How to Spend a Perfect Week on Hawaii’s Big Island: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary🌋☀️
From Hawaii’s most unique snorkeling trip to the chance to see an erupting volcano, here’s how to spend 7 spectacular days on the Big Island.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, you’re in for a treat. From active volcanoes and black-sand beaches to lush rainforests and star-filled skies atop Mauna Kea, the Big Island delivers some of Hawaii’s most dramatic scenery.
But it’s also a massive island, compared to the other Hawaiian Islands. Bigger than all the other islands combined!
That means you’ll have some decisions to make. Do you split your time between the Kona side and the Hilo side, or do you stick to one coast and explore more deeply?
With so much to see, planning your Big Island itinerary can feel overwhelming.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Not to worry, I can help!
As Oahu residents, my husband and I frequently visit the Big Island. Since we’re generally visiting for just a weekend, we fly into either Hilo or Kona and stick to that side.
However, if you have a full week, you have more options.
The 7-day Big Island itinerary I’m sharing here will help you cover all of the Big Island’s highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll be able to hike volcanic craters, swim with manta rays, and still have plenty of time to relax on a picture-perfect beach.
But before we get into the day-by-day plan, let’s get our bearings…
Map of the Big Island
Where to Stay on the Big Island
Most visitors choose a home base on the west side of the island near Kailua-Kona or the Kohala Coast. That’s primarily because it’s sunnier and there are more hotels and resorts located on that side.
And I have to admit, I also favor the Kona side. But some of the best things to see on the Big Island are on the Hilo side, so you’ll want to spend at least one full day there.
Another great idea is to split your time:
- Itinerary Option A — Kona Base
- 7 nights on the Kona side. You’ll have sunny weather, easy beach access, and shorter drives for beach and snorkel days. It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Kona to Hilo, so factor that into your days on the Hilo side.
- Itinerary Option B — Kona/Hilo Split Stay
- 5 nights near Kona or the Kohala Coast
- 2 nights in Hilo or Volcano Village
- Tip: Fly into Kona International Airport and out of Hilo Airport to avoid a long drive on arrival or departure.
For this suggested 7-day itinerary, I’m going to assume you’re staying the whole week on the Kona side. But just keep in mind that it’s also a good option to split your time and shorten those driving distances with a night or two in Hilo.
A Quick Overview of Each Side
Kona and Kohala Coast
Choose this side for plenty of sunshine. This is also where you’ll find the island’s top hotels and resorts. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is one of my favorite hotels because it’s home to Manta Ray Point and sits on a gorgeous beach.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is another good choice on one of the island’s top beaches. For a budget-friendly option with direct ocean views, I’m also a big fan of the Kona Tiki Hotel (be sure to book the corner suite!).
Hilo and Volcano Village
Choose this side for lush rainforests, waterfalls, and botanical gardens. It’s also the closest base for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Expect more rain but fewer crowds.
On this side of the island, the SCP Hilo Hotel is a solid, budget-friendly option in Hilo town. Or, for the best chance of seeing lava flows during your stay, book a room at Hawaii Volcano House.
For more about the pros and cons of the different parts of the island, read this 👉 The First Time Visitor’s Travel Guide to Hawaii’s Big Island
3 Quick Tips for Exploring
1. You need a rental car
The top sights are spread out, and the Big Island does not have a robust transit system. Having your own wheels is really the only way to explore.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.
👉 Tip: Download the Shaka Guide App!
The Big Island is a great island to explore on your own, and the Shaka Guide App is the perfect complement to DIY exploring. Tours are about $20 each to download.
Or, grab the “Big Island Tour Bundle,” which includes the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour, the North Island Jungle Adventure Loop, the Kohala Coast Backcountry Tour, the South Island Epic Coastal Journey, and the Kona Big Kahuna Loop for just $34.99.
The Shaka Guide App
If you’re a DIY kind of traveler like I am, this is the perfect app to download for your Hawaii vacation. These GPS-guided audio tours are fun, easy to follow, and a super affordable way to explore the islands. I bought the whole Hawaii package when we moved here but you can also purchase individual tours.
2. Microclimates are a real thing
Kona is dry. Hilo is wet. If you go up to Mauna Kea, it’s cold. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
3. Volcano conditions change often
You never know what you’re going to get from Kīlauea. The current eruption has been intermittent since it began on December 23, 2024. It’s been putting on quite a show about every other week.
But volcanic activity and park access shift frequently. Be sure to check the National Park Service website for the latest conditions before you go.
Okay, now let’s dive into our 7-day itinerary!
The Ultimate 7-Day Big Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
After landing at the Kona International Airport (KOA), pick up the rental car and head to your hotel to check in.
👉 Tip: To make your arrival extra special, book this fun Kona Airport Lei Greeting.
Day One is the perfect time to get your bearings and settle in. Don’t make any major plans for your first day, just in case of flight delays.
Also, it’s a long flight to Hawaii, and you’ll probably be tired. Take it easy—walk the beach, watch the sunset in Kona with a mai tai, or just rest after your long flight.
Foodie Highlights
- Umeke’s for lunchtime poke bowls
- Sunset drinks and dinner at Huggo’s on the water
Day 2: Kohala Coast Beach Day
- Hapuna Beach and/or Mauna Kea Beach for white-sands and clear waters
- Hit the shops at Waikoloa Village
- Attend a traditional luau
Ease into paradise with a beach day on the Kohala Coast. I’m a huge fan of Mauna Kea Beach. But Hapuna is beautiful, too, and has a lot more parking. The Kona side of the Big Island is home to several terrific beaches to spend your day.
Read More: The 7 Most Beautiful & Unique Beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island 🏖️🌺
When you’ve had enough sun, spend the afternoon cooling off in the shops of Waikoloa Village.
Attending a traditional Hawaiian luau is a must when you visit Hawaii, and Day 2 is the perfect spot on your itinerary for it. There are several great luaus on the Big Island. Here are a few top picks:
- Voyagers of the Pacific Luau (Royal Kona Resort)
- Island Breeze Luau (oceanfront in downtown Kona)
- Hawaii Loa Luau (Fairmont Orchid Hotel)
Foodie Highlights
- Manuela Malasada Truck near Hapuna for warm malasadas
- Lunch at Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa
Day 3: Captain Cook & Manta Rays
- Morning – Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
- Afternoon – Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) for powerful Hawaiian culture sites.
- Evening – Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Today’s the day to explore the Big Island’s incredible underwater world.
Start your day with Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel to Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay. You’ll spend the morning exploring the famous Captain Cook Monument site, home to thriving marine life.
In the afternoon, visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge), one of Hawaii’s most significant cultural sites. Just next door are the tide pools at Honaunau Bay (often called “Two Step” beach).
Tonight, it’s time for the Big Island’s #1 tour, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This is one of Hawaii’s most unique tours and a must-do! However, if you’re not up for snorkeling after dark, there is another way!
Read More: How to See Manta Rays on the Big Island (With or Without Getting Wet!) 💦🤿
Book a dinner reservation (or just go for drinks!) at Manta Restaurant in the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. After sunset, walk down the stairs from the restaurant to Manta Ray Point.
Every night, the hotel turns on a light that draws plankton, which lures in the mantas to feed. It is mesmerizing to watch them from here (which is one of the reasons this is my favorite hotel to book when we visit the Big Island!).
Day 4: Explore Kona
- Stroll Kona’s Ali’i Drive
- Take a Food Tour
- In the winter, go whale watching
After a day in the water, today is a good day to relax before we start tackling the other side of the island. Spend the day enjoying another one of the Big Island’s beautiful beaches, or head into Kona town to explore.
Start your day with breakfast at Island Lava Java.
Take a stroll down Ali’i Drive to browse the shops and enjoy the ocean breezes. For lunch with a view, head to Papa Kona’s.
To beat the afternoon heat, stop by Acai Hawaii Company for a tropical acai bowl.
For a deeper dive into the Big Island’s food scene, foodies will love this top-rated 3-hour Kona Walking Food Tour.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, this is the perfect day to book a whale-watching trip.
👉 Tip: The Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure is the Big Island’s most popular whale watching trip.
If it’s not whale season when you visit, consider a helicopter tour like the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour for an incredible view of the island from above.
Or, for more ideas, here are…
For dinner, make a reservation at Jackie Rey’s or On the Rocks.
Foodie Highlights
- Breakfast at Island Lava Java
- Papa Kona’s for lunch with a view
- Acai Bowl at Acai Hawaii Company
- Jackie Rey’s Kona for dinner
Day 5: South Point, Green & Black Sand Beaches
- South Point (Ka Lae)
- Green Sand Beach
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Get an early start today for the drive toward the south coast. On the way, stop by The Coffee Shack for a great breakfast with incredible views.
Today’s next stop is South Point (Ka Lae), the southermost point in the United States. A popular spot for cliff jumpers, the views here are out of this world.
If you’re up for a serious hike, make your next stop the island’s famous Green Sand Beach. It’s worth noting that this is a 5+ mile hike round-trip across rugged terrain along the coast. Do this one only if you have enough time, water, and sun protection – there’s no shade at all on this trail.
There is also the option to ride in the back of a local truck to reach the beach, but it’s not the most comfortable ride.
If you prefer your beaches with an adjacent parking lot, skip the Green Sand Beach and head straight to the black sands of Punalu’u Beach. Lined with beautiful palms, you’ll often find Hawaii’s green sea turtles (honu) resting on the warm black sands.
If you’re moving to the Hilo side for the rest of your stay, continue to your Hilo hotel.
Foodie Highlights
- The Coffee Shack
- Punalu’u Bake Shop for malasadas
Day 6: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (full day)
- Chain of Craters Road and the Thurston Lava Tube
- View lava flows from Mauna Loa and Kīlauea
Get ready for an explosive experience—literally! Head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the most active volcanoes on the planet.
If you’re coming from the Kona side, make the drive across the center of the island today and access the park via Hilo.
Stop for breakfast in Hilo at Paul’s Place, a tiny cafe with just three tables serving delicious waffles and Eggs Benedict. Reservations are strongly recommended for this one!
From there, continue south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Start at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and check current volcanic activity and closures.
In the morning, explore the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes with various hiking trails.
Grab lunch in Volcano Village at Cafe Ono. In the afternoon, drive the Chain of Craters Road and explore the Thurston Lava Tube, where you can walk inside a prehistoric pathway carved by molten lava.
👉 Tip: Another fun way to explore the park is with the popular Fat Tire E-Bike Tour through Volcanoes National Park.
After a full day, head back to Hilo for dinner at Jackie Rey’s Hilo
Foodie Highlights
- Paul’s Place for breakfast
- Cafe Ono in Volcano Village for lunch
- Jackie Rey’s Hilo for dinner
Day 7: Hilo, Waterfalls, & the Hamakua Coast
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Rainbow Falls
- Drive the Hamakua coast to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
- Stargazing at Mauna Kea
Start your day with a visit to the Hilo Farmer’s Market, open daily from 7:00am – 3:00pm. Grab some fresh fruit for breakfast or just explore the stands with locally-made crafts.
For a heartier breakfast, head over to Ken’s House of Pancakes (trust me, you won’t leave hungry!).
From there, make the short drive to Rainbow Falls. There’s a convenient parking lot right by the falls, so this one is easy to visit. The morning hours are best for rainbow sightings over the falls.
Just down the road from Rainbow Falls, stop by the Boiling Pots, a series of basalt-ringed, bubbly pools on the Wailuku River. They’re most active after a heavy rain.
Next up, head to Akaka Falls State Park. There’s a short hike along a lush trail to reach the towering Akaka Falls. After the hike, stop at the Tex Drive-In in Honokaa for delicious malasadas.
From there, continue along the Hamakua Coast to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. With gorgeous views over the valley, it’s a great place for photos.
Tonight, if the skies are clear, head up to Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing. The summit is high above sea level on a dormant volcano, and there’s simply no better way to end a terrific week on the Big Island. (Don’t forget to bundle up, it’s chilly up there!)
👉 Tip: The incredible Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour is the #1 way to experience the summit in style.
Foodie Highlights
- Fresh fruit at the Hilo Farmer’s Market
- Malasadas at Tex Drive-In
Wrapping up a fun week on the Big Island!
If you tackled everything on this 7-day Big Island itinerary, you’ll end your vacation knowing you’ve seen all the best this beautiful Hawaiian island has to offer.
And if you didn’t? Even better!
Now you have a great reason to come back. And after spending an amazing week on Hawaii’s biggest island, there’s no doubt you’ll want to!
Visiting more Hawaiian islands? Here are more island itineraries:
One Perfect Week on Kauai: A Foolproof 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🌺
How to Spend a Week on Maui: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🌈
I Live in Honolulu, Here’s My Foolproof 7-Day Oahu Itinerary for an Epic Vacation 🌈🌺🚗
