Big Island 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Kona
Welcome to the Big Island! Spend the day settling in and exploring Kona.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Island Lava Java Enjoy oceanfront dining with fresh pastries and Kona coffee. |
| Activity | Ali'i Drive Walk along Ali'i Drive for shops, historical sites, and ocean views. |
| Lunch | Da Poke Shack Famous for its fresh poke bowls. |
| Activity | Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Explore Kaloko-Honokōhau with trails and ancient fishponds. |
| Dinner | Huggo's on the Rocks Casual dining with live music and sunset views. |
| Nightlife | Lava Lava Beach Club Sip tropical drinks with your toes in the sand. |
Day 2: Coffee Country and South Kona
Discover Kona's coffee farms and the scenic southern coast.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | The Coffee Shack Breakfast with panoramic views of Kealakekua Bay. |
| Activity | Coffee Farm Tour Visit Greenwell Farms for a tour and coffee tasting. |
| Lunch | Manago Hotel Restaurant Known for their home-style pork chops. |
| Activity | Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Explore Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred Hawaiian site. |
| Dinner | Big Island Brewhaus Craft beer and hearty pub fare. |
| Nightlife | Relax under the stars or enjoy a quiet evening. |
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park
Explore the island's fiery landscapes at Volcanoes National Park.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Ken's House of Pancakes Classic diner with hearty breakfasts. |
| Activity | Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Hike through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and visit Kilauea Crater. |
| Lunch | Volcano House Restaurant Dine with views of Kilauea Caldera. |
| Activity | Thurston Lava Tube Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube and explore its fascinating geology. |
| Dinner | Ohelo Cafe Wood-fired pizzas and fresh, local ingredients. |
| Nightlife | Stargaze in the park or enjoy a quiet evening in Volcano Village. |
Day 4: Hilo and Waterfalls
Discover the lush beauty of Hilo and its surrounding waterfalls.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Hilo Bay Cafe Start your day with fresh pastries and a view of Hilo Bay. |
| Activity | Rainbow Falls Visit Rainbow Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. |
| Lunch | Pineapples Restaurant Vibrant dishes with local ingredients in downtown Hilo. |
| Activity | Akaka Falls State Park Walk the loop trail to see Akaka Falls, a towering 442-foot waterfall. |
| Dinner | Cafe Pesto Innovative cuisine with a blend of Hawaiian and Italian flavors. |
| Nightlife | Relax in Hilo or enjoy live music at a local venue. |
Day 5: Mauna Kea and Waimea
Visit the island's high-altitude wonders and ranching town.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Waimea Coffee Company Artisanal coffee and pastries in Waimea. |
| Activity | Mauna Kea Visitor Center Drive up to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station for incredible views. |
| Lunch | Merriman's Farm-to-table dining with fresh, local ingredients. |
| Activity | Waipio Valley Lookout Visit the Waipio Valley Lookout for breathtaking views of the valley and ocean. |
| Dinner | Big Island Brewhaus Craft beer and hearty pub fare. |
| Nightlife | Stargaze at Mauna Kea or relax in Waimea. |
Day 6: Kohala Coast
Spend the day exploring the stunning Kohala Coast.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Start your day with coffee and light bites at a local cafe. |
| Activity | Hapuna Beach State Park Relax at Hapuna Beach, known for its white sands and clear waters. |
| Lunch | The Blue Room Creative dishes with a Pacific Rim flair. |
| Activity | Pololu Valley Lookout Hike down to Pololu Valley for dramatic coastal scenery. |
| Dinner | Ulu Ocean Grill Oceanfront dining with farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine. |
| Nightlife | Enjoy the peaceful surroundings or relax at your resort. |
Day 7: Farewell Big Island
Make the most of your last day on the island.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Basik Cafe Refreshing acai bowls to start your day. |
| Activity | Beach Time Relax at Magic Sands Beach or Kahaluu Beach Park. |
| Lunch | Fish Hopper Seafood with ocean views and a laid-back atmosphere. |
| Activity | Last-Minute Shopping Pick up souvenirs and gifts at Kona Farmers Market. |
| Dinner | Sam Choy's Kai Lanai Dine on local cuisine with panoramic sunset views. |
| Nightlife | Take a moonlit walk along the beach or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel. |
Hotels / Resorts Recommendations
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Kona Seaside Hotel Budget-friendly hotel with easy access to Kona attractions. |
| Medium | Royal Kona Resort Affordable oceanfront resort with a lagoon-style pool and fantastic views. |
| Luxury | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Luxury resort offering world-class amenities, private beaches, and fine dining. |
About the Author
Abe Clark
Freelance travel guru
A seasoned traveler with a passion for authentic experiences and local culture. Travelled to over 20 countries and lived in Hawaii for over 6 years.
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