I have visited all four main Hawaii islands, and the Big Island remains my ultimate favorite. If you have a week to spend on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll need it. For first timers, here is the perfect 7 day Big Island itinerary, splitting your time between Hilo and Kona.
Note: The Island of Hawaii is nicknamed the Big Island to differentiate it from the State of Hawaii.
Why Visit the Big Island of Hawaii?
You want to see volcanic activity. The Big Island is probably most famous for its five volcanoes — Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, and Kohala. Four of these volcanoes are active, and two are extremely active, erupting every few years or even every few months.
You love coffee. If you’re a coffee lover, you will love the Kona coffee belt. The Big Island’s fertile volcanic soil helps produce some of the finest coffee in the world. Visit a Kona coffee farm or two to sample the coffee for yourself.
You want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes. The Big Island has a diverse range of landscapes. You’ll find tropical rain forests, lava fields, black sand beaches, and even deserts.
Interesting Facts About the Big Island of Hawaii
- The Big Island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea, which last erupted in 2023. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory closely monitors Kīlauea to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the Big Island.
- The Big Island of Hawaii is 4,028 square miles and still growing. The Big Island, home to five volcanoes, expands with nearly every volcanic eruption as the lava flows out and cools, adding more acreage.
- There are about 800 coffee farms in Kona, Hawaii. Most are small, family farms, less than 5 acres.
- The Big Island is about 1 million years old, and yet it is the youngest Hawaiian island.
Kona vs. Hilo
The Big Island has two main areas, Kona and Hilo, one on each side of the island. Both have their own commercial airport, Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport.
It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to drive from one side of the island to the other.
You may be wondering which airport you should use and whether you should stay in Hilo or Kona?
The answer is you should fly into either airport and stay in both areas.
This itinerary splits your time between both Hilo and Kona as it’s much more convenient than trying to stay in one place and drive out to the other side of the island only to come back, again and again.
Overview of 7 Day Big Island Itinerary
Days 1-3: Explore Hilo
Day 4: Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day 5: Scenic Drive from Hilo to Kona (or Vice Versa)
Days 6-7: Explore Kona
Days 1-3: Hilo
Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island, but it feels more like a small beach town. Hilo, which means “to twist” due to all the twisting rivers in the region, gets a lot of rain each year so expect a wet, humid climate.
I’d suggest spending three full days in Hilo, including a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
For lodgings, Hilo has a lot of bed and breakfasts. We stayed in one on our first visit and didn’t have a good experience, unfortunately, so I won’t recommend it. However, you could try the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, which is near Coconut Island.
Visit Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is about 25 minutes outside of Hilo, but it’s well worth it (the drive itself is gorgeous, too). Once at Akaka Falls State Park, it’s a short walk (about a half mile) to the falls on a paved walkway with handrails.
You’ll walk through beautiful rain forest foliage and have so much to admire until you reach Akaka Falls. I loved this visit. I suggest going here first for the day so you can be sure to do this before getting to the rest of the day’s activities.
Cost: $5 per person plus $10 for parking; pay at kiosks upon arrival
Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stop at Mana’s Aloha Fruit Stand
This fruit stand is in front of Akaka Falls State Park; it was an impulse to stop here, and I’m so glad we did! The coconut water was the best I’ve ever tasted, and the pineapple was very ripe and juicy. There are signs, so don’t miss this!
Mana’s Aloha Fruit Stand is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for a treat after visiting the falls.
Wander the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens
On your way back to Hilo from Akaka Falls, stop at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens if you didn’t get enough of that tropical nature.
Here you’ll be able to stroll along many nature trails, through various tropical gardens and see all the different plants, flowers, and trees that make Hawaii so beautiful.
Walk around Hilo Bay
Once you’ve made it back to Hilo, park the car and take some time to stroll downtown.
Here are some must-stop places in Hilo:
- Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack — Try their famous acai bowl served in a pineapple.
- Two Ladies Kitchen — Pick up some mochi.
- Big Island Candies — Grab a few chocolate-dipped cookies.
- Hilo Farmers Market — Stroll the vendors; they’re open daily.
- Coconut Grill — Restaurant with views of the ocean. Local kids were jumping off rocks into the sea just outside our window.
Hilo Bay is pretty walkable, so who knows what else you’ll discover!
Visit Coconut Island and Other Beaches
You can’t let your first full day in Hawaii pass by without a visit to the beach! So let’s end it exploring Coconut Island, a small island park that’s connected to the main island by a footbridge. There’s grass, palm trees, a few sandy beaches, and lots of great views.
You might also like to check out one more beach, so head to Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson Ocean Park. Both of these beaches have lava rocks and calm, clear blue waters. Perfect for wading and/or snorkeling.
Stop at Lili’uokalani Gardens
Before leaving Coconut Island, don’t miss Lili’uokalani Gardens, a large, authentic Japanese garden named after Hawaii’s last reigning queen, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
It’s free and open 24/7.
There are bridges, fish ponds, a tea house, lanterns, and more. It’s one of the biggest Japanese gardens outside of Japan, built to commemorate the Japanese immigrants to the island.
See another Waterfall? or Perhaps a Cave?
If you have more free time and want to continue exploring waterfalls and caves, check out Rainbow Falls and/or Kaumana Caves. We didn’t have time to see these on our super fast-paced itinerary, but they look amazing.
Day 4: Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Take a Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a full-day excursion. There is SO much to do at this national park! I had so much fun here, and I know you will, too.
See my complete guide to taking a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including a list of things you must do.
Remember that this national park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes! Even if you don’t get to see any flowing lava, there is so much cooled lava around the park, especially along the Chain of Craters Road, and that was just as fascinating to see. This park quickly rose to the top of my list of favorite national parks.
Explore Volcano Village
After your day in the national park, I hope you’ll spend time in the Village of Volcano. It’s a gorgeous village with several restaurants and stores.
One of the highlights for us was doing a tea tasting and tea farm tour at Tea Hawaii. The tours are private, and you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. The location of the farm will be disclosed once your reservation is confirmed. If you love tea, you’ll find this tour fascinating!
In addition to a tea farm, Volcano Village also has wine tastings at Volcano Winery and an art gallery at the Volcano Art Center.
Get lunch before 2 p.m. as everything closes down early here!
Should You Stay the Night in Volcano, HI?
No, it’s not necessary, and I don’t recommend staying the night in Volcano. Why?
You can’t drink the tap water in Volcano. In Hilo, you can drink the tap water, but you can’t in Volcano. The water in Volcano is semi-filtered rainwater collected through a catchment system. There is a risk of getting rat lungworm disease if you drink the tap water in Volcano or use it to brush your teeth.
What are the lodgings in Volcano like?
We stayed at the Volcano Inn in Volcano, HI and we were caught by surprise about the undrinkable tap water as it says nothing about it on the Volcano Inn website. We were only told upon arrival!
I’m not sure if every hotel in Volcano is under the same situation, but I’d advise to call ahead of time to find out how safe the water is (how it’s filtered).
There were a lot of roaches in our hotel room, which is understandable since we were in the middle of a rain forest, but this is something to consider as well.
Take your comfort level into account, if you’re okay with bugs and undrinkable tap water, you might enjoy spending the night in a beautiful rain forest in Volcano, HI.
Day 5: Scenic Drive from Hilo to Kona (or Vice Versa)
On the day you are ready to visit the other side of the island, whether you started in Kona or Hilo, here are some stops you must make on the way.
Hit the Road and Stop at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a beach you’ll want to spend some time on because wow is this beach GORGEOUS.
The black sand is quite fascinating — it’s made up of tiny pieces of lava rocks and can get hot in the sun. There weren’t many people here when we went so hopefully you’ll be just as lucky.
See my full guide to visiting the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach with everything you should know before you go.
Stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop
While you’re in the area, be sure to stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop for their famous Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas. Yum!
Hike to the Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Did you know there are only four green sand beaches in the world? One of them is right here on the Big Island.
You will need to walk 4.5 miles to reach the green sand beach, so be prepared for a hike. The trailhead is about 40 minutes from the black sand beach, heading toward Kona, past South Point Park, near the Southernmost Point in the U.S.
Days 6-7: Kona
Kona is perhaps most famous for its coffee. The Kona coffee belt is home to about 800 coffee farms, many of them small, family farms. The fertile, volcanic soil help Kona produce some of the finest coffee in the world.
In Kona, you’ll find some incredible snorkel spots, beautiful beaches, and some incredible views of the ocean.
Spend about two to three full days in Kona exploring all it has to offer.
Snorkel at Two Step
Two Step is a snorkeling spot that gets its name because the area has no beach, only lava rocks, and you have to take two steps down to reach the clear, blue water. Fish and coral are in abundance, so you’re bound to see a variety of wildlife (remember to keep a safe distance).
This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots, so come early to avoid crowds (it opens at 7 a.m.).
It’s actually located right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (but NOT IN the park, they’re separate).
Bring flip-flops or water shoes to safely walk on the lava rocks, which get hot in the sun; and don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen.
Visit the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a place of refuge and burial grounds of Hawaiian royalty.
So why MUST you come? You’ll learn about ancient Hawaii culture and customs and see preserved and reconstructed ancient structures, such as the hale poki (a royal mausoleum) and the great wall. Plus, the area’s natural beauty is simply stunning. This stop was a highlight for us!
You can stop here before or after lunch, depending on how hungry you are (or perhaps pack some snacks with you).
The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is maintained by the National Park Service so you can use your NPS annual pass for entry if you have one. If you don’t have an NPS annual pass, the entry fee is either $10 per person or $20 per vehicle, card only. No cash accepted.
Have Lunch (or Brunch) at The Coffee Shack
The Coffee Shack is situated on a hill and overlooks the ocean. There are amazing views outside on the terrace and great food as well.
If you get here before 1 p.m. you can still have breakfast, or if you get here after 1 p.m., you can have lunch. Either way, you’ll love it.
We really enjoyed our meal here, and we were even joined by a few bright green geckos!
Tour a Kona Coffee Farm or Two
While you’re in Kona, visiting a coffee farm is a must! Kona coffee is known worldwide and it’s only made here in the Kona District.
What makes it so special? Well, visit a Kona coffee farm to find out. We visited Greenwell Coffee Farms and did a free coffee tasting (several varieties were available to taste). We didn’t have time for the free tour, which is a bummer because we loved the coffee.
I’ve heard good things about the other coffee farms listed below, so if you’d like to visit more than one farm, those are your best bets!
- Greenwell Coffee Farms (Free)
- Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation (Free)
- Hala Tree Coffee Farm (Free)
- Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee ($15)
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm ($20)
If you visit Kona in February or March, you’ll be treated to Kona snow — that is, you’ll be able to see the coffee trees covered in white flower blossoms! How magical.
Explore Kailua-Kona
Be sure to explore the town of Kailua-Kona and the local beaches.
- Visit Kealakekua Bay.
- Walk around the Kona Farmers Market, which is open Wednesdays through Sundays 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Ali’i drive just south of Kailua Bay.
- Visit Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
- Check out some beaches, such as Kua Bay, Kahalu’u Beach Park and/or Kikaua Point Beach Park.
Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
One of the most unique activities you can do on the Big Island is go night snorkeling with Manta rays. It’s a bit expensive at around $130 per person, but I’ve heard people say this was their top experience in Hawaii.
Departure
You can customize your departure to what works best for you. If your departure flight is in the afternoon, you can manage the 2-hour drive from Kona to Hilo airport (or vice versa). If it’s in the morning, either set out very early or opt for an additional night in Hilo or Kona.
You might even try doing an open-jaw ticket, though this could possibly add a drop fee to your rental car costs. See what works best for you!
We opted to fly in and out of Hilo, and we stayed in Hilo the night before our flight.
I hope you enjoyed your time on the Big Island and fell in love with it like I did. I wish you safe travels on your way home.
Map of Big Island Itinerary
I pinned all the activities mentioned in this blog post on the map below, and I’ve even color-coded the activities by day! I hope this helps you visualize why I grouped things together as I did.
Where to stay on the Big Island
Recommended Hotels in Hilo, Hawaii
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast (where we stayed)
- SCP Hilo Hotel
- Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: Doubletree by Hilton
Recommended Hotels in Kona, Hawaii
- Royal Kona Resort
- Outrigger Kona Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- Aston Kona by the Sea
- Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona
What to Know Before Traveling to the Big Island
There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself. The first island I went to was the Big Island, a stunning tropical paradise with active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and famous coffee farms.
Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.
Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?
Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.
Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).
You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii.
How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?
Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.
- Before traveling to any Hawaiian island, become familiar with how to be a respectful and responsible traveler to the islands and pledge to travel pono.
- Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
- Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
- If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
- And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.
What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?
Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. The only exceptions are in the higher elevation areas of Volcano, HI on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui where it does get chilly. Otherwise, there isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.
Will I Need to Rent a Car?
Yes, definitely. There are buses in Hawaii but public transportation overall isn’t very effective, especially if you’re trying to go as many places as possible in a limited amount of time. Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as each of the islands are fairly small and many rental car companies had to consolidate during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Big Island
What is the prettiest drive from Kona to Hilo?
The prettiest drive from Kona to Hilo is not the shortest route. It goes around, by the coast, and passes the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach before going through Volcano, HI.
Is the Big Island too touristy?
The Big Island is definitely not too touristy. It’s actually the second least visited Hawaiian island (of the main four). There are tourists, of course, as almost 2 million people visit the Big Island each year. But there are also a lot of locals, just enjoying the beautiful Hawaii life.
What is the #1 thing to do in Big Island Hawaii?
The top attraction on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can get up close and personal with two of the island’s most active volcanoes.
What is the Big Island of Hawaii best for?
The Big Island is best for viewing active volcanoes in a tropical climate.
What not to miss on the island of Hawaii?
Don’t miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. All these stops are incredibly beautiful and amazing, a must see.
How many days in Big Island is enough?
With three or four days, you can see and do a lot on the Big Island, but I’d recommend at least a week to fully explore both sides of the island.
Best free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii?
- Coffee tasting and tour at Greenwell Coffee Farm
- Walk along the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Visit Coconut Island
- Walk around Hilo Bay
- Snorkel at Two Step
Is the Big Island of Hawaii worth visiting?
Yes, the Big Island is definitely worth visiting. I strangely had low expectations before arriving but was absolutely blown away by the beauty and uniqueness of the Big Island.
How large is the Big Island in Hawaii?
The Big Island of Hawaii is 4,028 square miles and still growing. The Big Island, home to five volcanoes, expands with nearly every volcanic eruption as the lava flows out and cools, adding acreage.
What to pack for Hawaii?
Here are some of my favorite things I brought with me to Hawaii:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel set
- Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)
- EPA-registered insect repellent. There are mosquitoes in Hawaii, and while it’s rare for one of them to be carrying a virus, it’s best to spray yourself with insect repellent regularly to prevent those pesky bites. Be sure to use an EPA-registered insect repellent that has one of 5 active ingredients recommended by the CDC. The EPA has a search tool to help you locate a registered, effective insect repellent. My recommendation for a natural option is to use the EPA-registered Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray, which uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its active ingredient.
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
- For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Hawaii
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii
Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary
18 Best Things to Do on Big Island of Hawaii
Ultimate 2 Weeks in Hawaii Itinerary: Visit Multiple Islands
Best Stops on Maui’s Road to Hana (with Map)
12 Things to Do in Haleakalā National Park
5 Day Oahu Itinerary: What to Do on the Most Popular Hawaiian Island
7 Day Kauai Itinerary: Explore All of Kauai in a Week
18 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Kauai
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