Whether you’re planning a Big Island itinerary for 3 days or 30 days, it’s important to plan your trip around what you want to see and do. If you have a specific list of things to do, then it’s easy to plan out an itinerary for your Big Island vacation.
1 Day
For best results, you’ll want to plan your visit around one day, focusing on the Hilo side of the island. That way, you can maximize your time on the road and see some unique sights.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see if you’re in the area. Seeing Kilauea Crater and the lava tubes is an unforgettable experience.
Another must-see is Punalu’u (black sand beach). This beautiful stretch of sand is renowned for its incredible snorkeling and stunning color due to the olivine mineral found in its sand.
2 Days
If you’re planning a trip to the big island jeep rentals, figuring out how long you want to stay is important. This will determine which days you’ll want to spend on excursions and help you plan your transportation needs.
While it’s possible to get around with cabs and Uber/Lyft, renting your own car will allow you to explore more freely. Plus, this itinerary includes done-for-you excursion days that will take you to the best spots on the island.
Start the day with a short drive to Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike into the steamy lava fields. Watch the volcano erupt and be rewarded with stunning views of a sea of orange lava.
3 Days
The Big Island is so large and diverse that it takes a lot of time to explore all of its attractions. Ideally, 3 days on the island will give you ample time to do everything you want to see.
On Day 2 of your Big Island itinerary, we recommend beginning with a morning snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay, which is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. This is a fantastic way to spend the day and see aquatic wildlife like spinner dolphins, manta rays and whales.
Afterward, visit the buzzing town of Kailua-Kona and some of its most popular beaches. Start with Hapuna Beach Park, which offers plenty of covered picnic tables, parking, restrooms and showers.
4 Days
A four-day Big Island itinerary is ideal if you’re visiting the island on an inter-island flight or if you have a limited amount of time. It gives you a good balance between exploring the island’s top attractions and spending time on the beach.
You should also make it a point to visit one of the farmer’s markets on both the Hilo and Kona sides, where you can pick up local fruits, flowers, and handmade gifts.
You can also choose to go on a snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument, considered by many to be one of the best spots to spot Hawaiin green sea turtles and spinner dolphins.
5 Days
There are a couple of key times of the year that are ideal for planning your Big Island itinerary. Those are April to May and September to October, when the weather is optimum and the number of visitors is low.
The best time for snorkeling at Waipio Monument is between May and October, when the water is calmer. You’ll see a wealth of tropical fish and spinner dolphins, and you might even spot whales during migration season!
You can also take a helicopter tour to see lava from above. This is an incredible experience, especially as it can be difficult to get a good view of the volcano from below.