Yes, the Big Island is big, and yes, there’s a lot to see. If you’re short on time, consider flying into one airport and out from the other. That will give you the opportunity to see both sides of the island without ever having to backtrack. If you’d prefer to spend your last few days near the beach, go from east to west; if hiking through rain forests and showering in waterfalls sounds like a better way to wrap up the trip, move from west to east. Or, head straight for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and briefly visit Hilo before traveling the Hamakua Coast route and making your new base in Kailua-Kona.
Hike Volcanoes
Devote a full day to exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Head out on the Kilauea Iki trail—a moderately challenging, 4-mile loop near Thurston Lava Tube—by late morning, then visit the lava tube itself. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant in Volcano Village, or plan ahead and pack your own picnic. Then drive to the Steaming Bluffs and walk to an overlook with views of Halemaumau Crater and Kilauea Caldera.
Black and Green Sand
Check out some of the unusual beaches you’ll find only on the Big Island. Start with a hike into Green Sands Beach near South Point. When you’ve had your fill, hop back in the car and head south about half an hour to Punaluu Black Sand Beach, the favorite nesting place of endangered Hawaiian turtles.
Majestic Waterfalls and Valley of the Kings
Take a day to enjoy the splendors of the Hamakua Coast—almost any gorge you see on the road may indicate a waterfall waiting to surprise you. For a sure bet, head to beautiful Waipio Valley. Book a horseback, hiking, or four-wheel-drive tour, or walk on in yourself (just keep in mind that it’s an arduous hike back up—a 25% grade for a little over a mile).
Top Picks for You
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Once in the valley, take your first right to get to the black-sand beach. Pause to reflect here—the ancient Hawaiians believed this was where souls crossed over to the afterlife. Regardless of your beliefs, there is something unmistakably mystical about this place.
Waterfalls abound in the valley, depending on the amount of recent rainfall. Hike left until you reach the end of the beach; the spot is gorgeous and worthy of a million photos.
Sun and Stars
Spend the day lounging on a Kohala Coast beach (Hapuna, Kaunaoa—also known as Maunakea—or Kua Bay), then catch a one-of-a-kind island sunset from Maunakea’s summit. For the safest, most comfortable experience, book a turnkey summit tour. Or stop in at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, a visitor center located at about 9,000 feet. If you have a 4WD (check with your rental car company for permission), you can join their free summit tour at 1 pm on weekends and return to the center to use the free telescopes for evening stargazing. Helpful U.H. Hilo astronomy students will guide you.