Hawaii Big Island Itinerary

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The Big Island of Hawaii is, as its name implies, big! I’m sharing my Hawaii Big Island Itinerary to help you maximize your time on the island (also referred to as Hawaii Island).

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To give you a lay of the land, on the west coast of the Big Island is Kailua-Kona, a beachy resort-centric area. On the east coast, you’ll find the town of Hilo and Volcanoes National Park. In between is a fair bit of driving and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano with excellent stargazing.

Best Time to Visit the Big Island

As is true of many places, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit the Big Island. For the Big Island, this is April through May and September through October. The weather is warm on the Big Island year-round, though it can be cooler at night when you’re at higher elevations, like atop Mauna Kea. Crowds spike during the summer months and the Christmas holidays, meaning increased hotel prices. Check the dates of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, which can mean increased crowds in Hilo, and the Ironman World Championship, which can mean increased crowds in Kailua-Kona.

How to get to the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii has two airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

Visitors from the mainland typically fly into Kona, which is located on the west side of the island but many also fly into Oahu’s Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and then take a short flight to Hilo, which is located on the east side of the island.

Since the Big Island is so, well, big, I’d suggest planning your trip so that you fly into one airport, spend time on that side of the island, then drive across and spend time on the other side of the island before departing from that airport.

Hawaiian Airlines flies between all the major Hawaiian islands, but you can also fly to the Big Island on American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Do you Need a Rental Car on the Big Island?

Unless you want to fly to Kona and spend your whole trip chilling at your high-end resort, which, no judgment because that’s a totally valid vacation option, you absolutely need a car on the Big Island. As mentioned, the Big Island is big and it’s about a 90-minute drive from Kona to Hilo. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is sprawling and requires a car to fully explore (unless you book a tour that comes with a driver) so renting a car is your best option to enjoy the Big Island.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Due to the changing nature of volcanoes, lava-viewing opportunities vary and areas of the park may close for safety reasons during eruptions. Up-to-date information can be found at the park’s website. If lava is flowing and it is deemed safe, you may be able to hike out to a lava flow or take a boat tour to witness flowing lava along the coast.

In addition to the interesting geological features, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains a variety of interesting Hawaiian cultural sites and is considered sacred ground to the Hawaiian people. Petroglyphs, rock carvings that depict motifs or imagery, and fossilized footprints are just some of the culturally significant things found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay

While visiting Hawaii Volcanoes can either stay in Hilo (more on that below) or you can opt to stay at Volcano House, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Comprised of 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins, and 16 campsites, Volcano House is perched on the rim of Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater. The historic property has existed in various forms and locations since 1846 and books out far in advance, so be sure to plan accordingly!

Hilo

Located on the Big Island’s northeastern side, Hilo is lush and verdant, featuring waterfalls, gardens, and stunning rainforests. ʻAkaka Falls State Park features its namesake falls that soar to 442 feet and are viewable with just a short half-mile hike.

Named after Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, an authentic 24.67-acre Japanese garden. The garden features a teahouse, pagodas, rock gardens, and fishponds.

Hilo’s charming downtown, which is home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries, was once a commercial center for the sugar industry and a busy fishing and farming area.

Head to the Hilo Farmers Market and enjoy local produce, locally grown and roasted coffee, island jellies, and baked goods along with treasures like handmade jewelry, leis, tropical fashions, and Koa wood crafts.

Where to Stay

Unlike the resort-focused Kona side of the island, Hilo has just a few more basic (and budget-friendly) hotels. AirBNB is a great option in Hilo, but if you prefer a hotel, consider the oceanfront Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Hilton Doubletree property. With an oceanfront pool, hula performances, and rooms boasting excellent views, it’s a solid choice in the Hilo area.

Kailua-Kona

Located on the west side of the island, Kona is the Big Islands’ tourist hub and the primary place where most visitors to the island stay. While it is a popular spot, the area still manages to retain its Hawaiian small-town character.

Formerly known as Kailua, the town’s name was changed to Kailua-Kona to differentiate it from other towns named Kailua in Hawaii. Kona sits at the base of Hualalai, an active volcano that hasn’t erupted in 200+ years and is home to the best beaches on the Big Island.

Beach bumming and snorkeling are popular activities in Kona and the nighttime snorkeling with Manta Rays is a unique activity that you won’t want to miss! When your day is done, head to Ali’i Drive for shopping and dining and enjoy local cuisine with ocean views.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Kona can be on the pricey side, but they’re often luxurious and worth the splurge. I was fortunate to stay at the Rosewood Kona Village Resort (before the renovation) and staying in the thatch roof hales among the lava field is a uniquely Hawaiian experience. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa has fantastic views, a top-notch pool, cultural tours, and plenty of guest activities for a reasonable rate.

Mauna Kea

Located on the summit of Mauna Kea (a now dormant volcano) at 13,796 ft above sea level is the world’s largest astronomical observatory where astronomers from 11 countries operate telescopes. The dry, cloud-free atmosphere and dark sky make Mauna Kea ideal for observing the cosmos. The visitor information station is open daily from 9 am-9 pm. If you wish to continue past the information station, you are required to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the rough, steep, unpaved roads. My best suggestion is to take a Mauna Kea summit tour and leave the driving to someone else! As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner (it gets chilly at that elevation!) and learn about the culture and history of Hawaii.

Where to Stay

Since Mauna Kea is located in the middle of the Big Island, you can choose to stay in either Kailua-Kona for beachy vibes or Hilo for more historic charming vibes. Refer to the resorts listed above.

Exploring the other Hawaiian islands? Check out our guide to the Best things to do in Hawaii!

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