Big Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the raw power of nature on Hawaii's largest island, from the molten lava of Kilauea to the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea. This diverse landscape offers everything from lush rainforests and black sand beaches to sun-soaked resorts.
Big Island, officially named Hawaii Island, is a place of staggering scale and primal energy. It is young, vast, and still growing, thanks to the active shield volcanoes that formed it. Here, you can traverse from the humid, orchid-filled rainforests of Hilo to the barren, moon-like lava fields of Kona in a single morning. The island is large enough to fit all the other Hawaiian islands inside it twice, meaning your journey here is a road trip through nearly all of the world’s climate zones.
But beyond the geography, there is a tangible feeling of mana, spiritual power, that permeates the landscape. Whether you are watching the sun dip below the horizon from the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea or feeling the heat radiate from a steam vent near Kilauea, the island commands respect. It is a destination for those who want to connect with the raw elements of earth, fire, wind, and water.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Cradle of Hawaiian Culture
Big Island is historically significant as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, the leader who united the Hawaiian Islands. The landscape is dotted with heiau (temples), ancient fishponds, and petroglyphs carved into lava rock centuries ago. This deep history is felt strongly at places like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, a sanctuary where ancient Hawaiians could find absolution.
The culture here is living and breathing, not just a show for tourists. In Hilo, the spirit of hula thrives, particularly during the Merrie Monarch Festival. The locals, or kama’aina, maintain a deep connection to the land (‘aina), and visitors are encouraged to adopt the mindset of malama, to take care of and protect this fragile ecosystem.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
Float on the surface at night with lights illuminating the plankton, attracting massive manta rays that glide inches beneath you in a surreal ballet.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Witness the creation of land itself by hiking across solidified lava lakes, walking through fern forests, and peering into steaming craters.
Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing
Drive above the clouds to 9,200 feet (or the summit) for some of the clearest skies on Earth and free stargazing programs at the Visitor Center.
Kona Coffee Farm Tour
Tour the famous coffee belt on the slopes of Hualalai, learn about the harvesting process, and sample 100% Kona coffee right from the source.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - The star attraction, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Drive the Crater Rim Drive (11 mi) and explore the steaming vents ($30 per vehicle entry).
Mauna Kea Summit - The tallest sea mountain in the world. You can drive to the Visitor Center at 9,200 ft with a standard car, but the 13,803 ft summit requires 4WD (Free entry, tours approx $200).
Akaka Falls State Park - A short, paved 0.4-mile loop walk through lush bamboo and ferns reveals the stunning 442-foot waterfall ($5 entry + $10 parking).
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau - The ‘Place of Refuge’ is a National Historical Park featuring reconstructed temples and wooden images of gods on a lava rock coast ($20 per vehicle).
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach - The most famous black sand beach, easily accessible and frequented by Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Free, located off Hwy 11).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Because the island is so large, roughly the size of Connecticut, renting a car is non-negotiable. Most visitors split their stay, spending a few nights in Kona or Kohala for sunshine and beaches, and a few nights in Hilo or Volcano Village to explore the park and waterfalls. Driving between the two sides takes about 2 to 2.5 hours via Saddle Road.
Packing for Big Island requires versatility. You will need swimsuits and slippahs (flip-flops) for the coast, but also a heavy jacket, long pants, and hiking boots if you plan to visit the summits or the volcano at night. The high elevation areas can drop to freezing temperatures, while the beaches remain in the 80s.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Winter Holidays & Summer
Pros
- Perfect beach weather
- Peak whale watching (Winter)
- Vibrant nightlife and events
- Full tour availability
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices
- Crowded beaches and trailheads
- Car rentals sell out fast
- Requires restaurant reservations weeks in advance
Shoulder Season: Spring (Apr-May) & Fall (Sep-Oct)
Pros
- Lower airfare and hotel rates
- Ideally pleasant temperatures
- Fewer crowds at popular spots
- Better rental car availability
Cons
- Variable rainfall in Hilo
- Fewer major festivals
- Ocean can be choppy in transition months
- Some seasonal tour closures
Off-Peak: Late Spring & Late Fall
Pros
- Best deals on luxury resorts
- Quiet beaches
- Authentic local feel
- Easy access to restaurants
Cons
- Risk of vog (volcanic smog) depending on winds
- Sporadic heavy showers
- Less reliable ocean conditions
- Some businesses shorten hours
Big Island is not just a tropical getaway; it is an adventure into the geological heart of the Pacific. Whether you are snorkeling with gentle giants in the moonlight or hiking across a crater floor that was molten rock only decades ago, the memories you make here will be as distinct and enduring as the island itself.
Sample Itineraries
The Big Island Loop: Lava & Coast
A comprehensive road trip circling the island, covering the sunny Kona coast, the volcanic interior, and the lush Hilo rainforests.
Day 1: Arrival in Kona & Coffee Country
- Morning: Pick up your rental car at KOA airport and drive south to the Greenwell Farms for a free coffee tour and tasting which takes about 45 minutes.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Kailua-Kona and spend the afternoon snorkeling at Kahalu’u Beach Park where turtle sightings are almost guaranteed.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Foster’s Kitchen in Kona Village, budgeting around $60 for two, followed by a stroll down Ali’i Drive.
Day 2: South Point & Volcanoes
- Morning: Drive 1.5 hours south to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach to see the turtles, then grab sweet bread at the Punalu’u Bake Shop.
- Afternoon: Enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (entry $30) and hike the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile loop descending into a solidified lava lake.
- Evening: Check into a lodge in Volcano Village and drive back to the park’s Jaggar Museum overlook after dark to see if there is any visible lava glow.
Day 3: Hilo’s Waterfalls & Gardens
- Morning: Drive down to Hilo and visit Rainbow Falls, best viewed around 10:00 AM for the rainbows, followed by a $5 visit to Akaka Falls State Park.
- Afternoon: Explore the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden ($25 entry) which offers a stunning boardwalk through a jungle valley to the ocean.
- Evening: Dine at Pineapples in Hilo for fresh island cuisine and live music, expecting to spend about $50 for a casual meal.
Day 4: The Hamakua Coast & Waimea
- Morning: Drive north along the scenic Hamakua Coast, stopping at the Waipi’o Valley Lookout for breathtaking views of the cliffs.
- Afternoon: Continue to the cowboy town of Waimea for lunch at the Big Island Brewhaus, then drive the mountain road down to the Kohala Coast.
- Evening: Relax at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area to watch the sunset, paying the $10 parking fee if you are not a resident.
Day 5: Kohala Coast & Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a lazy morning at Mauna Kea Beach or visit the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site to learn about Hawaiian history.
- Afternoon: Drive back toward Kailua-Kona for a late lunch at Da Poke Shack ($15-$20 pp) before heading to the airport.
- Evening: Return your rental car and depart from Kona International Airport, grabbing a final Mai Tai at the open-air terminal.
Adventure & Altitude
A focused itinerary for active travelers seeking hikes, unique snorkeling experiences, and high-altitude adventures.
Day 1: Underwater Wonders
- Morning: Head to Kealakekua Bay and rent a kayak for $40 to paddle across the bay to the Captain Cook Monument for pristine snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Drive to the ‘Two Step’ snorkel spot near Honaunau for incredible coral gardens and a chance to see spinner dolphins in the distance.
- Evening: Book a Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour from Keauhou Bay, which costs approximately $120 per person and runs for about 3 hours.
Day 2: The Summit Challenge
- Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a late brunch at The Coffee Shack overlooking the coastline, budgeting $40 for a meal with a view.
- Afternoon: Drive up Saddle Road to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy at 9,200 feet to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Evening: Join a guided stargazing tour or drive a 4WD vehicle to the Mauna Kea summit for sunset, remembering to dress for freezing temperatures.
Day 3: Pololu & North Kohala
- Morning: Drive north to the end of the road and hike down into Pololu Valley, a steep 0.6-mile trail offering stunning coastal views.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Hawi, browsing local art galleries and grabbing lunch at Bamboo Restaurant ($45 for two).
- Evening: Return to the Kohala Coast for a twilight swim at Beach 69, known for its shade trees and calm waters.
Day 4: Craters & Coast
- Morning: Drive quickly to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube before the tour bus crowds arrive.
- Afternoon: Drive the Chain of Craters Road all the way to the Hōlei Sea Arch, a 38-mile round trip descent from summit to sea.
- Evening: Enjoy a final celebratory dinner at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona, watching the waves crash while eating fresh seafood ($80-$100).
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