The Big Island of Hawaii
Summary
Perhaps nowhere else on earth can so many diverse ecosystems be experienced in so few square miles. A magical island, the Hawaiian's biggest features smoking volcanos and lava fields, coral reefs teeming with life, lush rain forests, exotic fruits, white, black and green sand beaches, snow-capped mountains, incredible waterfalls, wide open ranges and starry night skies. Bonus: laid back residents are happy to share their rich culture. Whether snorkeling, sunbathing, surfing, star-gazing, sailing, hiking, copter-ing, dining or zip-lining, there's something for everyone on the Big Island!
Trip Tic
For: Families, Couples Travel Days: 8 Mileage: 500 Car Hours: 14+/- Temps: 65-80° F (winter)
Route Map
Itinerary Outline
Day 1
- Arrive Kona International Airport
- Drive 40 minutes to Waikoloa
- Lodging: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Day 2
- Drive 1.5 hours through the Waipo Valley to Umaumuu Falls Zipline Tour
- Afterwards, drive to Hilo for lunch at Ken's Pancake House before returning to Waikoloa, stopping in Waimea for snacks and to explore the Gallery of Great Things
- Lodging: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Day 3
- Drive to Kona for morning semi-private surf lessons via Ocean Eco Tours
- Rent snorkel equipment for the week at Boss Frogs in Kona
- Attend a luau... consider springing for premium seats (we reserved at the Waikoloa Marriott's Wednesday luau -- other hotels/locations have luaus on other nights)
- Lodging: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Day 4
- Snorkel in A-bay (essentially the beach at the Marriott) and sun bathe, being sure to try the shave ice at the beach shack
- Drive the Saddle Road to Mauna Kea before sunset for star gazing
- Lodging: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Day 5
- Snorkel and sun bathe in A-bay before heading to Kona to shop in the early afternoon
- Grab a bite before heading to a night Manta Snorkel/Dive excursion via Kona Honu Divers
- Lodging: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Day 6
- Drive to Hilo to tour the morning farmers' market (check days/hours of operation) and shop for Hawaiian souvenirs
- Head to the Hilo airport for a 45 minute helicopter flight with Paradise Helicopter over the volcano and lava fields (go for the "extreme tour" and feel the heat from the lava!)
- Drive to Volcanoes National Park, stopping at the visitor center for an orientation
- At sunset, visit the Jaggar Museum to watch the smoke flume glow from the adjacent volcano crater
- Lodging: Volcano House at Volcanoes National Park
Day 7
- Hike the .5 mile Thurston Lava Tube
- Drive the Chain of Craters Road to Sea Arch, stopping at overlooks along the way
- Heading southwest on Route 11 out of Volcanoes NP, stop at the Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park before continuing on to Punaluu for a treat at the Punaluu Bakeshop
- Drive toward Kona, pausing at any roadside fruit stands along the way to try fresh passion fruit, rambutan and mangosteen
- Enjoy an afternoon poolside then dine at at waterside table at Rays on the Bay
- Lodging: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa (ask for a hospitality room for the following day if you have an evening departure)
Day 8
- Snorkel at the excellent 2-Step Beach adjacent to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park (could do a 30 minute self-guided tour of the park beforehand)
- After checking out, get a lomi-lomi massage in the hotel spa
- Return snorkel gear in Kona and stop for kalua pig at LL Hawaiian BBQ on the way to the Kona International Airport for your return flight