Big Island (Hawaii) 2 weeks

The primary airport serving the island, located on the western coast. It provides access to car rentals and inter-island flights.

Secure your rental car, essential for exploring the Big Island's diverse landscapes. Book in advance for better rates.

• Consider a 4WD vehicle for easier access to some off-road locations.

The main thoroughfare in Kailua-Kona, lined with shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Offers beautiful ocean views and vibrant sunsets.

• Visit during sunset for spectacular views.
• Look for the Ahu'ena Heiau, a restored ancient Hawaiian temple.

A popular oceanfront restaurant in Kailua-Kona known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Great spot for sunset drinks and dinner.

Experience the history of Kona coffee farming through living demonstrations and restored buildings. Learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee beans.

• Try the freshly brewed coffee.

A historic royal vacation home of Hawaiian monarchs, now a museum showcasing Hawaiian royal artifacts and furniture. Offers a glimpse into Hawaii's royal past.

A popular cafe in Kailua-Kona offering breakfast, lunch, coffee, and smoothies. It's a great spot for a casual meal with ocean views.

Explore ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, and coastal trails. This park preserves significant cultural and natural resources.

• Look for sea turtles (honu) basking on the shore.
• Wear sturdy shoes for walking the trails.

Located at the Four Seasons Hualalai, this upscale restaurant offers oceanfront dining with a focus on sustainable seafood and creative sushi. Enjoy a romantic dinner setting.

Home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Explore volcanic craters, steam vents, lava tubes, and diverse ecosystems.

• Check the park's official website for current eruption status and viewing areas.
• Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can change rapidly.

Dine with views overlooking the Kilauea caldera at this historic lodge. Offers American cuisine with local influences.

Walk through a massive, ancient lava tube, a surreal experience formed by flowing lava. The path is well-maintained and lit.

• The path can be damp; wear appropriate footwear.

A scenic drive descending to the coast, offering dramatic views of past lava flows, volcanic craters, and the ocean. Stop at various overlooks along the way.

For dinner, consider a different experience within Volcano House, or explore dining options in the nearby Volcano Village.

A beautiful waterfall easily accessible from Hilo. Best viewed in the morning when sunlight creates a rainbow in the mist.

Home to the stunning Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a gorge. A paved loop trail winds through lush rainforest.

• The trail is steep in places; wear comfortable shoes.

One of the largest open-air markets in Hawaii, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local crafts, and food stalls. A great place to sample local flavors.

• Visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the largest selection.

A breathtaking botanical garden situated in a lush valley along the Hamakua Coast. Features a diverse collection of tropical plants and scenic ocean views.

• Allow ample time to explore the winding paths and waterfalls.

A casual eatery in Hilo known for its plate lunches and local comfort food. A good option for an affordable and authentic Hawaiian meal.

The only tropical zoo in the U.S., featuring a variety of animals, including the 'Iolani, a Hawaiian hawk, and a petting zoo. It's set within a beautiful rainforest.

A beautiful local beach with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Features lava rock formations and palm trees.

• Sea turtles are often seen here.
• Bring snorkel gear.

Enjoy a leisurely drive north of Hilo, passing through lush valleys, past waterfalls, and offering stunning coastal vistas. Stop at various scenic lookouts.

A waterfront restaurant in Hilo offering a contemporary menu with fresh, local ingredients. Known for its creative dishes and pleasant ambiance.

Offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the 'Valley of the Kings,' a sacred and historically significant valley with dramatic cliffs and a black sand beach.

Descend into the valley via a guided 4WD shuttle for a closer look at taro fields, waterfalls, and the unique local community. Access to the valley floor is restricted.

• Book this tour in advance, especially during peak season.

A rugged and scenic coastal park with a dramatic history. It was the site of a devastating tsunami in 1946. Offers striking ocean views and tide pools.

A local institution in Honoka'a known for its Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) and plate lunches. A casual and authentic Hawaiian dining experience.

The northernmost valley on the Big Island, offering stunning views of a black sand beach and lush green cliffs. A challenging but rewarding hike down to the beach is possible.

A charming historic town with art galleries, boutiques, and local eateries. It's a peaceful escape with a distinct artistic vibe.

One of Hawaii's largest white sand beaches, renowned for its beauty and excellent swimming and bodyboarding conditions. Facilities include restrooms and picnic areas.

• Best for swimming and sunbathing.
• Can be crowded during weekends and holidays.

A popular restaurant in the charming town of Waimea, offering a diverse menu with fresh, local ingredients and a lively atmosphere. Live music is often featured.

A pristine bay known for its exceptional snorkeling and historical significance as Captain Cook's landing site. Accessible primarily by boat or a strenuous hike.

• Book a guided snorkel tour for the best experience and safe access.
• The hike down is steep and unshaded; not recommended for most.

Most snorkel tours include lunch, often served on the boat or at a scenic spot. Enjoy fresh island fare while surrounded by ocean views.

A renowned snorkeling spot with easy entry into clear, deep waters teeming with marine life. Adjacent to the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

• Be mindful of the entry point, as it can be slippery.
• Look for dolphins and manta rays.

A highly-rated casual spot in Kailua-Kona for incredibly fresh poke bowls. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and authentic Hawaiian meal.

Famous for its striking black sand, created by volcanic activity. Often visited by Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) resting on the shore.

• Do not disturb the sea turtles; maintain a respectful distance.
• The water can be rough, so swimming may not always be advisable.

Located near the black sand beach, this is the southernmost bakery in the U.S. Famous for its sweet bread and other baked goods.

The southernmost point of the United States, offering dramatic cliffside views and a unique, windswept landscape. Known for its adventurous cliff diving spot (not recommended for visitors).

• The drive to South Point can be rough; drive slowly.
• Be cautious of strong winds and ocean conditions.

A seafood restaurant located in Naalehu, offering a pleasant dining experience with a focus on fresh catches. A good option for dinner after exploring the southern tip.

Located at 9,200 feet, this is the staging point for summit access. Offers educational exhibits about the mountain and astronomy.

• Acclimatize to the altitude here before heading further up.
• Check the weather and road conditions before ascending.

This high-altitude road leads to the summit (13,800 feet), home to world-class astronomical observatories. Not all rental cars are permitted; 4WD is often required.

• Ensure your rental car agreement allows travel on this road.
• A 4WD vehicle is mandatory for the final section of the road.

Witness unparalleled stargazing from the summit or VIS, thanks to the high altitude and clear skies. Many tours offer guided experiences.

• Dress in very warm layers; temperatures are frigid.
• Consider a guided tour for a more informed experience.

After descending Mauna Kea, enjoy dinner in the paniolo (cowboy) town of Waimea. Options range from casual to more refined.

Hike or take a local 4WD shuttle to one of the few green sand beaches in the world. The sand gets its color from olivine crystals eroded from volcanic cinder cone.

• The hike is about 2.5 miles each way and can be hot and exposed.
• The shuttle service is operated by local residents; negotiate price.

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach or find a casual spot in Naalehu for lunch.

A less crowded beach park with a boat ramp and picnic facilities. Offers coastal views and a more secluded atmosphere than other popular beaches.

A well-regarded Thai restaurant in Kailua-Kona offering authentic flavors and a pleasant atmosphere. A good option for a change from local Hawaiian cuisine.

A moderate 3.3-mile loop hike through lush rainforest and across a solidified lava lake. Offers a unique perspective on volcanic landscapes.

• Start early to avoid the midday heat.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots.

Enjoy lunch with a view of the Kilauea caldera. Offers a range of American dishes.

A short, paved walk through an area dramatically altered by volcanic ash from a past eruption. Offers an easy way to see the impact of volcanic forces.

Explore a massive lava tube formed by an 1855 eruption. The cave is extensive and requires flashlights for exploration.

• Bring your own reliable flashlights.
• The cave floor can be uneven and wet.

A highly-rated, intimate restaurant in Hilo offering creative, locally sourced dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended.

A beautiful bay known for its calm waters, ancient fishponds, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. It's a popular spot for sunset viewing.

• Rentals for water sports are available.
• Explore the nearby ancient Hawaiian fishponds.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with ocean views at one of the resorts along the Kohala Coast. Offers a variety of seafood and casual fare.

Visit the largest ancient Hawaiian temple on the island, dedicated to King Kamehameha I. Offers insight into Hawaiian history and culture.

Return to this fine dining establishment for a memorable farewell dinner, perhaps trying different dishes from your previous visit.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or mementos from local shops in Kailua-Kona.

Enjoy a final cup of authentic Kona coffee and a light breakfast before heading to the airport.

Return your rental car and depart from the Big Island.