park, but to get to the lookouts it’s a 1-mile walk from the Visitor Center.
Halema’uma’u Trail - This was my favorite hike in the park. It takes you down 0.8 miles to the floor of Kilauea caldera (and then another 0.8 miles back up), and you can walk on the caldera floor itself. It feels like you are walking on another planet!
Kilauea Iki Crater Trail - This is one of the most popular trails in the park. You’ll descend 400 feet into a crater and hike a 4-mile loop across a hardened lava lake.
These 4 trails make up nearly 7 miles of hiking. That’s a full day of hiking and exploring, and you’ll have seen the best highlights of the park. Congratulations!
I then recommend that you drive the Chain of Craters Road. Drive along the full length of the road, stopping along the way, and see spectacular sea cliffs and the Holei Sea Arch at the end when you reach the ocean.
If you’re starving and have made good time today, you can pop out of the park for dinner in Volcano Village. There aren’t a ton of choices near the park, but Kilauea Lodge, located inside a hotel, is a solid bet.
Finally, wrap up this epic day by heading back into the park to see Kilauea Lookout before heading back to your hotel in Hilo. This is the most popular lookout point after dark, and there will be a line of cars after sunset with everyone jockeying to get a view of the lava. I recommend being patient and going as late as possible to get the best views of the glow.
Views of the lava from Kilauea Lookout
If you have an extra day you can spend in the park, or depending on what your preferences are, these additional hikes are excellent and worth adding to your visit:
Devastation Trail - A short 0.5 mile hike that lets you witness life returning to this once-devastated area.
Nahuku (aka Thurston Lava Tube) - A 1.5 mile round-trip walk to a cave where lava flowed 500 years ago.
Mauna Ulu Eruption Trail - A 2.5 mile round-trip hike allows you to gaze into a gaping earth crack, see a forest of lava trees, and climb to the top of a cinder cone.
Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail - A 1.4 mile round-trip trail leads to images artfully etched in stone.
Lookout from Old Crater Rim Drive - This was one of my favorite views in the park, and a great place to catch the sunset. Not a lot of people know about this point, so it’s the perfect secret spot to avoid the crowds. Park in the lot by the Devastation Trailhead. Then walk 1mile until the road ends and the lookout appears.
DAY 5: EXPLORE THE EAST SIDE OF THE BIG ISLAND
Today is a free day to explore all that the east side of the island has to offer. I am going to provide you with several different options, and you can choose which suits your needs and desires best. If you have more than 7 days on the island, then you can also add these day itineraries on to your vacation.
Of course, if you were super impressed with Volcanoes National Park and feel like you want more time to explore, that’s always an excellent option! I’ve provided you with a ton of information about additional hikes you can do today (see above).
But if you are volcano-ed out, I’ve got you covered with 3 truly fabulous excursion options for Day 5!
Option #1: Go chasing waterfalls
Honestly, Hawaii waterfalls are second to none. They are truly some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen in all my travels. And lucky for you, I found a secret gem that very few people know about!
My friend who lives on the island took me to Narnia Falls and it felt like something out of a movie. It’s a place where 7 waterfalls converge for one epic viewpoint.
You’ll need to hike roughly 2 miles to get to the falls. It’s a mostly flat dirt trail, so bring proper shoes. And take your bathing suit and towels along so you can reward all your efforts with a swim in the falls!
Here is an in-depth guide on how to hike to the falls.
Option #2: Take a scenic drive & visit a black sand beach
For this excursion, you will be heading to the town of Puna and its surrounding district.
If it’s a Saturday, grab breakfast at the Kaimu Farmers Market which is held every Saturday from 8am-12pm. I loved this farmers market in Hawaii so much because it’s filled with delicious healthy food, creative people, and a stunning backdrop of lava fields next to the ocean (talk about breakfast with a view)!
If you are daring, I encourage you to try the Kava Kava tea that is said to have mood-enhancing benefits. After you buy your food, you can walk along a short trail and eat by the seaside. It’s a magical way to start the day!
If it’s not Saturday, not to worry, I’ve got you covered. Instead, grab breakfast at the Tin Shack Bakery in Pahoa. This place was honestly one of my favorite finds on the island. The Okinawan pesto eggs benedict were insane and unlike anything I’ve ever had.
Now it’s time to take in the scenery. There is a little known secret road in the Puna district that locals call the Red Road (aka Kapoho Kalapana Road, Route 137). At around 15 miles, it is a short road trip that will only require a few hours to explore.
The road curves along the coastline, and above it trees form a majestic tunnel with dangling vines. This one-lane road winds past beautiful lookout points, remnants of eruptions past, and black sand beaches. The road starts at Kaimu Beach Park and runs all the way until you reach Isaac Hale Park.
Take your time soaking in the incredible views as you drive along, and head to Kehena Black Sand Beach, a spectacular black sand beach on Big Island. It’s one of the more popular black sand beaches on the east side. The area around Puna is the part of the island where the hippies and free-thinking folks live, so it’s no surprise that this is a clothing-optional beach.
There are folks tanning, doing yoga, playing guitar, and just about anything else you can think of for beach life, only in the nude. So long as nudity doesn’t put you off, this is a spectacularly beautiful place to while the day away.
After you’ve had your fill of the beach, continue driving towards Isaac Hale Park, and end the trip with a stop and soak in the Kapoho tide pools. Talk about a perfect Hawaiian day!
Note: Be sure to fill your tank before you begin the journey because there are no gas stations on the road.
Option #3: Hike on lava and a new black sand beach
If you’re fascinated by what it’s like to live on an island with active volcanoes, this option is for you. In 2018, the Lerz eruption eradicated most of the Leilani Estates neighborhood of the Puna district on the east side of the island. Over 700 homes were destroyed, and thousands of people were displaced.
Hiking around Fissure 8 will allow you to witness the aftermath and devastation that the eruption caused, with miles of lava rock in every direction. The resilience of the locals is incredible and inspiring. I saw people rebuilding homes on the exact spot where their previous house was decimated by lava.
And in the background of their new homes, Fissure 8 still steams and the ground is hot. It is truly a sight to behold.
Here is a google pin to the location. From here you can walk around and explore, but be very careful if you walk on the dried lava as many patches are brittle - I had the ground collapse beneath me! To be safe, you can stay on solid ground and look from afar.
It is an eye-opening experience that shows the reality of life on the Big Island and the courage of the people. The lava rock is shiny and beautiful, but don’t take any pieces home as locals say it brings bad luck.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of lava, it’s time to witness the beauty that the eruptions also bring to the island. There is a new black sand beach on the east side of the island that was also formed after the 2018 eruption. It is so new that it hasn’t been named yet.
You will take the Kopoho Trail to get to the new black sand beach. Very few people know about this hike, and it is one of the prettiest views on the island. A local took me here and showed me how to hike to it.
Here are specifics on how to get there. After walking for roughly an hour from the road, you will reach the black sand beach. It is striking and sparse. I had the whole beach to myself on the day that I went.
day 6: SOUTH POINT, Papakolea Green Sand Beach & DRIVE TO KONA
Today, you will be making the drive back to the west side of the island through the south route, with some exciting stops along the way.
Head towards Ka Lae (aka South Point), the southernmost point of the USA. Aside from the geographical significance of this spot, it is a peaceful cliffside lookout with incredible views. Seriously, Big Island spoils you with its multitude of mesmerizing views.
Then just a 5-minute drive from South Point is Papakolea Green Sand Beach. Yes, seriously, a beach with green sand! It’s not like Irish green, but is a really unique hue.
When I visited, I planned to just stick around for an hour, but I fell so in love with the beach that I ended up staying most of the day. It’s a secluded little cove and it’s so much fun to just jump in the ocean and catch wave after wave! Children are giggling and excitedly playing in the waves because they are big but not scary.
Getting to the beach from the parking lot requires a 2.5 mile hike on rocky terrain. It took me about an hour. By the time I got to the beach, I was super hot and sweaty, so I jumped right into the water - it was awesome!
If you don’t have the time or energy to hike the full 5 miles roundtrip to the beach, there is also the option to take a ride with a local by hopping in the back of their truck. I ended up hiking in and then hitching a ride for $10 on the way back. The ride is super bumpy but fun, and if you’re lucky, you may see whales breaching along the way.
Note: If you’re hiking, be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and bring flip flops for when your feet get wet.
Once you get back to your car, finish the drive back to Kona or Waikoloa. Grab dinner at either Lava Lava Beach Club for magical beachside views and the quintessential Hawaii experience, or Kuleana Rum Shack for excellent food and even better cocktails.
DAY 7: KONA
It’s your last day on the island! You made it through this epic Big Island itinerary, and you should be feeling super proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished.
At this point in the game, you basically have two ways you can spend your last day: be lazy or go out with a bang! I can understand the call to both, and that’s why I’ve planned the perfect last day for the half of you that want to go big before you go home, and the other half of you that just want to be human vegetables.
For those of you that want the most epic last day imaginable, go on this helicopter tour. This is the only helicopter tour that ventures around the entire island - it is mind-blowing! That’s really the only way to describe it.
You’ll spend two hours in the air getting an aerial view of waterfalls, black sand beaches, rainforest, coastline, and all five volcanoes. If you’ve never done a helicopter tour before, this is the time and this is the place! Getting a helicopter tour is hands down one of the top ten experiences of my life.
Book your helicopter tour here!
For my mellow compatriots, a perfect last day likely consists of chilling by the pool or beach while sipping pina coladas all day. But if you want a little adventure, drive over to Keiki Beach Queen’s Bath.
Queens Bath is a super cool swimming hole in a lava tube cave. You jump down into the water and then slowly swim deep into the recesses of the dark cave. Then laze about or have a drink down there like the locals do.
It is honestly like something out of Indiana Jones. Be sure to bring a headlight because it’s dark, and note that the water is chilly. Here is a map to its location.
After your last day of flying or swimming, it’s time to end your perfect 7 days in paradise with the quintessential Hawaiian experience: a luau show and dinner! Can you think of a better way to end this week than sipping mai tais while watching traditional Hawaiian songs and Samoan fire knife dances by the ocean? I sure can’t.
Book your luau show and dinner here!
IF YOU HAVE A FEW MORE DAYS FOR YOUR ITINERARY FOR BIG ISLAND:
Even though this itinerary is already packed with things to do on Big Island, if you are lucky enough to have more time to explore the island, here are some additional suggestions I recommend:
Whale Watching - Big Island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales that breach often en route to the north. This tour guarantees whale sightings. Book it here!
Ziplining - See the Big Island from a different angle on this 9-line zipline adventure that takes you over tree tops, waterfalls, and rivers. With views of the Pacific Ocean from every platform, this is the most scenic zipline experience on the island. Book it here!
Tiki Carving - Dive into Tonga culture by carving your own tiki with locally-sourced wood under the guidance of a master carver. Book it here!
Hawaiian Sanctuary - This center on the east side of the island has a ton on offer including interesting spiritual workshops. I tried their yoga, chi gong, and breathwork classes, and met some very cool people.
Ho’o Ponopono Ceremony - Many visitors to Hawaii don’t realize how rich Hawaiian spirituality is, and this is a nice ceremony to get an introduction to the Hawaiian forgiveness ritual.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR BIG ISLAND HAWAII
Hawaii is incredible, but shopping for the basics is much more expensive than back home. Like shockingly more expensive.
It really pays to plan ahead and buy everything you’ll need before your trip. Your wallet will thank you. Here are the essentials to bring along on your trip:
Poncho - The east coast of the island is rainy. A poncho is convenient and easy to pack, so you can be ready for whenever the next downfall comes. This poncho is unisex and comes in tons of fun colors.
Rain boots - Having wet feet while walking in the rain is the ickiest feeling ever. You will be so grateful to have brought rain boots along. These affordable rain boots are perfect (and look at these adorable boots for children)!
Sunglasses - Enough talk of gloom. There will be plenty of sun too! I always travel with cheap sunglasses because I have wrecked way too many pairs. I love the collections by Kaliyadi and Sojos because they look stylish as hell but are still within budget, so I won’t feel guilty if I chuck them at the end of my trip.
Reef- safe sunscreen - Hawaii has laws banning sunscreens that aren’t reef-safe. This sunscreen is compliant and will protect you from harmful rays.
Sun hat - A great hat will protect your beautiful face from the bad, bad sun. I love the cute bow on this hat and the wide-brim on this one will make sure you’re extra covered.
Dry bag & waterproof phone case - If you’re planning on going snorkeling or doing any water sports, these are a must. They will protect your phone and valuables from unpredictable weather and splashes, allowing you to capture every breathtaking moment. This best-selling set comes with both a dry bag and phone case for cheap!
Flip-flops - From the beach to the pool and everywhere in between, you will need a pair of fast drying flip-flops. My absolute favorite brands of all time are Reef and Havaianas.
Beach reads - You’ll have plenty of time to relax and catch up on some reading. Here are some of my favorite books of all time.
I’ve got a ton more packing tips and specific suggestions in my beach vacation packing list!
Did this itinerary for Big Island get you pumped for your trip? Let me know in the comments! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.
Check out these posts:
Hi, I’m Sumeeta
I’m a Texas native, avid traveler, and perpetual seeker. Here at Sumeeta Seeks, I share in-depth travel advice on spiritual destinations, insights on yoga and self-love, and uplifting interviews.
