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Big Island Sample Itineraries
/ Travel Guide
 3
day itineraries are the minimum amount of time needed to complete the given
activities. We highly recommend extending these itineraries even up to 2 weeks
(or mix & match itineraries) to fully enjoy your time in Hawaii. Yet, we
realize not everyone has all the time they need so we wanted to present the
minimum amount of time to complete an itinerary, given a full day schedule
every day. For example, instead of staying 1 night in a given place, you could
spend 3 and have more time to explore, relax, and enjoy the area.
A
$ is placed beside activities that require some
sort of fee or charge.
All
itineraries assume arrival at the Kona Airport, since this is most likely.
#1 Big Island See-All Itinerary:
designed for a 1st time visit to the island. This is an aggressive schedule but
allows the most comprehensive tour of the island since you are strategically
moving around the island and staying in a different location every night.
#2 Big Island Off-the-Beaten Track
Authentic Itinerary: designed for the
traveler that wants to get away from the main tourist crowds; good for a 2nd or
3rd visit.
 For an eco-friendly & off the beaten track experience, stay at Lova Lava Land in a yurt or stationary VW Camper Bus!
#3 Big Island Party & Tourist
Highlights Itinerary: designed where you
can stay in one place all 3 days and take day trips to explore. This is more of
a relaxed itinerary, with particular emphasis on tourist sites and night life.
#1
Big Island See-All Itinerary (click map for larger
view)
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Day 1:
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 Follow
Hwy 11 south from the airport and check out Kailua-Kona town. |
| Check
out the beautiful west coast beaches, the Captain Cook monument, and Kealakekua
Bay. |
| Continue
on Hwy 11 around the tip of the island, making sure to stop at Punaluu Black
Sand Beach for a little relaxation, lunch, and views of the basking turtles. |
| Head
towards Hawaii Volcanos National Park (Kilauea Crater) $
and check the visitor's center for current eruption conditions. They will tell
you where and if you can see lava flows. There are endless possibilities for
exploring in and around the crater and lava fields. If your timing is lucky, a
sunset view of the flowing lava fields is something to never forget. |
| Stay: Eco-Resort in Ocean View, Big Island |
Day 2:
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| Since
the road connecting Puna and Kilauea Crater is now covered in lava, head up Hwy
11 east. |
| In
Keaau, you can take #130 south to explore Puna, with Kahena Black Sand Beach,
more lava flow views, Lava Tree State Park, and picturesque roads. |
| Next,
head north towards Hilo and check out the many rainforest waterfalls north of
Hilo including Rainbow, Akaka $, Umauma, and Peepee
Falls. |
| Time
permitting, continue north by Lauahoehoe Park and end sightseeing for the day
at the beautiful lookout of Waipio Valley. |
Stay: Vacation rental, budget hotel, or B&B in
Hilo or one of the smaller surrounding towns of Keaau or Pahoa.
Alternative: Camp at Keokea,
Waimanu Valley, Kalopa, Laupahoehoe, or Kolehole. |
Day 3:
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| Embark
on Saddle Road and drive up the fast-increase-in-altitude Mauna Kea Road. Be
aware for altitude sickness once on the volcano. There are several types of
activities here, from skiing to hiking or looking around the visitor's center. |
| Continue
driving west on Saddle road to check out the town of Waimea (Kamuela) and the
varied options of beaches on the north-west coast including Spencer Beach
(calm, good for children) and Kahaluu Beach Park (snorkeling). |
Stay: Vacation rental in Kamuela, Captain Cook or Kailua-Kona area OR if you can fly out of Hilo consider lodging closer to
there.
Alternative: Camping at Kapaa, Mahukona, Spencer,
or Hapuna Beach Parks. |
#2
Big Island Off-the-Beaten Track Authentic Itinerary
(click map for larger view)
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Day 1:
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From
the airport, head a little north to Makalawena Beach. A 15 min walk will reward
you with one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Boogie boarding and
freshening up in the freshwater pool here are just some of its attributes. |
| Head
south all the way down Hwy 11 and turn off at the tip of the island on South
Point Road. |
| Park at
the end of this road and a 2 1/4 mile each-way trail will lead you to the
unusual Green Sand Beach. |
| Get
back on Hwy 11 and journey to Hawaii Volcanos National Park $.
Check at the visitor's center for current eruptions and decide on a hiking
trail that suits your interests. Some longer trails offer shelters to sleep in
at night. |
| Stay: The only real authentic green accommodation we've found on the Big Island (Ocean View). |
Day 2:
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| Explore
the quiet but magical areas of Puna (the region on Hwy 130, 132, & 137). |
| Plan a
stop at the volcanically heated pools of Ahalanui and also nearby tide pools in
Kapoho for possible snorkeling. |
| Head
north past Hilo to Kukuihaele and the Waipio Valley. |
| Once at
the Waipio Valley lookout, you have several options of how to get down the
ridiculously steep road into the valley. Even SUVs and 4x4's will violate some
rental car agreements so think about walking or paying for the shuttle
$, wagon $, or horse ride down
$. |
| Lush,
wonderful scenery with a beach, waterfalls, and hiking opportunities await you. |
Stay: Vacation rental in Kamuela, Captain Cook or Kailua-Kona area.
Alternative: Hostel in Hilo or
camping in Keokea, Waimanu Valley, Kalopa, Laupahoehoe, or Kolekole. |
Day 3:
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| Head
west to Waimea/Kamuela to visit the cowboy town known for the famous Parker
Ranch. |
| Either
take a detour to go on Saddle Road and visit the Mauna Kea observatory or
continue heading west towards Mauna Kea Beach Park. Mauna Kea Beach Park offers
a resort feel with calm waters and boogie boarding. |
| Venture
north up #270 to check out Lapakahi Park (snorkeling & Hawaiian ruins). |
| Continue
past Hawi, to end of the road at the Pololu Beach Lookout. There is a trail
here down to the black sand beach of Pololu (20 min down, much more coming up). |
Stay: Vacation rental in Kamuela, Captain Cook or Kailua-Kona area.
Alternative: Camping at Kapaa,
Mahukona, Spencer, or Hapuna Beach Park. |
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