5 day itinerary
Big Island
Itinerary
Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Big Island:
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
- Arrive at and pick up your rental car.
- Head to your hotel or vacation rental to check-in and freshen up.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the island's beautiful beaches, such as or .
Day 2: and
- Drive to , which is about a 2-hour drive from Kona.
- Spend the morning exploring the park's many hiking trails and scenic overlooks, including the and the .
- After lunch, head to to explore its charming downtown area and visit attractions like the and the .
- End the day with dinner at one of Hilo's many delicious restaurants, such as or .
Day 3: Waterfalls and Snorkeling
- Start the day by driving to , where you can hike through lush rainforest to see the stunning 442-foot Akaka Falls.
- Next, head to the nearby town of to browse its quaint shops and grab a bite to eat.
- In the afternoon, head to for some snorkeling and swimming. This protected bay is home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
- End the day with dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Kailua-Kona, such as or .
Day 4: and Stargazing
- Drive up to the summit of , which is the highest point in Hawaii and offers breathtaking views of the island.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the visitor center and learning about the mountain's cultural and scientific significance.
- In the evening, head back up to for some stargazing. The mountain's high altitude and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the world for observing the night sky.
Day 5: Coffee Farms and Beach Time
- Start the day by visiting one of the island's many coffee farms, such as or .
- Learn about the history and production of Kona coffee, and sample some of the delicious brews.
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of the island's beautiful beaches, such as or .
- End your trip with a farewell dinner at one of the island's top restaurants, such as or