Hawaii Adventure Series: Exploring Big Island in 7 Days
- wanderer
- Aug 3, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 9, 2024
Those who have been reading my blog are aware that my dream to visit Hawaii one day was the beginning of my travel adventures.
I invite all readers to the captivating destination of Hawaii, where I modestly strive to explore the splendor of this extraordinary place.
We have been fortunate to travel to Hawaii several times. Here is a proposed schedule for spending 4-7 days on my preferred island, The Big Island.
We divided the journey into 2 parts, dedicating 4 days to the island on each occasion.
Lets get started!
The Big Island, officially known as Hawaii Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, climates, and activities, making it a captivating destination for all travelers.
Whether you're seeking thrills, tranquility, cultural enrichment, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, the Big Island of Hawaii promises an unforgettable experience. Join me as I try to explore this extraordinary island, uncover its hidden gems, and share tips to make your visit truly memorable.
Day 1:
There are plenty of accommodation choices available across the island, whether you prefer being close to downtown or staying at a charming secluded resort.
Tip time!: Due to its size, it is recommended to spend a few days on the west side (Kona) and a couple of days on the east side (Hilo) of the island.
Ensure to book a rental car ahead of your trip to Hawaii to save both time and money. Having transportation is essential for fully exploring the island. If you intend to venture off-road, be sure to reserve an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Following are the places we stayed at Kona and Hilo:
With accommodation sorted, let's begin.
Who is ready to go parasailing!
Arrange an enjoyable parasailing adventure with one of the numerous companies on the island. Our adventure was booked through UFO Parasail Kailua Kona.
The parasailing experience lasts one hour, but you should allocate at least 2 hours for traveling to the location and completing the activity.
Spend rest of the day/evening today strolling/biking around Kona downtown or simply unwinding at the Kamakahonu Beach.
Day 2:
Begin your day by enjoying breakfast at one of the numerous beachfront cafes or restaurants.
Discover the hidden treasure of the Big Island by visiting Makalawena Beach. Often regarded as one of the most exquisite and secluded beaches in Hawaii, this tranquil oasis provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking a unique experience.
Located north of the entrance to Kekaha Kai State Park, Makalawena Beach is a must-visit destination for those willing to embark on a scenic hike.
Getting to Makalawena Beach can be a bit challenging. Most visitors park at Kekaha Kai State Park and trek around 1.5 miles along a rugged lava trail to reach the beach. While some choose to drive on the rough 4WD road for a closer approach, a hike is still required.
This marvelous beach boasts soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and impressive views. With a backdrop of black lava rocks and occasional glimpses of Mauna Kea, Makalawena Beach is a photographer's paradise.
Tip Time!:
There are no facilities at Makalawena Beach, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike over the lava rocks.
As with all natural sites in Hawaii, it's important to respect the environment. Take all trash with you and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Our next destination for today is snorkeling near the renowned Captain Cook monument.
Tip Time!:
For those with swimming experience, snorkeling is possible at any of the beaches on the Big Island. Here are the top recommended spots:
Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook)
Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, such as dolphins.
Honaunau Bay (Two Step)
Located near the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, providing opportunities for both cultural and natural exploration.
Kahaluu Beach Park
Frequent sightings of green sea turtles can be enjoyed here.
Waialea Bay (Beach 69)
Close-to-shore coral reefs and colorful fish make this spot ideal for snorkeling.
Richardson Ocean Park
Featuring a mix of black and green sand beaches along with excellent tide pools.
Hapuna Beach
Offers clear waters and a gradual slope into the sea for a pleasant snorkeling experience.
If you're similar to me and lack strong swimming skills or simply prefer the convenience of having all the planning and logistics handled by others, there are numerous tour operators available for an ideal snorkeling adventure.
These tours offer a range of experiences to suit different preferences, from family-friendly excursions to adventurous outings. Be sure to check the individual websites for more details and to book your spot in advance.
We opted for the Fair Wind cruise's Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkeling Tour. This one is a relatively shorter version of their morning snorkel tour, the tour is a 3-½ hour adventure.
The excursion commences with a picturesque cruise ride along the Kona Coast, heading towards the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, designated as a Marine Life Conservation District. Visitors who snorkel can anticipate encountering a diverse range of fish, coral structures, and perhaps even dolphins. The crew offers guidance on snorkeling techniques, ensuring that participants of all skill levels can enjoy this tour.
Upon completing the tour, it was 6 pm, which provided the perfect opportunity to relax at the resort and savor a delicious Hawaiian meal.
If you are unable or unwilling to participate in snorkeling or other water activities, consider choosing a submarine tour in Kona instead. Alternatively, if you have additional time in Kona, it is highly recommended to consider joining this tour.
These tours provide an opportunity to see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life.
Here are some submarine tour companies:
Atlantis Submarines Kona
Kona Submarine Adventures
Submarine Safari Hawaii
We had the opportunity to go on a tour with Atlantis Submarines Kona, where we enjoyed a unique underwater adventure on a real submarine, descending to depths of over 100 feet.
During this trip, we received a guided explanation about the underwater environment and the historical background of the region.
Day 3:
Head to the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park today.
In ancient Hawaii, pu'uhonua were places where those who had broken a kapu (sacred law) could seek forgiveness and sanctuary. If they reached the pu'uhonua before being caught, they could be absolved by a priest and avoid punishment.
Visitors have the option to explore the park on self-guided tours.
Once you have enjoyed your time at the national park, make sure to check out the nearby Two Step Beach. This beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and convenient water access provided by natural steps in the lava rock.
Please note that there are no facilities directly at Two Step Beach, but restrooms and picnic areas are available within the nearby National Historical Park.
During the evening, we make our way to an impressive Luau show presented by Island Breeze Luau.
The Island Breeze Lū'au is one of the most popular and highly rated lū'aus on the Big Island of Hawaii. Held at the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, this event offers an immersive cultural experience through traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and cuisine.
Tip Time!:
Ensure you reserve your spot for the Luau performance ahead of time as there are limited seats available, and believe me, you wouldn't want to miss out on this experience.
Day 4:
Our next destination on the Kona adventure is a visit to a coffee plantation. Being a coffee enthusiast, this tour was a priority for me in Kona. However, even if you're not a big fan of coffee, it's worth visiting one of the many coffee plantations in Kona for the gorgeous views and to gain some knowledge about coffee along the way.
Here are some famous ones:
We decided to go to the Mountain thunder coffee plantation, which is located in the highlands of Kona, providing an excellent climate for coffee growing.
In addition to an intriguing coffee tour, this plantation also provides a lovely nature walk.
Did you spot the Chameleon!
The Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation is situated adjacent to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.
If you have the opportunity, make sure to visit the sanctuary. Planning ahead is necessary to fully enjoy the various experiences it has to offer. The sanctuary is open from 8am-11:30am everyday.
Day 5:
Today's primary plan is to visit the renowned Mauna Kea observatory. The tour bus offers various pickup locations for convenience, and we opted to join from the Grand Naniloa Hotel, Hilo. The tour is scheduled to depart from there at 2pm.
Tip Time!:
Book ahead, since this tour is likely to sell out. We booked our tour through Viator.
Make sure to pack warm clothing and some snacks, it gets really cold at the summit.
To make the most of the morning, start early travel east on Big Island towards Hilo. Departing from Kona and heading north, our initial stop on this trip will be the exquisite Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, reached by taking the scenic coastal route through Hawi.
Tip Time!:
Depending on your schedule the Waipi'o valley lookout point can be a quick stop or you can take a tour to the Valley, the hike down is now closed to public and the only way to enjoy the pristine views and the relax at the beach is through a tour.
Plan ahead and book your tour at, https://www.waipiovalleyshuttle.com/
Our plan was to do a quick stop at the lookout and drive to Hilo to catch our Mauna Kea tour at 2pm. But, no trip is complete without a little bit of adventure, we got carried away at the lookout point and the drive to get there. We were going to miss out cutoff time of 2pm.
We called the tour company, , and they were gracious enough to allow us to board the tour from a different pick up point at, Waikoloa village shopping center, at 3:30pm.
We took the pictures above during the night sky observation tour. Yes, the Milky way does look like that!
Following the tour, we were taken back to the shopping center before driving to our accommodation in Hilo.
Day 6:
Today is dedicated to exploring Hilo, renowned for its abundant greenery, waterfalls, and deep cultural roots. Hilo presents a distinctive mix of natural splendor and Hawaiian tradition.
We started our day with coffee and some magic at the Nector cafe, located in Hilo downtown.
Our first stop is a visit to Rainbow Falls, a breathtaking waterfall situated in Wailuku River State Park, well-known for the rainbow that appears in the mist during the early hours of the day.
Embark on a picturesque road trip from Rainbow Falls to Akaka Falls State Park, with a recommended detour to explore the tranquil Onomea Trail along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii's Big Island. This scenic hiking path winds through lush tropical scenery, culminating in stunning views of the coastline. We stumbled upon this hidden gem by chance and were captivated by its beauty.
Tip Time!:
As we stumbled upon this trail by chance, we simply parked on the roadside. Just make sure to verify the areas where parking is not allowed, and you'll be fine.
ʻAkaka Falls is a striking 442-foot waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of the most famous and accessible waterfalls in Hawaii.
Visitors can explore a pristine 0.4-mile loop trail in the park, winding through a vibrant tropical rainforest. The trail showcases wild orchids, bamboo groves, and ferns, with the added bonus of catching sight of Kahūnā Falls, another beautiful waterfall located upstream.
For those on the Big Island, a visit to ʻAkaka Falls is essential to witness Hawaii's mesmerizing natural allure and the tranquil force of its waterfalls.
Visit the enchanting Hapuna beach next, which is my preferred spot on the Big Island and known as one of the most stunning and well-liked beaches in Hawaii. Situated along the Kohala Coast, this beach is famous for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters.
It is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. The wide-open western horizon provides stunning views as the sun dips below the Pacific Ocean.
There are numerous dining options in downtown Hilo, but we decided to have dinner at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine today and it exceeded our expectations.
Due to its popularity, expect some waiting time as the place tends to get crowded.
Day 7:
Today is finally the day we have been eagerly anticipating. Come visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park today.
The unique geological, biological, and culturally significant landscapes found in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are protected within its boundaries. Spanning from sea level up to 13,680 feet, the park includes the peaks of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It holds the status of an International Biosphere Reserve and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can either take your time and explore the park over several days or, like us, visit the main attractions in just one day, depending on your schedule.
Begin your visit at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, where you can explore educational displays, watch informative films, and seek assistance from knowledgeable rangers who can offer up-to-date details about volcanic activity and safety protocols. The park organizes a range of ranger-led activities, such as guided hikes, presentations, and evening lava viewing opportunities, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the park's geology, ecology, and cultural significance. Fortunately, we arrived just in time for a ranger-led excursion to one of the park's numerous sulfur vents.
Afterward, proceed to Kilauea Overlook for a chance to witness the Kīlauea Volcano, known as one of the most active volcanoes globally. Erupting almost without interruption since 1983, Kīlauea offers various viewpoints within the park to observe volcanic phenomena, such as the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, where visitors can frequently witness steam and flowing lava.
Continue on to the Chain of Craters Road and take a break at:
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), An intriguing stroll through an ancient lava tunnel created by a past lava flow. The tunnel is well-lit, enabling visitors to safely explore its interior.
Crater Rim Drive: This picturesque route provides various opportunities to admire views of the Kīlauea Caldera, steam vents, and other geological formations. Noteworthy stops along the way include the Jaggar Museum (currently closed due to recent eruption damage), the Steam Vents, and the Sulphur Banks.
Stretching for 19 miles, the Chain of Craters Road gradually descends 3,700 feet towards the coast, offering views of various craters and ancient lava flows along the way. The road comes to an end at a point where lava has flowed over it, forming a striking and surreal landscape.
Depending on your availability, you have the option to explore various trails suitable for hikers of all levels. Notable hikes include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you down into a volcanic crater, and the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Trail, where you can admire ancient Hawaiian rock carvings.
Our visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was a truly awe-inspiring experience that allowed us to witness the constantly evolving landscape shaped by volcanic activity.
While it's impossible to fully explore this destination in just 7 days or even a month, I trust that this blog will assist you in making decisions and planning your trip to this incredible place as our Big Island Itinerary concludes.
