There’s so much to see and do on the beautiful Island of Hawaii. Whether you have one day or an entire week, make the most of your time visiting the state’s largest and most diverse island.
Island of Hawaiʻi – 1 Day Itinerary
There’s a reason the Island of Hawaiʻi is often called the Big Island. With over 4,000 square miles of diverse landscapes, it’s impossible to see it all in one day. However, if one day is all you have, the best way to take in the most of Hawaiʻi Island in one day is an island-wide bus tour or a helicopter ride that takes you soaring over waterfalls and peering down into the molten lava. For a special treat, book a tour on a ‘doors-off’ helicopter ride, and really feel the heat!
Island of Hawaiʻi – 2 Day Itinerary
Two full days on the Island of Hawaiʻi gives you the opportunity to visit both sides of the island—locally referred to as the ‘Kona side’ and the ‘Hilo side.’ Book a room in the resort area of Waikoloa, located just north of Kona and about 15 minutes from the entrance to Saddle Road, which takes you straight to Hilo. Spend the first day strolling the historic town of Kailua-Kona and exploring the beautiful west side beaches. Spend the second day visiting the magnificent waterfalls on the Hāmākua Coast, hiking at Volcanoes National Park, or zip lining though the rainforest.
Island of Hawaiʻi – 3 Day Itinerary
If you have three days on the Island of Hawaiʻi, you’ll want to add North Kohala to your list of places to visit. Located in the northern most part of the island, it’s the perfect place to get away for the day. Take in the gorgeous scenery at Pololū Valley Overlook in Hawi and hike down to the black sand beach for a picnic. It’s truly one of the most breathtaking locations in the world. After a day of hiking and exploring, drive over to Waimea and have dinner at one of the town’s renowned restaurants and catch a live performance at the Kahilu Theatre.
Island of Hawaiʻi – 4 Day Itinerary
With four days on the Island of Hawaiʻi, add a fun water activity such as snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, an underwater marine sanctuary in South Kona. There are also some great surf instructors that can get you riding a wave in no time. Take a historical sunset dinner cruise and learn about the history of the Kona Coastline.
Island of Hawaiʻi – 5 Day Itinerary
If you love adventure and have five days to explore the Island of Hawaiʻi, consider driving down to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Larger than the entire island of Oʻahu, there’s a lot to do and see in the park, from checking out the Kīlauea Iki Overlook to exploring the Nāhuku lava tube. Of course, visiting the lava lake located in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater is a must. You can also spend the night in the nearby Volcano Village and wake to the sounds and smells of the rainforest.
Island of Hawaiʻi – 6 Day Itinerary
With six days on the Island of Hawaiʻi, you have time to experience the local flavor by touring some of the island’s agricultural farms. See how coffee is produced on one of the many coffee farms in South Kona, or learn about the exotic and temperamental vanilla bean at the country’s only vanilla farm. In the evening, go on a night snorkel with Manta Rays, also known as the ballerinas of the ocean. These majestic and gentle creatures are breathtaking in beauty and the experience is one you will never forget!
Island of Hawaiʻi – 7 Day Itinerary
If you’re lucky enough to have an entire week on the Island of Hawaiʻi, take time to enjoy all the island’s districts. The island boasts the majority of the world’s climate zones, so each district is unique in it’s own right. Check out the farmer’s markets, ride horses in Waipiʻo Valley or visit the observatory atop Mauna Kea for some serious star-gazing. Don’t limit yourself to just one part of the island. Make the most of your seven days in paradise to really soak up all that the Island of Hawaiʻi has to offer. The most important thing is to do what makes you happy. Whether that’s experiencing as many activities as possible, or just lounging on the beach with tropical drink in your hand, it’s your vacation. Enjoy it as only you can!
