Confused about how to structure a trip to the grand Big Island of Hawaii? Worry no more! Here is an all-inclusive one week Big Island itinerary that takes you through each day of your adventure: Rainforests to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, and everything in between.
Local dining options, activity suggestions, and must-see attractions are highlighted here so you can have the time of a lifetime here in Hawaii.
Key Takeaways:
- One Week Big Island Itinerary Overview: Explore the island’s top attractions, beaches, and cultural sites with this all-inclusive 7-day guide.
- Day-by-Day Itinerary: Detailed daily plans cover Kona, Hilo, Mauna Kea, Kohala Coast, and more to experience the island’s diverse landscapes.
- Local Tips and Dining Options: Recommendations for where to eat and what to see, ensuring you experience the best of Big Island cuisine and culture.
- Adventure, Relaxation, and Cultural Insights: From snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay to stargazing at Mauna Kea, find activities for every travel style.
One week big island itinerary
Day 1 Discover the West Coast – Kailua-Kona and Surroundings
Vacation in Hawaii needs to start on the sunny west coast, from Kailua-Kona. It’s a pretty good place to catch some island rhythm.
Start with a visit to the Hulihe’e Palace, the former royal resort place, turned into a museum of Hawaiian artifacts today. It is the best way to learn about the royal history of the island.
Then, from the culture, head to Kona Farmers Market to taste tropical fruits such as passion fruit and star fruit and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. There are also various handmade souvenirs and local art sold there.
Drive down to Kealakekua Bay. This bay has clear waters and history. Snorkel around the Captain Cook Monument for colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and hopefully dolphins playing for you. You could also rent a kayak or join one of the guided tours through the bay.
End your very first day by having a sunset walk at Magic Sands Beach or Kamakahonu Beach.
Both spots offer superb ocean views and are the best places to view sunset sipping some refreshing coconut drink.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Halt at Island Lava Java to grab some Kona coffee and Hawaiian pancakes with macadamia nuts.
- Lunch: Casual meal at Kona Brewing Co., offering their famous Kona beer and delicious wood-fired pizza.
- Dinner: Fresh seafood at Huggo’s On The Rocks. You can have a poke bowl and fresh ahi tuna. Live music is there in the background.
Tips
- Stay on Kailua-Kona for easy access to the best West Coast spots.
- Find local events or festivals happening in the area for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
Day 2: Discover South Coast – Volcanic Landscapes and Unique Beaches
A whole day of volcanic landscapes and exotic beaches awaits. Start the day by visiting the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
You will get a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian life here, with preserved temples and sacred grounds. Learn about the traditional Hawaiian way of life on your self-guided tour.
Next, drive to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Yes, one of the few black sand beaches in the world, a must-see! Beach visitors include endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that bask on the shore.
Take a short walk along the beach, dip your toes in cool water, and watch the waves crash onto the black sands.
Have a picnic lunch at Punalu’u Bake Shop. Famous for its sweetbread, malasadas (Portuguese-style donuts), and other tasty pastries, the southernmost bakery in the U.S. is worth visiting.
Then to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for the afternoon, learning what there is to see within its park boundaries.
Hike on a portion of the Thurston Lava Tube natural underground tunnel created by flowing lava- and visit the Kilauea Iki Trail to see the aftermath of the 1959 eruption.
Cap your day with a visit to Jaggar Museum and Overlook to see a breathtaking view of Kilauea. You might, weather permitting, get to enjoy the glow of the lava lake at night if the volcano is active.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Head to Coffee Grinds for that cup of local Kona coffee and a fresh bowl of acai.
- Lunch: Go to Punalu’u Bake Shop for fresh pastries and coffee.
- Dinner: Return to Hilo for dinner at Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine and enjoy their fresh seafood dishes prepared Hawaiian-style.
Tip:
- Hike with sturdy shoes and a flashlight, should you find yourself out on the lava tubes or trail sometime during nighttime.
- Pack a light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly up high.
Day 3: North Island Adventure – Waimea and Waipi’o Valley
Day 3 will be full of lush greenery and mind-blowing vistas. Get a good night’s rest and begin your day in Waimea, also known as Kamuela.
This is one of the country’s most attractive towns, framed by rolling pastures and hosting some of Hawaii’s very best cattle ranches.
Begin the day with a visit to Parker Ranch, one of the largest in the U.S. Take a guided tour of the ranch to learn its history. Horseback riding is also an option at the ranch.
Take the road to Waipi’o Valley. Nicknamed the “Valley of the Kings,” this sacred valley is home to some of the island’s most beautiful views.
There’s a lookout by the same name, but for the more adventurous, there is a trail down, via a steep climb, that takes you to the bottom of the valley.
While steep, the trail will give you a great view of waterfalls, lush greenery, and a black sand beach at the bottom.
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company- In the late afternoon, stop by to taste locally grown macadamia nuts and check out the small but instructive visitor center.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Get a hearty Hawaiian breakfast at the Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea.
- Lunch: Stop for a plate of local Hawaiian food at Waipi’o Cookhouse.
- Dinner: Merriman’s Waimea for farm-to-table dining.
Tips:
- Book a guided horseback tour of Waipi’o Valley to make exploring the valley easier.
- Take cash since some of the location’s local food stalls and markets will only accept cash.
Day 4: East Coast Adventure Hilo and Waterfalls
Explore the lush east coast of the island, where you will visit Hilo Farmers Market. You will discover fresh fruits, tropical flowers, a lot of handmade crafts, and much more.
It is one of the best places to pick breakfast and snack time, and then head out on a road adventure.
Drive to Akaka Falls State Park, with spectacular 442-foot Akaka Falls dropping directly into the lush gorge below. This short loop takes you to view both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls.
Spend your afternoon at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a 40-acre garden full of plenty of exuberant tropical plants and incredible views of the ocean.
For a little more adventure, visit Kaumana Caves – a secret lava tube accessible by car from Hilo.
Be sure to explore the cave’s formations of lava with your flashlight; be careful, though, because the floor of the cave is very slippery.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Kick off the day with a smoothie at the Hilo Farmers Market.
- Lunch: Have fresh sushi and local dishes at Hilo Bay Cafe.
- Dinner: Have dinner at Cafe Pesto for an Italian-Hawaiian fusion.
Tips:
- Hike to Akaka Falls and explore botanical garden trails, and nice foot-friendly locales – don’t forget those comfortable shoes.
- Before arriving in Hilo, check the weather because Hilo is one of the rainiest spots in the States.
Day 5: Sea, Sunsets, and Relaxation – Kohala Coast and Hapuna Beach
Take a break from the constant touring and play it easy on the Kohala Coast. Known for its white sandy shores and clear water, a leisurely day here is in order.
Spend your morning at the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. It is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island. Swim, snorkel, or simply soak up some rays on the beach.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trek on the Ala Kahakai Trail for great views of the coastline.
Visit the quaint town of Hawi for some shopping and art galleries in the afternoon. You may also book a dolphin or whale-watching tour from the nearby marina.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel for a luxurious beachfront breakfast
- Lunch: Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi to stop for light bites and Kona coffee
- Dinner: Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for dinner, sunset seafood feast
Tips:
- Beach umbrella or tent: You want to spend the entire day at the beach.
- Arrive early at Hapuna Beach. The parking lot is full immediately.
Day 6 Adventure Day – Mauna Kea and Stargazing
Spend your sixth day exploring Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain on the island. Tour the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to learn more about the volcano’s geology and cultural importance.
If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive up to the summit for panoramic views of the island. You have time to get accustomed to the altitude since it is above 13,000 feet from sea level.
Apart from the good views, the summit also boasts some of the world’s finest observatories.
In the evening, join a stargazing tour or you may just stay at the visitor’s center for a guided stargazing session.
Mauna Kea is rated one of the best stargazing sites in the world because of its high elevation and clear skies.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Kona Coffee Cafe for a light breakfast.
- Lunch: Pack a lunch to have at the summit.
- Dinner: Back in Kona after your Mauna Kea adventure.
Tips:
- Bring warm clothes since it might be cool up there.
- Check the road conditions and weather before climbing up to the summit because it can be hazardous.
Day 7: Discover Secrets and Kona Fun
Spend your last day reviewing your favorite spots or some new ones. Check out the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. There, you can learn how coffee is farmed in Hawaii. You can take a tour and taste various coffees.
Better for beach time is Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay). Crowded-free and close to snorkeling or simply relaxing, it’s the ultimate spot.
If you haven’t been to an authentic Hawaiian luau, book this for your last night.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Week on the Big Island
This one week Big Island itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see everything the Hawaii Big Island has to offer-from amazing beaches and volcanically dramatic landscapes to tropical rainforests and quaint towns.
You will leave with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of the two, this guide has something for everyone!
