Perfect 5 Day Big Island itinerary Guide

Planning your Big Island Hawaii Trip? Read this ultimate 5 Day Big Island Itinerary that will take you to black sand beaches, Hawaii Volcanic Park, cultural activities, waterfalls, and Sunset at the highest mountain in the world!

The biggest of the Hawaiian islands AKA the Big Island offers a variety of things to do, see, and experience. This 5-day Big Island Itinerary covers adventurous activities and gorgeous landscapes, you can easily spend one week on the Big Island, and this Big Island itinerary covers it all.

While most people who travel to Hawaii, visit Oahu or Maui/Kauai, the Big Island is just different from all! It’s less developed, less touristy, and offers unique things. No doubt, the Big Island is my favorite island in Hawaii.

In this post, I’ll cover exactly how to spend 5 days in the Big Island: my ultimate Big Island Itinerary. Suppose you’ve never been to the Big Island, this itinerary hits all of the highlights, like a visit to a black sand beach, sample Kona Coffee, night snorkeling with manta rays, watching the sunset from the volcano, exploring waterfalls, etc.

This 5 day Big Island itinerary is perfect for adventure lovers and those looking to see everything that Hawaii has to offer! So if you are wondering what to do for 5 days on the Big Island, keep reading!

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Important Information to Plan your 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

How to Get to Big Island Hawaii?

To get to the Big Island, you will fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side of the island. Depending on where you are coming from, you might have a connection in Honolulu or you may be coming straight from the mainland.

Either way, Kona is typically the cheapest airport to fly into on the Big Island; however, there is also an airport on the Hilo side, Hilo International Airport (ITO).

If you are flying into Hilo, you can simply reverse this Itinerary. You’ll need to drive between Hilo and Kona about halfway through the trip!

Renting a Car on the Big Island

The Big Island is HUGE and almost all activity in this Big Island itinerary will require some driving, so you will need to rent a car when you arrive at the Kona Airport.

I highly recommend using Rental Cars. They allow you to compare prices across all of the major rental car companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy (typically free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance), and they price match!

How to Visit the Big Island Without a Car

If you aren’t planning to move around the island a lot, you can rely on the Public Bus System or taxi services. The Public bus system, called Hele-On Bus, is a generally reliable and inexpensive way to explore the island. The Hele-On Bus serves East, West, and North Big Island. You can also opt for taking tours for specific activities that include pick up and drop from your hotels.

Where to Stay During Your 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

You’ll find a large number of hotels and resorts on the Kona-Kailua Coast. But, you’ll find more scenic natural attractions near Hilo and Volcano. Because of this, I suggest dividing your 5 Days in the Big Island Hawaii trip between the west side(Kona) and the east side(Hilo) to follow this Big Island Itinerary.

Where to Stay in Kona

There are many hotel options in the Kailua-Kona area depending on your budget and style. If you are a budget traveler, your best option will be to find an Airbnb to save money! We stayed at beautiful Airbnb in Waikoala village near Hapuna Beach. The hosts were amazing, they offered us lots of fruits from their front yard! I loved Avocado trees of their garden.

• Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
• Mid Range: Royal Kona Resort
• Budget: Pacific 19 kona

Where to Stay in Hilo

• Luxury: SCP Hilo Hotel
• Mid Range: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
• Budget: Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

The Ultimate Full-Circle 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of the Big Island itinerary! The route you’ll be taking on this Big Island Itinerary begins in Kona, takes you through the north side of the island over to Hilo, and then back over to Kona via the south side of the island. So you’ll be doing a loop around the island that ensures you won’t miss any of the highlights.

• Days 1-2: Kailua-Kona Area
  • Relax on white sand beaches
  • snorkeling with manta rays
  • Learn about Hawaiian culture at a Luau
• Day 3: Drive from Kona to Hilo & Explore Waterfalls
• Days 4-5: Hilo & Surrounding Areas
  • Visit Hawaii Volcanic National Park
  • Visit a coffee or chocolate farm
  • Visit the black sand beach

Day 0: Arriving on the Big Island

This itinerary assumes you are arriving on the Big Island in the afternoon or evening on Day 0, so the real travel begins on Day 1. Also, this itinerary starts and ends in Kona.

Day 1: Snorkelling & Stargazing at Night

Start your day 1 of the Big Island Hawaii Itinerary slowly. After all, you’re in Hawaii for the beaches, right?

There is no shortage of exciting beach activities to do, but I highly advise that you spend the morning snorkeling. Imagine, colorful fishes, beautiful coral reefs, and sea turtles! There is a whole beautiful world for you underwater!

But if snorkeling isn’t your choice, then you can also spend today just lazing by the beach. There are so many amazing white sandy beaches out there!

Start your day with Coffee at Kona Coffee Cafe, and head to one of the white sandy beaches on the Kona side of Big Island. Here are a few beaches you can consider

I highly recommend Snorkelling at Captain Cook Monument. The monument marks the spot where Captain Cook, one of the first Westerners to set his sights on the Hawaiian Islands, was killed in 1779.

The monument lies within Kealakekua Bay and it is one of the most famous spots for snorkeling on the Big Island and for good reason! To get to the monument, you can either hike, take a private tour, or kayak! It’s known for dolphin and whale sightings in addition to tropical fish and coral reefs.

The easiest and most fun way to get there is by taking a tour that will pick you up right from Kona and sail you directly to the bay. The other way to get there is by doing a long, strenuous hike in the heat, which you should avoid in my opinion. I highly advise doing the tour – it’s worth it. Book your snorkeling tour here!

After your incredible day at the beach, freshen up, eat good food, and prepare for the evening’s adventures!

Next, head to watch the sunset and stargazing on top of the Mauna Kea volcano. This is the highest point in all of Hawaii, and the views from here are simply STUNNING! Make sure to bring water, and snacks, and dress warm because it gets chilly up there.

Get to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center by a maximum of 4 PM. After some brief introduction and information at the Visitor Center, you will drive to the top of the Volcano! Keep in mind, to arrive early to acclimatize yourself.

But in terms of how to get to the top, you have a few different options depending on your budget and adventure tolerance.

How to Visit the summit of Mauna Kea

• Take a tour to the summit – This is my recommended method to get to the summit because the other methods require a TON of work and logistical planning. The tour picks you up and drops you off in Kona and lasts several hours, allowing time to acclimate to the altitude and warm up afterward. Book your Mauna Kea tour here!
• Drive yourself to the summit with a 4WD vehicle – Only 4WD vehicles are allowed to drive up beyond the Visitor Center. Most rental companies won’t allow their vehicles to be driven to the summit, so be sure to check with your rental company beforehand. Note that the road to the summit closes for bad weather, and the summit closes 30 minutes after sunset.
• Hike to the summit – For the truly adventurous, you can hike up to the summit from the Visitor Center. It’s a 13-mile round trip that ascends 5,000 feet. If you choose this option, skip snorkeling in the daytime and start early.

If you aren’t able to summit due to bad weather or not having an appropriate vehicle, you can still get excellent views from the Visitor Center. From the center, you hike up a small nearby hill, and from there, you can watch the sunset and stargaze.

OPTIONAL: If watching the sunset from Mauna Kea isn’t for you, then head to the famous LAVA LAVA Beach Club to enjoy the live music with sundowner drinks(mai tai) in the most beautiful setting on the Big Island.

Day 2: Whale and Dolphin Watching + Manta Night Dive

Start your day 2 of the Big Island Itinerary with a Whale & Dolphin watching adventure. If you’re visiting in the wintertime, go on a Dolphin and whale-watching cruise. Between November and April, humpback whales make their journey to the warmer waters of Hawaii from Alaska!

On a whale-watching cruise, you will be able to spot humpback whales up close. Some boats even have underwater sonar so you can listen to the whale sounds!

Keep in mind that whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so boats will have to stay 100 yards away from the whales.

Don’t miss this activity if you’re visiting the Big Island during this time of year! Book this guaranteed sighting Whale Watching tour on the Big Island!

After your tour, you can head to Kona Brewing Company for some local beer and yummy dinner! Must try some Kona beers that aren’t available anywhere else in the USA!

In the afternoon, you can spend your time relaxing on the beach. You can check out the beautiful white sandy Manini’owali Beach(Kua Bay Beach), Makalawena Beach(you’ll need 4*4), or Hapuna Beach. I beach hopped around all of them and they are perfect for beach swim.

In the evening, it’s time to take part in the most exciting activity on the Big Island – swimming with manta rays! This is one of the must-do activities in Big Island Hawaii.

Manta rays are gentle giants, so there is no danger to swimming with them. Most tours will take you out to the snorkel spot around sunset, and you’ll get in the water just as the sun goes down.

You can choose to either snorkel or scuba dive with the manta rays! When you’re scuba diving with the mantas, they will swim above and in front of you, and it’s an amazing experience!

Check the pricing and availability of this top manta ray tour here! (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

If you’re not scuba certified, snorkeling with the mantas is still another option. You barely need to swim either! Your tour company will put giant rafts in the water that have lights underneath them. You’ll hold onto the raft and watch the manta rays swim under you!

No matter which option you choose, I promise it’s one of the most exciting activities you will ever do!

OTHER OPTION: If evening snorkeling with Mantas doesn’t excite you, spend your evening learning Polynesian culture and attending a Luau! There are a variety of different luaus on the Big Island to choose from and it includes a buffet dinner, an open bar, and the show! It is a great way to learn more about Polynesian culture and history which goes way beyond Hawaii! Book your tickets in advance here.

Day 3: Drive from Kona to Hilo

Today check out from your Kona hotel(west side of the Island), and make your way to the east side of the island.

A lot of people visit the Big Island and only stay on the Kona side, but this is a mistake! The Hilo Side of the Island is beautiful with lush green forests, valleys, and waterfalls and it needs to be in your Big Island Itinerary.

The drive from Kona to Hilo normally takes around 1.5 hours if you drive straight through. However, I recommend making a few beautiful stops along the way, so start early from Kona.

Leave your hotel and first head to the beautiful Town of Hawi. Take a quick break to grab some breakfast and coffee at Kohala Coffee Mill. They also serve amazing ice creams.

Then head to Pololu Valley. This is a short hike that leads you to a really beautiful coastline. From the parking area, it’s a 0.5-mile downhill to get to the beach, and should take around 30 minutes. Note that the water isn’t safe for swimming.

Next head to Waipio Valley, a wondrous lush green valley that is reminiscent of “The Land Before Time” and is a sacred place to the Hawaiian community.

You can soak in the views from the Waipio Valley lookout, which is free and open to all! This lookout gives you a taste of the beauty of the Valley, and you can even spot some of the incredible waterfalls and coastline the Valley offers.

After Waipio Valley, you have one last stop. Another main landmark I recommend on your drive from Kona to Hilo is Akaka Falls State Park. This state park has a $5 per person entrance fee and a $10 per vehicle fee if you park in the main parking lot. However, it is well worth it!

Within the park, you’ll find paved walking trails through lush rainforest. I was blown away by the tropical flowers and foliage in the park! The main waterfall is ‘Akaka Falls, which you’ll visit along the main loop in the park. Towering at 442 feet tall, it’s easily the most epic waterfall on the island.

After you finish up at this park, it’s time to make the final leg of the journey to Hilo! Arrive at your Hotel and have dinner after a busy day!

Day 4: Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Start your day with Coffee at Just Cruising Coffee in Hilo and grab the to-go breakfast from here.

This 5 day Big Island Itinerary is incomplete without mentioning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is unlike any other national park I’ve visited, offering rare glimpses of an active volcano.

The Kilauea volcano has been erupting for the last 3 years regularly, and there are reminders of it all over the park. While you might be lucky enough to see fresh lava on your visit, know that this isn’t a guarantee. Nevertheless, you’ll have tons to do regardless!

How long do you need to see Volcanoes National Park? You can easily see the best of the park in one day. I spent one entire day exploring the park and left feeling The Park is located just 45 minutes from Hilo, so make sure to start your day early.

Start your day with a visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can speak with rangers and learn about this volcanic land.

Then, depending on your willingness, you can either do several awesome hikes in the park or drive to lookout points and admire the views. I recommend doing a combination of the two because the park boasts some of the best hiking on the Big Island.

The best hikes in Volcanoes National Park

• Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) & Steam Vents – An easy 0.7-mile walk along wooden walkways. Start at the Visitor Center and walk to the sulfur banks and then 0.6 miles further to the steam vents. It is incredible to see the steam coming from the ground and to realize how alive the earth beneath you is!
• Crater Rim Trail – An easy walk along the Kilauea Caldera that provides some great lookout points over the caldera. The trail runs deeper into the park, but to get to the lookouts it’s a 1-mile walk from the Visitor Center.
• Halema’uma’u Trail – It takes you down 0.8 miles to the floor of Kilauea caldera (and then another 0.8 miles back up), and you can walk on the caldera floor itself. It feels like you are walking on another planet!
• Kilauea Iki Crater Trail – This is one of the most popular trails in the park. You’ll descend 400 feet into a crater and hike a 4-mile loop across a hardened lava lake.
• Thurston Lava Tube: A 1.5-mile round trip walk to the Cave where Lava flowed over 500 years ago. This is must must-visit in the Park!

After the hike, head back in your car and drive the Chain of Craters Road. This 19-mile road starts at the main section of the park and winds all the way down to the coastline!

But If you’re starving, you can pop out of the park in Volcano Village. There aren’t a ton of choices near the park, but Volcano Village Lodge, located inside the Park, is one option.

Drive along the full length of the road, stopping along the way at incredible lookouts, and see spectacular sea cliffs and the Holei Sea Arch at the end when you reach the ocean. We also stopped to hike the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail. It is a 1.4-mile round-trip easy trail that leads to images artfully carved in the stones in between the Lavas.

However, note there is no food, water, or gas available along the road, so plan accordingly! The views of the ocean at the end of the road were well worth the drive!

Finally, wrap up this epic day by heading back into the park to see Kilauea Lookout before heading back to your hotel in Hilo. This is the most popular lookout point after dark, and there will be a line of cars after sunset with everyone wanting to get a view of the lava. I recommend going as late as possible to get the best views of the glow when the Volcano is erupting!

If you have time in the evening, check out Volcano Winery – the southernmost winery in the United States. A small winery with affordable tastings, this winery makes local wines infused with volcanic soil and tropical fruits.

Day 5: South Point, Papakolea Green Sand Beach & Drive to Kona

On your last day of this 5 day Big Island itinerary, you will be making the drive back to the west side of the island to Kona through the south route, with some exciting stops along the way.

First, start your morning off by grabbing breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes. Make sure to try the macadamia nut pancakes! Or you can hit up the Hilo Farmers Market.

Your First Stop is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. This beach is stunning, with green palm trees, beautiful black sand, and if you’re lucky, Hawaiian sea turtles! Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in the entire Hawaiian islands. After Visiting this Beach, I must say must include it in your Big Island Itinerary.

The park is free to visit and a very beautiful place to start your last day on the Big Island.

When you’re done with the beach, hop back in your car and drive towards Ka Lae (aka South Point), the southernmost point of the USA. Aside from the geographical significance of this spot, it is a peaceful cliffside lookout with incredible views. Seriously, Big Island spoils you with its multitude of mesmerizing views.

Then just a 5-minute drive from South Point is Papakolea Green Sand Beach. Yes, seriously, a beach with green sand! It’s not like Irish green, but is a unique hue.

Getting to the beach from the parking lot requires a one-way 2.5-mile hike on rocky terrain. But if you don’t want to hike, you can take a ride with locals for $10/person in the truck. The ride is very fun!

Once you’re done with the beach, make your way to Kona. But I recommend adding in one last activity: a coffee or chocolate farm tour! Did you know the volcanic soil on the Big Island creates a nutrient-rich environment for agriculture?

The Kona Coffee Belt is a 30-mile-long strip of land on the Big Island of Hawaii that is famous for its coffee farms. There are over 600 coffee farms within this area, and visiting one of them is one of my favorite Big Island activities!

Greenwell Farms is a great option that gives free tours and includes free coffee samples! I loved visiting here and learning more about how coffee is made in Kona! It’s also great for souvenir shopping.

NOTE: I recommend booking an evening flight to give yourself plenty of time to make it back across the island. Another option is to travel back to Kona on Day 5 and stay the night there before flying home.

Other Things to Do if You Have More Time

As you can see, this 5 Day Big Island itinerary is already action-packed. If you have more time on the island or are looking for other options, here are some more things to do!

• Take a Helicopter Tour: One of the best perspectives of any Hawaiian island is from up high. While helicopter tours in the Big Island are pretty expensive, they’re well worth the experience if you can afford it. Book your Tour here.
• Rainbow Falls: This incredible waterfall is right off the main road, just a short walk from the parking lot.
• Zip Lining: See the Big Island from a different angle on this 9-line zipline adventure that takes you over tree tops, waterfalls, and rivers. With views of the Pacific Ocean from every platform, this is the most scenic zipline experience on the island. Book it here!

When is the Best Time to Visit The Big Island of Hawaii?

The Big Island is one of the year-round destinations but a few months are more ideal than others depending on your budget and preferences.

The Summer and the winter holidays (November-March) are the busiest tourism times for the island. This means higher prices and more crowds on the island overall! I will suggest avoiding this time of the year to plan your Big Island Itinerary.

However, December to April will be rainy on the Hilo side of the island. The Kona side will still be mostly dry and sunny. The upside is that the winter months are the best time to view humpback whales.

So, in my opinion, the best time to visit Big Island Hawaii is between April to October as the weather is pleasant, crowds will be smaller and prices will be lower. I visited during the September and it was perfect time with lots of sunshine with occassional rain shower on one day.

Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

Is 5 Days Enough For Big Island Hawaii?

Yes, 5 days are enough to visit Big Island Hawaii. While you can explore the major attractions of Big Island Hawaii in 3 days, that will be a bit of a rushed itinerary for you. So, 5-7 days are ideal for seeing popular sites like Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Observatory, beautiful beaches, and adventure activities like snorkeling and diving.

Is It Better to Stay in Kona OR Hilo?

Kona is very popular among tourists with many upscale resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals along with many dining options, cafes, and better beaches. While Hilo offers more laid-back vibes. If you aren’t planning to visit Volcanic National Park, it is better to stay in Kona than in Hilo. But if you’re planning to visit famous waterfalls and Hawaii Volcanoes Park, you can stay in Volcano Village or Hilo.

Do You Need a 4×4 Car on Big Island Hawaii?

You are fine with renting a normal car in Big Island Hawaii if not planning to visit Mauna Kea and some off roading beaches on Kona Side. Nearly all of the must-see sights on the Big Island can be reached in a normal car. But having 4×4 makes perfect sense in rainy and windy weather! We hired JEEP and it was perfect choice for us!

Final Thoughts about Your 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

That wraps up my 5 Day Big Island Itinerary! I hope I’ve convinced you that the Big Island needs to be on your bucket list. While Oahu has great surfing and Maui has great resorts, the Big Island is perfect for the adventurous traveler who wants a taste of everything Hawaii has to offer!

Even if you have fewer than 5 days in the Big Island, avoid a few activities, and don’t miss swimming with the manta rays and Volcanoes National Park! It’s a must-do.

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