Itinerary

Big Island: A Basic Overview

We know Hawai'i Island aka Big Island (and the other Hawaiian Islands) like the back of our hand but with so many gems to share we can only hit the highlights on this website. We have so much more content to share with our clients via our exclusive guides we provide to all of our Hawaii clients! 

Best Beaches

•Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Famous for its black sand created by volcanic activity. You may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the shore and enjoy the striking contrast between the black sand and the turquoise water.

•Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach)

A unique beach with green sand created by the mineral olivine. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the unusual color of the sand and the surrounding volcanic landscape make it worth the effort.

•Hapuna Beach State Park

Known for its pristine white sand and clear, blue waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

•Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

A beautiful, less crowded beach with white sand and excellent snorkeling opportunities. It’s a hidden gem for those looking for a quieter experience.

•Richardson Ocean Park

A picturesque black sand beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a good spot for seeing sea turtles and other marine life.

Easy to Moderate Hikes

•Akaka Falls Loop Trail

An easy 0.4-mile loop trail that leads to stunning views of Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest.

•Rainbow Falls Trail

A short and easy hike that provides a view of the spectacular Rainbow Falls. The trail is accessible and suitable for all skill levels.

•Kilauea Iki Trail

A moderate 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you across the crater floor of a dormant volcano, offering views of steam vents and volcanic landscapes.

•Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail

A moderate hike down to the black sand beach of Pololu Valley, offering dramatic views of the valley and coastline. The descent is steep, but the scenery is worth it.

•Mauna Kea Summit Trail

A challenging but rewarding trail for those looking for a strenuous hike. The summit provides breathtaking views of the island and beyond, though it’s often recommended to acclimate to the altitude.

Best Sightseeing Places

•Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers an array of volcanic features, including lava tubes, craters, and active volcanic landscapes.

•Mauna Kea Summit

The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the island and, on clear days, a chance to view the sunset and stars from above the clouds.

•Waipio Valley Lookout

Offers dramatic views of the lush valley, waterfalls, and cliffs. The lookout provides a glimpse into one of Hawaii’s most picturesque and remote areas.

•Hilo Downtown

Explore the historic downtown area with its charming shops, local eateries, and attractions like the Lyman Museum and the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

•Kaimu Black Sand Beach

A new black sand beach created by the 1990 eruption of Kilauea, offering a dramatic and evolving volcanic landscape.

Most Photographable Scenic Places

•Pololu Valley

With its rugged coastline, lush valley, and dramatic cliffs, Pololu Valley is a photographer’s paradise.

•Sunset from Mauna Kea

The sunset views from Mauna Kea are breathtaking, with the sun setting over the ocean and casting a warm glow over the island.

•Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park

The flowing lava, volcanic craters, and steam vents provide striking photographic opportunities, especially after dark when the lava is glowing.

•Waimea Cattle Ranches

The expansive ranch landscapes offer picturesque views of rolling hills and classic Hawaiian ranch scenery.

•Ahalanui Park Hot Ponds

Natural hot springs set against a lush backdrop, perfect for capturing serene and picturesque images.

Easy to See Waterfalls

•Akaka Falls

A stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, visible from a short, easy hike.

•Rainbow Falls

A 80-foot waterfall located in Hilo, known for the rainbows that appear in the mist on sunny days.

•Pe’epe’e Falls

Located near Rainbow Falls, this waterfall is smaller but picturesque, with a natural pool at its base.

•Hiilawe Falls

A 1,450-foot waterfall visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout. It’s a dramatic sight, especially after heavy rains.

Best Snorkeling Spots

•Honaunau Bay (Two Step)

One of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with clear waters and abundant marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.

•Kealakekua Bay

A marine conservation area with excellent snorkeling opportunities, offering a chance to see a diverse range of fish and coral.

•Shark’s Cove

Located in the North Shore area, this spot offers good snorkeling with clear waters and interesting underwater rock formations.

•Maniniowali Beach (Kua Bay)

A beautiful beach with clear waters and great snorkeling conditions. It’s known for its vibrant marine life and scenic setting.

•Captain Cook Monument

Accessible via a challenging hike or boat tour, this area offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities with a rich variety of marine life.

•Cook’s Bay

A prime snorkeling and kayaking spot known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It’s ideal for exploring underwater marine life and enjoying a peaceful water experience.

•Night Manta Ray Snorkel

A unique experience where you can snorkel with manta rays at night. The rays are attracted to underwater lights, providing an incredible and memorable underwater encounter.

Cowboy Paniolo Ranches and Tours

•Parker Ranch

One of the largest and oldest ranches in Hawaii, offering guided tours that provide insight into the history and culture of Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) heritage.

•Waimea Country Market

A local market where you can experience paniolo culture through live music, local foods, and crafts.

•Paniolo Adventures

Offers horseback riding tours through scenic ranchlands, providing a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian ranch life.

•Hawaii Saddle Club

Provides horseback riding experiences across ranch terrain, allowing visitors to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.

Cultural Places and Sites

•Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

A significant Hawaiian temple and cultural site, offering insight into ancient Hawaiian religious practices and history.

•Hulihe’e Palace

A historic palace in Kailua-Kona that once served as a royal vacation home, now a museum showcasing Hawaiian artifacts and royal memorabilia.

•Lyman Museum

Located in Hilo, this museum offers exhibits on Hawaiian culture, natural history, and geology.

•Parker Ranch Historic Homes

Visit the historic homes and museum of Parker Ranch to learn about its legacy and the role of ranching in Hawaiian history.

•Kamakahonu Palace

A restored historic site in Kailua-Kona, once a royal residence, now offering tours and insight into Hawaiian royalty.

Thermal Pools

•Ahalanui Park Hot Ponds

Natural hot springs in a scenic park setting, offering a relaxing soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush greenery.

•Kapoho Tide Pools

Natural thermal pools created by lava flows, where you can enjoy warm water swimming amidst unique volcanic rock formations.

•Puna Hot Springs

A series of natural hot springs located in the Puna district, providing a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Best Restaurants

•Merriman’s

Located in Waimea, Merriman’s offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

•Huggo’s

Situated in Kailua-Kona, Huggo’s offers oceanfront dining with a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and tropical cocktails.

•Ulu Ocean Grill

Located at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, this restaurant provides a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and stunning ocean views.

•Cafe Pesto

A popular eatery in Hilo known for its inventive pizza, pasta, and seafood dishes, offering a cozy atmosphere and creative cuisine.

•The Fish Hopper

Located in Kailua-Kona, The Fish Hopper offers a relaxed dining experience with a variety of seafood dishes and panoramic ocean views.

•Calypso

A vibrant restaurant in Kailua-Kona known for its Caribbean-inspired dishes and fresh, flavorful cuisine, offering a lively atmosphere and creative cocktails.

Pahoa Area and Sights

•Pahoa Village

A charming, eclectic town with a blend of local shops, cafes, and unique boutiques. It retains a distinctive small-town charm and a relaxed atmosphere.

•Lava Tree State Monument

A fascinating area where you can see the remains of lava trees formed by the 1790 eruption of Kilauea. The park has an easy, informative trail through the lava formations.

•Kaimu Beach

A newly formed black sand beach created by lava flows. It’s a dramatic and ever-changing landscape worth visiting for its raw volcanic beauty.

•Puna Lava Flow

Witness the effects of recent volcanic activity in the Puna district, where lava flows have reshaped the landscape and created new land.

•Ahalanui Park Hot Ponds

Located near Pahoa, these natural hot springs offer a soothing and scenic experience in warm, mineral-rich waters.

Stargazing on the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities, thanks to its clear skies, minimal light pollution, and high-altitude vantage points. Here are some top spots to experience the island’s celestial wonders:

•Mauna Kea Summit

As one of the world’s premier stargazing locations, the summit of Mauna Kea offers unparalleled views of the night sky. Its elevation of 13,796 feet provides a vantage point above the clouds, making it ideal for observing stars, planets, and even distant galaxies. Guided stargazing tours are available, offering telescope views and expert commentary on the night sky.

•Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS)

Located at 9,200 feet, the VIS serves as a popular stargazing spot for those who prefer not to venture to the summit. The station offers educational programs, star maps, and sometimes telescope viewing sessions, making it a great alternative for a less strenuous stargazing experience.

•Kohala Mountain Road

For a more accessible stargazing experience, Kohala Mountain Road offers scenic views and dark skies away from city lights. It’s a less crowded spot for enjoying the stars and provides a serene environment for a peaceful night under the heavens.

•Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The park’s vast open spaces and low light pollution make it a good location for stargazing. Although not as high as Mauna Kea, the park’s remote areas still offer stunning views of the night sky, including the possibility of witnessing the glow of volcanic eruptions against the dark sky.

•South Point (Ka Lae)

The southernmost point of the island offers dark skies and wide-open spaces, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. It’s particularly good for observing the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena.

Stargazing Tips:

•Check Weather Conditions

•Clear skies and minimal cloud cover are essential for a good stargazing experience. Check weather forecasts and plan your visit on a clear night for the best visibility.

•Bring Warm Clothing

•Even in tropical Hawaii, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, especially on Mauna Kea. Dress warmly to stay comfortable while stargazing.

•Use a Red Light

•To preserve your night vision, use a red light instead of a regular flashlight when navigating or setting up your equipment.

•Consider a Guided Tour

•For those new to stargazing, a guided tour can enhance the experience with professional telescopes, expert explanations, and insights into the constellations and celestial events.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. From the unique beaches of Punalu’u and Papakolea to the lush waterfalls like Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, the island is rich with diverse landscapes. Snorkeling spots like Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay reveal vibrant marine life, while hikes such as the Kilauea Iki Trail and Pol