Hawaii,USA

5 Day Itinerary for Hawaii’s Big Island

The Big Island has a lot to offer an adventurous traveler. Be sure to rent a car to ensure you can see as much as you want during your visit because the Big Island is BIG. We did most of these trips ourselves without spending money on expensive tours. Below is our day by day itinerary to help you get your planning started!

Day 1

The first day we had big ambitions to see what the Big Island had to offer! We planned a road trip around the island to see some of the most unique spots. We spent about 4 hours in the car, but it was worth it to see all these amazing locations.

Leave from Sheraton Kona
Hike to Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Breakfast at Punalu’u Bake Shop
Stop at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Drive through Volcanoes National Park
Lunch at Hilo Bay Cafe
Stop at Rainbow Falls
Drive back to Kona on Saddle Road

Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Rainbow Falls

Day 2

The next day we spent out of the car and in the bays and national parks of South Kona.

Coffee overlooking Keauhou Bay
Kayaking and Snorkeling with Ehu and Kai in Kealakekua Bay
Lunch at Sundried Specialties
Learn some Hawaiian History at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park
Taco Tuesday at Oceans Sports Bar and Grill
Sunset at Keauhou Bay

Keauhou Bay
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
Sunset at Keauhou Bay

Day 3

We headed north to the cooler part of the island to check out the vast valleys and lava formations.

Leave from Sheraton Kona
Hike to Pololu Valley and Black Sand Beach
Horseback Riding at Kahua Ranch Na’alapa Stables
Stop at Kona Lava Tube near Kekaca Kai Beach Park
Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Pololu Valley
Kahua Ranch
Lava Tube

Day 4

We checked out the white sand beaches north of Kona and then spent the rest of our time exploring the Four Seasons Hualalai.

Relax at Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Lunch at Hau Tree
Visit Hapuna State Beach
Check In at Four Seasons Hualalai
Dinner at Ulu Ocean Grill
Cocktails at Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Check In at the Four Seasons
Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

Day 5

We relaxed at the Four Seasons Hualalai and then night snorkeled with manta rays!

Brunch at Ulu Ocean Grill
Pool Day with Craft Cocktails at the Palm Grove Pool
Swim and snorkel in at the Four Seasons Snorkeling Pond
Manta Ray Night Snorkel or Dive with Big Island Divers

Palm Grove
Snorkeling Pond
Treats from Big Island Divers

For more details on all these spots, visit our previous post: The Ultimate Guide to Hawaii’s Big Island

Check out Departing For’s Big Island Map for more ideas!

Aloha and Mahalo!