Hawaii: The Big Island

Day 1: Arrival & Kona Sunset 

• Morning / Afternoon: Arrive at Kona International Airport (KOA). Pick up your rental vehicle or board your pre-arranged resort transfer along the sunny Kohala Coast or historic Kailua-Kona. 
• Late Afternoon: Check in to your resort, unpack, and stroll along the shoreline. 
• Evening: Enjoy an oceanfront dinner and sunset drinks overlooking Kamakahonu Bay or Anaehoʻomalu Bay.
  

Day 2: Historic Kona Town & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel 

• Morning: Embark on a morning snorkel cruise to pristine Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument to swim among sea turtles and tropical fish. (Ask our concierge team to coordinate round-trip resort transfers.) 
• Afternoon: Tour a high-altitude Kona coffee plantation for private tastings, then explore local shops along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona. 
• Evening: Experience Kona’s premier evening excursion: a night snorkel or boat view of giant manta rays feeding off the Keauhou coast.
  

Day 3: Kohala Coast Beaches & Upcountry Waimea 

• Morning: Relax on the soft white sands of Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach, known for calm morning swimming conditions. 
• Afternoon: Drive upcountry to historic Waimea for Parker Ranch history, local boutiques, and cool mountain breezes. 
• Evening: Upcountry farm-to-table dining or an oceanfront dinner back at your resort.
  

Day 4: Saddle Road & Hilo Rainforest Waterfalls 

• Morning: Drive across the island via the scenic Saddle Road, or join a full-day guided van tour toward Hilo. Stop to marvel at the 442-foot drop at ʻAkaka Falls State Park. 
• Afternoon: Stroll through the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden or explore historic downtown Hilo and the local farmers market. 
• Evening: Enjoy fresh local seafood in Hilo or return to the west coast for a resort dinner.
  

Day 5: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 

• Morning: Stand at the rim of Kīlauea Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Explore the Visitor Center, steam vents, and the walk-through Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). 
• Afternoon: Drive down Chain of Craters Road past ancient lava flows down to the sea arch. (Rose’s Concierge Tip: Let our team book a full-day guided volcano excursion with door-to-door hotel transfers so you can enjoy the park views stress-free). 
• Evening: Overnight at the historic Volcano House or return to your Kohala Coast resort for dinner.

Day 6: South Kona & Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

• Morning: Drive down to the sacred Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge) and snorkel the vibrant coral reef at Two Step. 
• Afternoon: Stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to spot green sea turtles (honu) resting on the shore. 
• Evening: Attend a traditional beachfront luau featuring Polynesian performance art, storytelling, and local Hawaiian dishes.
  

Day 7: Leisure Morning & Airport Departure 

• Morning: Spend a relaxing final morning poolside at your resort, take a paddle board out onto the bay, or indulge in a spa treatment. 
• Afternoon: Check out, grab lunch in Kailua-Kona, and return your rental car at KOA airport for your flight home. (Our concierge team can coordinate direct airport transfers or late checkout options).