Big Island: Travel Guide

Day 1: Arrival in Kona 

Morning:

• Arrive at Kona International Airport
• Pick up rental car and check in (Kona or Waikoloa)

Afternoon:

• Relax at your hotel or drive to Hapuna or Waikoloa Beach

Evening:

• Beachfront dinner or Luau
• After dark view the Manta Rays 

Day 2: Kona Village

Coffee Farm, & Snorkel Cruise 

Morning: 

• Kealakekua Bay (snorkeling or boat tour)
• Captain Cook Monument area

Afternoon:

• Coffee farm tour
• Optional stand-up paddle boarding

Evening:

• Dinner in Kailua-Kona
• Optional manta ray night snorkel (Kona’s most famous activity)

Day 3: Saddle Road to Hilo  

North to Akaka Falls & Wiamea

Morning:

• Drive the Saddle Road to Hilo Town
• Hawaii's magnificent waterfalls
• Cliffside Botanical Gardens
• Explore Hilo town and farmers market

Afternoon:

• Akaka Falls State Park
• Drive the coast road north to Waimea

Evening:

• Dinner at sunset on the west shore

Day 4: West Shore

Volcano Park Guided Tour

Morning:

(Consider a guided tour with hotel pickup for this day) 

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Kilauea Visitor Center
• Steam vents and crater overlook

Afternoon:

• Thurston Lava Tube
• Chain of Craters Road scenic stops
• Lunch at Volcano Lodge, crater overlook, or in the Village

Evening:

• Return to your resort before dark if you are driving.

Day 5: Southwest Shore

Black Sand Beach Giant Turtles

Morning:

• Punaluu Black Sand Beach (turtles often seen)

Afternoon: 

Drive north to Puuhonua o Honaunau

• Two Step snorkeling spot (good snorkeling for good swimmers)
• Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (must see)

Evening:

• Return to your resort for dinner

Day 6:  On Your Own

Enjoy a Day at Your Resort

Concierge Tip:

Skip the driving for a day or 2 and book a unique Big Island Activity.

• Helicopter Tour 

• Deep Sea Fishing

• Beachfront Luau

• Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Spa Day

• Golfing