Big Island Hawaii 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day and Kona/Kohala Coast Exploration

• Arrive at Kona airport.
• Check into your condo or resort in Kona or the Kohala Coast. If staying at a condo, pick up some food if you arrive before check in time.
• Find an Oceanfront place to eat dinner and enjoy the sunset. Click here to see a Google Search Results list for "ocean front restaurants near waikoloa village".

Day 2: Enjoy a resort/pool day, golf day or beach day, etc. Snorkeling and beaches

• Golf Course Recommendations:
   Mauna Lani North
   Mauna Lani South
   Mauna Kea
   Google Search Results list for "public golf courses on the kona coast"
• Visit beaches near where you are staying. If you are staying on the Kohala Coast;
   Hapuna Beach State Park - expansive beach good for swimming
   Kauna’oa Beach (AKA Mauna Kea Beach) - almost a quarter of a mile of sand - great for swimming and snorkeling
   Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay - some rocks and coast. You can swim here if the conditions are calm. Closer to Kona.
   Google Search Results list for "public beaches on the kona coast"
• Visit Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in the afternoon, 11 miles from the Hilton Waikoloa.

Day 3: Explore the Waterfalls along the HamaKua Coast

• Morning Malasada at Tex’s in Honokaa, you will be glad you came here! Click here to view our "Hawaii Islands Malasada Search" results.
• Waterfalls;
   Akaka Falls
   Rainbow Falls
   Boiling Pots
   Waihilau Falls
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden to see exotic plants and flowers on Old Mamalahoa Highway near Papaikou or go ziplining at Umauma Falls.

Day 4: Resort Day or Stargazing - Two thoughts on this day

• Drive to Mauna Kea - or attend a Stargazing tour at Mauna Kea - Take a guided stargazing tour to see the night sky and learn about astronomy. They last about 7.5 to 8 hours. Extremely informative and people get amazing imagery of the night sky. Or just drive up to the 13,796 feet above sea level for some amazing views. You would need a 4WD to get to the summit.
  NOTE: There are several tour companies, click here to view a Google Search Results list of tour companies.

or if Mauna Kea is not your thing…

• Resort Pass - If you aren’t staying at a resort consider a day pass at the Hilton Waikoloa Village or other resort. At Hilton Waikoloa swim with the dolphins.
  NOTE: click here to go to the site where you can obtain a Resort Pass for the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Day 5: Visit Volcano National Park - this will be a full day's trip.

• Get up early and drive to the park - 1 hour and 44 minute drive. We would suggest that you review a map of the Big Island before starting this trip, as there are only several ways to go from the west side of the island to the Volcano National Park. Assuming that you would want to return via Hawaii route 11, you will want to drive to the park via Hawaii route 190/200/11.
• Stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center, get a Park Map
• Take the Crater Rim Drive: This 11-mile scenic drive takes you around the rim of the Kilauea Caldera and offers stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscape. You can stop at several overlooks and parking areas to take photos and explore.
• Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube: This is a short but fascinating walk through a natural lava tube, which is a tunnel formed by flowing lava. It's a unique geological feature and a great way to experience the park's volcanic history up close.
• Hike to the Kilauea Iki Crater - From Kīlauea Iki Overlook: 3.3 mile (5.3 km) loop. Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Out and back
• Drive from there to the west side of the island through the Ka’u Forest. It’s coffee country. Stop and get malasadas or a snack at the Punalu’u Bake Shop and do some coffee tastings along the way. There are numerous coffee plantations on or near Hawaii route 11 including one of our favorites - Kaʻū Coffee Mill Plantation.

Day 6: Snorkel Trip or Whale Watching in the winter

• Consider a whale watching tour if it’s winter time or snorkel Kealakekua Bay or take a Night-time stingray snorkel tour.
  NOTE 1: Click here to view a Google Search Results list for "big island whale watching tours".
  NOTE 2: Click here to view a Google Search Results list for "big island night-time stingray snorkel tours".

Day 7: Return Home

Drive home, unpack, etc, etc, etc.....