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The Big Island lives up to its name and is indeed the largest of the Hawaiian islands. It can be hard to try and see it all, but this itinerary will help you discover the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii in one week!
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Day 1: Kailua-Kona
You’ll definitely want to rent a car if you want to make the most of your time on the Big Island.
After your flight lands in Kona, pick up your rental car at the airport. We always use Rent Cars to compare the cheapest prices on car rentals.
Lunch at Broke da Mouth Grindz
You’re most likely going to be hungry after a long travel day, so we would recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Broke da Mouth Grindz.
They serve up some of the best traditional Hawaiian plates Their furikake chicken was even featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Other lunch options include Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, Big Island Grill, Da Poke Shack, or Kona Brewing Company.
Pick up snorkel gear
I would also recommend stopping by Snorkel Bob’s where you can pick up boogie boards and snorkel gear to rent for the entire week.
Check into your hotel
There are plenty of resort options in Kailua-Kona. We opted to stay at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and had a great experience.
It is located on the shore of Hapuna Beach, one of the best beaches in Kona.
The rooms have breathtaking ocean views and the amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the wide sandy beach.
If you want a more budget-friendly option instead of a resort, try the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. It is centrally located, reasonably priced, and includes a continental breakfast.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort where you can lounge by the pool, swim at the beach, and grab a bite to eat at the poolside cafe.
If you’re feeling up to it, head down the road to check out some local beaches in the evening.
Anaeho’omalu Beach
Anaeho’omalu Beach, also known as A-Bay by the locals, is only a few miles south of the Westin Hapuna Resort.
Here you’ll find a narrow strip of sand dotted with coconut palms.
The crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean are located on one side of the beach, and the placid water of two ancient royal fish ponds is on the other.
The fish ponds were used by ancient Hawaiians for raising mullet, but only the royal families could eat the fish.
Be sure to stop by the Original Big Island Shave Co. nearby to pick up some of the best shave ice on the island. Order the Mana’s Chantilly and thank me later.
If you’re hungry for dinner, Island Fish & Chips is located just next door. There are also several dining options back at the resort.
Sunset at Kīholo Bay
Take the one-mile dirt road at Kīholo State Park to catch the sunset at the more remote black sand Kīholo Bay.
Chances are you’ll have the whole beach to yourself as you watch the sun sink into the ocean. Just keep in mind that the gates close at 7 pm.
If you get there early enough and have extra time, walk north along the beach for about 20 minutes until you reach a picturesque lagoon. It’s the crowning jewel of the bay.
Day 2: Kailua Kona
Plan to wake up early because there is a full day ahead!
Breakfast
A continental breakfast is available at the hotel, although the price is not included in the room rate. They also have a coffee shop on-site.
Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park
Head south of Kailua-Kona down to the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Park.
This park sits on the site of ancient royal grounds and was once considered a place of refuge for those running from the law.
The grounds are stunning with a sugary white sand beach and groves of coconut palms.
Take a self-guided tour around the beautiful park to discover the rich history of these sacred grounds.
Two-Steps Beach
After spending time at Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, head over to the neighboring Two-Steps Beach.
This small beach offers some of the best tide pools and snorkeling in the area.
You’ll find a shallow coral reef that attracts a wide variety of brightly colored tropical fish and sea turtles. It is also common to see spinner dolphins in the bay.
Just be sure to keep your distance as the turtles and dolphins are both federally protected.
St. Benedict’s Painted Church
The Painted Church is located only a few miles from Two-Step Beach and is worth a quick stop.
The interior of this small catholic church is covered with colorful hand-painted murals.
The artwork portrays different scenes from the scriptures and was painted by a Belgium priest over 120 years ago.
The church is open to visitors Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. A docent is on hand to share more about the history and answer any questions.
Lunch at Shaka Tacoz
Shaka Tacoz is located right down the road from the Painted Church.
This small cafe serves up some of the best tacos and burritos on the island.
Enjoy your meal on the small outdoor deck with views overlooking the ocean.
Ali’i Saltwater Swimming Pool
As you make your way back up to Kailua-Kona, stop by and check out this unique ocean pool.
The Ali’i Saltwater Pool, also known as Rivi’s Saltwater Tide Pool, is a man-made pool that is filled by the ocean tide.
If the tide is low, the water can get stagnant with a film of algae on the bottom of the pool.
Although the conditions may not always be ideal for swimming, you can get some pretty cool drone footage here.
There are also some smaller tide pools, both natural and man-made, on the rocky shore. These pools are a fun place to catch crabs and observe any sea life that the tide brought in.
Magic Sands Beach
Magic Sands Beach is one of the only sandy beaches that can be found close to Kailua-Kona’s city center.
Although the beach is small, it packs a big punch! This beautiful soft sandy cove is fringed with palm trees and crashing iridescent waves.
When the conditions are right, this beach is perfect for boogie boarding and swimming. Just adhere to any warnings from the lifeguards if the water is too rough.
Dinner at Magic’s Beach Grill
Magic’s Beach Grill is located right next to Magic Sands Beach where you can enjoy fresh fish tacos on the outdoor patio.
Dinner is the best time to dine here so that you can catch an iconic Hawaiian sunset while you eat.
After your meal, walk across the street to Kat’s Kau Kau shave ice truck for dessert before getting ready for your night snorkel tour.
Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Tour
Swimming with Manta Rays is continually ranked as one of the top things to do on the Big Island.
This is one of the only places in the world where the Manta Rays consistently appear each and every night so you are almost guaranteed to come into close contact with these gentle giants.
The average wingspan of these manta rays in 8-12 feet and it truly is an unforgettable experience to snorkel with them.
There are several tour operators to choose from in the area. We went with this Keauhou Manta Ray Tour and loved it!
For more information about this tour and for a detailed guide to visiting Kailua-Kona, see our post 8 Fun Things to do in Kona.
Day 3: Kona to Hilo
After spending a few days in Kailua-Kona, it’s time to venture over to the windward side of the island.
Skydiving morning adventure
If you are an adrenaline junkie, skydiving in Hawaii should definitely be at the top of your adventure bucket list!
Big Island Gravity Skydiving is the only skydiving operator on the Big Island. They are located at Upolu Airport on the northern tip of the island.
Conditions are best if you book an early morning flight before the clouds roll in and the winds pick up.
It truly is an unbelievable experience to soar 12,000 feet above the Seven Sacred Valleys and rugged Kohala Coast before jumping out the door and experiencing the rush of a lifetime!
If skydiving isn’t your thing, here are a few more morning adventures you could take instead:
- Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: Take a morning snorkel tour at Kealakekua Bay, the best snorkeling spot on the island.
- Glass-bottom Boat Tour: This glass-bottom boat is designed to float above the reefs that are teeming with colorful tropical fish.
- Speed Boat Dolphin Tour: Take a small group tour on a speed boat to see dolphins, explore a sea cave, and snorkel at a reef.
- Whale Watching Tour: Get up close with humpback whales on this whale-watching excursion.
- Surf Lesson: There is no better place to learn to surf than in Hawaii!
Pololū Lookout Trail
As you make your way down the Kohala Coast to Hilo, make a detour to the Pololū Lookout.
This scenic point overlooks the headlands of the Seven Sacred Valleys, a series of erosional valleys along the coast.
For even better views, take the short but steep half-mile trail down to the lush valley floor and a remote black-sand beach.
For more details about this trail, see our guide to Hiking the Pololū Lookout Trail.
Waimea
Stop in Waimea for lunch at The Fish and the Hog, it’s the perfect marriage of seafood and BBQ. Try the poke nachos, brisket street tacos, BBQ sampler, or the sweet & sour tempura ahi belly.
On your way out of town, make a quick detour to drive along Mud Lane.
This narrow lane is densely lined with eucalyptus trees and is perhaps one of the most beautiful drives on the Big Island.
The road is only a few miles long but the way the sun filters through the leaves creates such a magical ambiance.
‘Akaka Falls
‘Akaka Falls is one of the most visited tourist attractions on the Big Island, and for good reason.
This 442-foot waterfall is found plummeting into the heart of the jungle.
It is one of the most impressive and easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island and perhaps all of the Hawaiian islands.
The accessibility does come with a price, quite literally. Visitors do have to pay to see the falls, and you will most likely be sharing the paved 0.4-mile loop trail with hundreds of tourists.
If you plan it right and come around 4 pm before closing at 5 pm, then you will most likely beat the crowds.
If you are unable to fit it in on this day, then plan for an early morning visit at 8 am the next day.
Check into your Airbnb
Unlike Kona, you won’t find any ritzy resorts on the Hilo side of the island. Your best bet is to find an Airbnb.
We stayed in this condo at Mauna Loa Shores. Although the complex is dated, the unit itself had been recently renovated.
Dinner at Pho Viet
If you’re looking for a quick and casual dinner before tucking in for the night, then head to Pho Viet.
Their steaming bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup are sure to hit the spot!
This hole-in-the-wall joint is quite small, so if there is a wait then I would recommend heading to Cafe 100 to try one of their 30 different varieties of loco moco.
Day 4: Hilo
Enjoy a slow relaxing morning before heading out to grab some breakfast.
Breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes
Ken’s House of Pancakes serves breakfast all day, so even if you decide to sleep in you won’t miss out on the best pancake stacks on the island!
Order the macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup. You can also try the guava or mango syrup if you prefer something fruity.
Everything on the menu is delicious and the portions are huge.
Hilo Bayfront
After breakfast, head over to explore the Hilo Bayfront district.
Hilo is the oldest city on the Big Island and it still has that Old Hawaii feel.
The bayfront is lined with shops and cafes and it is the perfect place to spend a few hours strolling around.
Stop and pick up some fresh fruit at the farmers market, buy some souvenirs at the local shops, sample some homemade mochi at the Two Ladies Kitchen, visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and order shave ice from Wilson’s by the Bay.
Light lunch at Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll want to keep lunch light.
Head to Makani’s Magic Pineapple shack for fresh smoothies and organic acaí bowls. The small cafe has a fun vibe and the acaí is even served in a pineapple bowl.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, stop by Suisan Fish Market on the waterfront and order some fresh poke.
Coconut Island
Coconut Island is a small island in Hilo Bay that can be accessed by a pedestrian bridge.
You’ll find protected pools, sandy coves, a large grassy picnic area, covered pavilions, and even a man-made diving platform.
The beautifully manicured Queen Lili’uokalani Gardens are also located nearby, as well as Banyan Drive.
Banyan Drive is a street that is lined with banyan trees that have been planted by famous people such as Franklin D Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, King George V, and Richard Nixon.
Carlsmith Beach
The Airbnb that I linked to is located on the shores of Carlsmith Beach, one of the best beaches in Hilo.
There aren’t many sandy beaches on the windward side of the island, but here you’ll find a beautiful lava rock beach with white sandy bottom lagoons and plenty of sea turtles.
Carlsmith Beach Park is one of the best beaches for snorkeling, so spend the late afternoon snorkeling and cooling off in the refreshing water before getting ready for dinner.
Dinner at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine is one of the best places to eat in Hilo.
The food is fresh and delicious and the open-air dining room with live music creates such a fun atmosphere.
Try the Nui Nachos and Lava Burger, and be sure to order their Pineapple Pow drink!
Day 5: Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Grab a quick breakfast then head out to explore more waterfalls!
Wailuku River State Park
The Wailuku River flows inland for 28 miles before emptying into Hilo Bay.
There are a series of waterfalls found all along the river, several of which can be accessed at Wailuku River State Park just outside of town.
Be sure to visit the lookout points for Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots.
If the conditions are right, you can also cross the river to swim at Pe’epe’e Falls.
The Wai’ale Falls are also a fun place to swim and there are even pools that you can hike to at the top of the waterfall.
Just use extreme caution as the river gorge is prone to flash flooding. Never get in the water if the river is high or there is rain in the forecast. You are visiting at your own risk.
For more information about visiting these waterfalls and other Hilo attractions, see our guide 8 of the Best Things to do in Hilo.
Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves State Park is home to one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
This lava cave is located just off the side of the road and can be accessed by a steep staircase.
The entrance to the cave is just as cool as the cave itself.
It is draped with vines and surrounded by native foliage. It looks like something you’d see in Jurassic Park!
If you want to explore further into the cave, be sure to bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes.
Lunch at Hilo Burger Joint
Grab a quick burger on your way out of town.
Hilo Burger Joint is a casual restaurant that specializes in unique handcrafted burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
Try the Au Jus Burger, Island Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Brie Burger, or honestly, any burger!
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
As you make your way south of Hilo towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, make a stop at Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo.
This zoo is home to almost 200 animals whose enclosures are nestled in the manicured botanical gardens.
It is the only tropical zoo in the US and one of the most beautiful zoos you’ll ever visit. And the best part is that admission is free!
Check into your Airbnb
Accommodations are limited at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your two best options are either staying at the Volcano House historic hotel, or booking an Airbnb.
We stayed at this Airbnb about 5 minutes outside of the park. It had a lot of character and even had a hot tub.
Dinner at Ōhelo Cafe
Dining options are also limited in the small town of Volcano, but you will be impressed with the mouthwatering dishes at Ōhelo Cafe.
They specialize in wood-fired pizza, but you’ll also want to try the ribs smothered in guava BBQ sauce!
Night time lava viewing
After dark is the best time to see the glowing lava lake at the Halema’uma’u Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Keanakako’i Overlook is the closest viewpoint to the lava, but it is also the most packed.
Park rangers recommend going after about 8:30 or 9 pm in order to find a parking spot and avoid the crowds.
From the parking lot, visitors will walk for about one mile along the old Crater Rim Drive before reaching the viewpoint.
The boiling lava lake is still about a half mile away but the vibrant glow illuminates the night sky for miles.
Day 6: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique things to do on the Big Island, so you’ll want to make the most of your day by starting with a sunrise hike.
Kilauea Iki Trail
The Kilauea Iki Trail descends through thick rainforest and down the side of the crater until reaching the crater floor.
Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be able to able to walk across what was once a molten lake of lava.
You’ll see steam vents and other evidence of the violent eruption that occurred a little over 60 years ago.
The trail is a 3.2-mile loop and is best experienced at sunrise. For more information, see our guide to Hiking the Kilauea Iki Trail.
Thurston Lava Tube
The Thurston Lava Tube is another cool lava cave similar to the Kaumana Caves.
It was formed over 500 years ago from a roiling river of lava.
The cave is only about 600 feet long and they have installed lights throughout the entirety of the cave.
It doesn’t take long to explore, but is definitely worth a stop!
Lunch at Cafe Ono
Head back to the small town of Volcano and grab lunch at Cafe Ono.
The cafe specializes in fresh vegetarian dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Try the grilled artichoke hummus panini with soup and salad and homemade apple pie.
Enjoy your meal in the beautiful outdoor gardens where you’ll also find walking trails and art sculptures.
Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road
During the heat of the day, head out for an air conditioned afternoon drive.
Start at the Uekahua Bluff Point on Crater Rim Drive. It is the highest summit in the park and offers the best view over the Kilauea Caldera.
Continue driving along the rim until the road intersects with the Chain of Craters Road.
The Chain of Craters Road is a 19-mile road that crosses over lava fields until it dead ends at the coast.
Here you can see the Holei Sea Arch, as well as the most recent lava flow from the catastrophic eruption of Kilauea in 2018.
Sulfur Banks Trail
The Sulfur Banks Trail is an easy 1.4-mile loop trail. It leads through open fields surrounded by volcanic steam vents and out to the rim.
I would recommend going during golden hour when the sun filters through the steam giving off an ethereal glow.
For more details about this trail and other points of interest in the park, see our guide for the Best Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Dinner at Volcano House
Make reservations for dinner at the Volcano House restaurant. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Kilauea Caldera.
Uncle George’s Lounge is also located at the Volcano House hotel. This is a more casual restaurant but still has access to the outdoor viewing deck.
Day 7: South Point to Kailua-Kona
After packing up and grabbing a quick breakfast, make your way down along the south coast back to Kailua-Kona with a few stops along the way.
Punalu’u Beach
Punalu’u Beach is arguably the most beautiful black sand beach on the Big Island.
The beach is lined with a grove of coconut palms that stands out in stark contrast against the black volcanic sand.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles can often be seen basking on the shores and the nearby tide pools are fun to explore.
Lunch at Punalu’u Bake Shop
The Punalu’u Bake Shop is the southernmost bakery in the US.
Here you will find a wide variety of homemade malasadas as well as traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
You’ll also want to pick up a loaf of their signature Hawaiian sweet bread to take on the road.
South Point
While Punalu’u Bake Shop is the southernmost bakery, South Point is actually the southernmost point in the entire US.
This barren coastline is etched with rugged 40-foot-tall cliffs that are popular for cliff-jumping.
Even if cliff-jumping doesn’t appeal to you, it is still worth a stop as this point holds historical significance.
This is believed to be where the Polynesian explorers first landed in Hawaii around 750 AD after embarking on their journey from Tahiti.
For more information and things to do in the area, see our guide to South Point Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona
After this last stop, make your way back to Kailua-Kona and get ready to head home and say goodbye to the beautiful Big Island!
I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do on the Big Island with this one week itinerary!
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