3-Day Travel Guide For Big Island, Hawaii

Last Updated on Dec 7 2023 by Bruddah Ron

From lush eye-popping greenery to white and black sandy beaches, and evergreen jungles, the Big Island of Hawai’i has something for every visitor. In fact, you can easily spend several weeks here and still find new places to explore. However, even with a limited time of 3 days, this itinerary will help you sample the best that the Big Island has to offer.

I’ve put together a Google map of all the notable locations and more here: link.

Here is a summary of the itinerary:
Day 1: Hilo town and Mauna Kea in the afternoon/evening
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Special beaches, the most southern point in the USA, and Manta Ray swimming

Getting Around the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island might be ‘BIG’ for Hawaiian standards but in absolute measure it is quite small. At the widest point, the island only measures 95 miles across! Regardless, it is still almost twice as big as all other Hawaiian Islands combined. Because it’s a large island, we recommend a rental car for flexibility and ease, and we strongly suggest booking before you arrive. All the major rental companies are found on the island of Hawaiʻi. There are also guided tours of every type, from bus tours and taxis to shuttle services and private limos. Rental car agencies are located at the Kona and Hilo International Airports as well as some resorts. 

What To Pack For Your Big Island Trip

Your clothing should be light weight and breathable, geared toward warmer tropical temperatures and humidity. The Big Island is fairly casual, so you will be good with mostly shorts, sandals, summery shirts, sundresses, swimwear and good walking shoes. You may want to bring one or two dressier outfits for a nice dinner or cocktails and even a sweater or fleece for chilly nights. If you ascend Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, expect temperatures in the 40s, so layer up!

When to visit the Big Island of Hawaii

The weather in Hawaii stays temperate year-round. So, even in December you can get sunny warm days, depending on where you stay. In the winter, the weather in Hilo and the rest of the windward side drops to about 65 F (although highs are still in the higher 70s). However, the leeward side remains warm, specifically Kona, with an average temperature of about 80 F. The summer tends to bring hordes of tourists to the island. Thus, the shoulder season months of May and early June, and September are best for visiting the Big Island. Avoid the holiday season and major holidays as it can get quite crowded. However, the Big Island of Hawai’i is not quite as busy as Maui and Oahu. So, if you want to visit a Hawaiian island during the holidays, this island is a better bet.

Day 1: Explore Hilo and Mauna Kea in the afternoon/evening

1A. ‘Akaka Falls: a Spectacular 422 ft Waterfall in Hilo

You can only see the falls after a pleasant and short 0.4-mile hike from the parking lot. This walk is called the ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail and is an easy hike that is doable for the whole family. Completing it can take up to 1/2 hour if you take your time and the trail head is easy to find: directly off the parking lot.

The walk to the ʻAkaka falls takes you through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns. Try not to rush ahead to see the waterfall but take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The accessible portion of the park lies high on the western shoulder of the deep gorge into which the ‘Akaka waterfall plunges, and the falls can be viewed from several points along the trail through the park.

The entrance fee to the park is $5.00 per individual, entrance for Hawaiʻi residents is free. The parking fee is $10 per vehicle, but is waived for residents that can show a state ID or drivers license.

1B. Downtown Hilo and Liliuokalani Gardens

Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaiʻi’s biggest small town featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts — many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places — housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.

Start your visit with a stroll down Kamehameha Avenue facing beautiful Hilo Bay and discover a variety of local shops, restaurants and attractions including the modern aloha wear at Sig Zane Designs, the neo-classical Palace Theatre built in 1925, and the bustling Hilo Farmers Market. You’ll also find a variety of art galleries featuring paintings, woodwork, glasswork and jewelry from artists with a unique island point of view. Visit the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, the central hub of the Hilo art scene, dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural, creative and traditional arts on the island.

Right by downtown Hilo is the beautiful Liliuokalani Gardens, a well-designed, wide-open, beautiful garden and beach park. The park has the name of the last monarch of Hawaii: Queen Liliuokalani. There are some pavilions with shade, huge trees with shade, and don’t forget to stop by Ali’i Ice for some amazing ice cream bars (paletas) with real fruit flavor and REAL FRUIT inside the bar!

1C. Kauma Caves near Hilo

Created during the 1881 lava flows into the areas around Hilo, The Kaumana Caves are a fascinating place to explore as part of the Kaumana Caves State Park and they are free to visit. You can visit the entrance to the cave areas and a short distance before it actually becomes private property and you cannot go further.

Formed after a significant lava flow from Mauna Loa threatened the city of Hilo in 1881, Kaumana is one of the best destinations to learn and witness the impact of volcanic activity and how these lava flows can destroy as well as create. If you’re a cave junkie and are planning a visit to the Big Island, you won’t want to miss Kaumana Cave. Exploring caves can be dangerous, so exercise caution at all times. Also, if it is raining hard, We don’t recommend going beyond the cave entrance due to the chance of flooding.

1D. Rainbow Falls & PeePee Falls

One of several falls along the path of the Wailuku River in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall to visit early in the morning. The Rainbow Falls cascade 80 ft over a lava cave. compared to its significantly taller (422 ft!) neighbor, the ʻAkaka falls, the Rainbow Falls win out for accessibility and for how close you get to see the waterfall – either directly from the parking lot or from the top of the falls after a several minute hike. Pe’e Pe’e Falls fed by the Wailuku River which also feeds Rainbow Falls further down river. From the overlook area, you can get a partial view of the falls, depending on the flow.

1E. Mauna Kea

Early Hawaiians named the volcanic mountain Mauna Kea, or “white mountain,” for the snow that caps its broad slopes for parts of the year. It’s been more than 4,000 years since Mauna kea last erupted. Now, it is an observatory and a wonderful place to be above the clouds and enjoy the sunset! 

As the highest point in not only Hawaiʻi but the entire Pacific Basin, Maunakea serves an important role in the scientific community as a hub of astronomical observation. From the dry, cloudless atmosphere of Maunakea, it is possible to observe galaxies at the farthest edges of the observable universe. 

There are two logical destinations on MaunaKea if you want to visit for stargazing: the visitor station halfway up the volcano and the telescopes at the summit. You can reach the visitor station with any car. To get all the way to the summit you need a 4WD vehicle with good brakes to navigate the steep and winding gravel road to the summit.

https://youtube.com/shorts/FrAUGzXNaZs?si=NNRN5CKnFe4zazf8

Side note: what we did after sunset was we walked across from the visitor center to enjoy the stars and take night photos! Mauna Kea is so far from major city lights, that you can see so many stars with your naked eye.

Day 2: Visit the Volcanoes National Park, drive through the southern part

2A. Volcanoes National Park Kilauea Visitor Center

The first stop that we recommend before you embark and truly explore the park is to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kilauea Visitor Center where it is possible to get information about what to do in the park, where to hike, and details about other activities. In order to visit Volcanoes National Park, the fee is $15 per person if traveling by foot or bicycle, $25 per motorcycle, and $30 per vehicle.  Here at the visitor center, you can ask questions and also sign up for the ranger-led tours they have.

2B. Chain of Craters Road + Kealakomo Overlook

Chain of Craters Road is the most scenic drive of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is filled with lava fields, flows, and pit craters. The road stretches for 19 miles from the summit of Kilauea Volcano to the sea. If solely driving the road, your trip will start from several pit craters, including Lua Manu and Koʻokoʻolau. Then, take a trip down Hilina Pali Road, and see breathtaking views at the end of the road. About four miles in, you’ll find several campgrounds like Kulanaokuaiki, the old Kipuka Nene Campground. The next stop is at a 150-foot-wide and 165-foot-deep crater called Devil’s Throat. Further down the road, you’ll see the Hi’iaka and Pauahi Craters. Other must-sees are the 7-mile-long Napau Crater Trailhead with fascinating landscapes, Mau Loa O Mauna Ulu, a black sea of pahoehoe lava, Halona Kahakai pullout with opportunities to view the coast, Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Field, and Holei Sea Arch.

AND GO TO KEALAKOMO OVERLOOK FOR THE SUNSET! It was incredibly windy (maybe 25mph winds), but this was recommended to us by Ranger Andy and it was beautiful! There is a picnic area here and it overlooks the sea level and ocean in the distance. Meanwhile, the sun sets beautifully in the distance. This place was gorgeous.

2C. Crater Rim Drive

Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that travels across the Kilauea summit caldera from Uēkahuna to Keanakākoʻi Crater and boasts picturesque vistas and hiking opportunities. A good place to start your trip is at the Kilauea Visitor Center. The rangers will provide you with all the necessary information and a map. Wander for several minutes in the museum to get acquainted with the life of the area. Furthermore, visit Sulfur Banks, an open area covered with sulfur, Steam Vents, the beating heart of the volcano, Jaggar Museum & Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Southwest Rift Zone, Keanakako’ i Overlook, and Kilauea Iki Overlook.

Along the drive, you will find a few stops to park and walk over to the various parts of the rim. Note that when Kilauea erupts, it will be very busy here, because many people will flock to see lava.

2D. Steam Vents

One mile past the Kilauea Visitor Center, you’ll find the Steam Vents area. Hawaiians call it Wahinekapu. Groundwater and rain seep into the warm rocks and evaporate, returning to the surface as steam. You can explore this thermal wonder and feel the breath of Mount Kilauea. The landscape here changes from rain forests to grassy fields as only some shallow-rooted plants can survive in this region. Enjoy a short walk on a trail starting from the Steam Vents parking lot and stretching to Steaming Bluff. The area bears unique cultural significance.

2E. Devastation Trail

The Devastation Trail is one of the main volcanic sites you can reach from Crater Rim Drive. This paved path stretches through the landscape buried under the cinder from lava fountains dating back to the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. There’s a parking place at the beginning of the trail. The trail is easy to walk and spans merely a mile round trip. Along your way, stop at the Kilauea Iki Crater and walk to a former lava lake. After a short walk through a tree-lined path, you’ll reach the lands devastated by lava. Take a closer look at the ground, and you’ll see volcanic debris in the form of strands, which are drops called Pele’s Tears and Hair. If you’re lucky, you’ll see Hawaiian geese, known as nene, on your path.

2F. Halema’uma’u Crater

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is a pit crater located within the Kīlauea Caldera at the top of Kīlauea volcano. This is the most active vent of the volcano. The crater is about 280 feet deep and 3,000 feet across. Its size has significantly changed over the last century because the magma flows under the surface and sometimes erupts, filling the crater’s floor. To visit, you must hike the moderately-difficult trail.

2G. Holei Sea Arch

Hōlei Sea Arch is located at the end of Chain of Craters Road. Take a short walk along the road, and you’ll see a massive lava rock formation about 90 feet high stretching from the sea cliffs into the Pacific Ocean. This basalt formation was born from marine erosion in which the waves of the ocean made a natural bridge. Holei Arch is one of the youngest sites of Volcanoes National Park. It was created only in the last 100 years!

2H. Kīlauea Iki (Trail)

If you’re looking for one of the most unique hikes on the Big Island, the Kilauea Iki trail, located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, might just fit the bill. You’ll hike through a lush rainforest onto a solidified lava lake from a volcanic eruption.

Although Kīlauea Iki is peaceful now, you can still feel the pulsating magma through the volcano. To reach the site, drive along Crater Rim Road for a few miles until you find the large parking place for the Kīlauea Iki Trail. It is not a wheelchair or stroller-friendly trail.

2I. Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs

The Pu’u Loa petroglyph field in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the largest petroglyph field of Polynesia, and it is easy to visit once you are in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A 0.7 (or 1.4 round-trip) mile hike takes you to a boardwalk that encircles ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. Pu’u Loa meant ‘Long Hill’, but was also interpreted by Hawaiians to mean ‘Long Life’. For many generations, Hawaiian fathers came to Pu’u Loa and placed their newborn’s umbilical cord in small holes scattered about the site, hoping for a long life for their children. You can find many thousands of these holes in the Pu’u Loa petroglyph field.

2J. Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Take a walk in the dark through Nāhuku, known as the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava cave located at an altitude of 3,900 feet. There are several similar caves throughout the park, but Nahuku is the most accessible and definitely the most famous. The Thurston Lava Tube was discovered in 1913. Lava drippings once covered its roof, which later disappeared because of souvenir collectors. The entrance of the cave is equipped with electric lights and has a flat rock floor, but after a short stroll, you’ll reach the section that is completely dark with an uneven floor, so be sure to have strong flashlights.

2k. EXITING the PARK — Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Situated between Pahala and Naalehu on the southeastern Kaʻu coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the distinguished areas on the Big Island. The black sand formed as a result of the rapid cooling of basaltic lava that hit the ocean water and shattered into tiny pieces. The waves pushed the sand black to shore, so the beach evolved. Punaluu is home to endangered Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

2L. BIG CLIFF JUMP / the Southern-most point in the USA

Here is a video I found. THIS IS NOTE ME JUMPING! I visited the location, saw the height of the jump and said “NOPE.” Note that there was nothing else here, except a shave ice stand and porta-potties and this jump. If you want to jump though, this was probably the most clear, blue, and welcoming water I’ve seen in Hawaii!

https://youtube.com/shorts/Z6e6ci0b_8k?si=x_kPPsLk24p9vRbB

Day 3: KONA – beaches and Manta Rays

It is a long drive from the Volcanic National Park to the town of Kona, so you can try and break it up. However, once you reach Kona, you will see that it is the most developed part of the Big Island and honestly, the least interesting because of that. They have a resort, a Walmart, big car dealerships… if I wanted that, I could stay on Oahu. Anyway, the top highlight for me was the Manta Ray swim!

3A. Saddle Road

From coastal highways with stellar views of the Pacific Ocean to roads that traverse between and through the mountainous inland. This particular highway is one of the Aloha State’s most mysterious, and we think everyone needs to drive it at least once. Along the way, you will witness a beautiful contrast in ecosystems and landscapes ranging from foggy deserts to tropical forests. The driving duration may vary for some, but the stunning views, such as the picturesque snow tops of the volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa make the ride quite pleasurable.

3B. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Located at Hōnaunau Bay in South Kona, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most sacred historic places. Follow the park and map and take a self-guided walking tour and explore the grounds including the Great Wall, standing 12-feet high and 18-feet thick. Fierce kiʻi, or wooden images of gods, guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple that housed the bones of 23 aliʻi (chiefs). A black lava rock shoreline hindered those who broke kapu from approaching by sea.

3C. Ahuena Heiau

If you are the kind of person who enjoys the excitement of archeology, then this next spot on your tour around the island maybe just what you are looking for. Ahu’ena Heiau was reconstructed by King Kamehameha as his retreat and the place where he mentored his successor Liholiho. Today Ahuena Heiau features a thatched structure that represents how the sacred site may have appeared in ancient times. Standing watch over the site are carved statues of sacred images known as ki’i. Ahuena was dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture, peace and prosperity, and nearby were fishponds and gardens.

3D. Mokuaikaua Church

The steeple of the Mokuaikaua Church reaches toward heaven amid the tourist shops and restaurants on Ali’i Drive, a testament to the industriousness and belief of Hawai’i’s first Christian missionaries. The church building is almost 200 years old and in the rear of the church, is a museum area showcasing historical documents and artifacts on display, a replica of the brig Thaddeus that brought the first Christian missionaries to Hawaii, and an audio recording that plays over speakers.

3E. Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Perched on a private peninsula, Maniniʻowali offers some of Kona’s clearest ocean views. Its three-quarter-mile white-sand beach, backed by lava rock and the turquoise reef, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. Soak in spectacular tropical sunsets and cool off in the crystal waters of Kua Bay with the warm pink rays of the beautiful setting sun reflecting off its pristine waters. The water is generally very calm and transparent, making it an excellent place for water activities. However, there can be strong currents and high surf during winter, so check with a local before going out into the ocean. Located just south of Kailua-Kona town, it does not offer the best protection from the sun. There are no trees or shade on the beach, so bring an umbrella or hat.  

3F. Makalawena/Pu’u Ali’i Beach

Makalawena Beach is one of those harder to reach beaches on the Big Island, but unlike most of the others, this one gets talked about by out of state visitors. The reason is because this is a truly special beach. It’s worth a walk of about a mile across a dry lava field on loose sharp rocks that absorb heat from the sun. Folks will bring all they need for the day to stay a long time and enjoy this amazing location.

Swimming is good here except during periods of rough surf. Snorkeling is decent on the north and south sides of Puu Alii Bay where Makalawena Beach is located. The sand is here is soft and white, and there are beautiful (and rare) dunes behind the beach. Shade trees make Makalawena just that much easier to enjoy the time there.

3G. MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL AND DIVE

The famous manta ray night dive in Kona is widely regarded as one of the most memorable dives and swimming with manta rays is one of the Big Island activities that you shouldn’t miss. During the manta ray night snorkel you will spend your time in the water looking down while holding on to a flotation device. Bright lights are projected down into the water to attract plankton. The manta rays feed on this plankton and come very close to the water surface while feeding. Book a tour for the best experience. Book your tour here.

3F. Captain Cook Monument Cruise

A popular excursion while visiting the Big Island is to take a Captain Cook snorkel tour to Kealakekua Bay. It has one of the most pristine waters to view all kinds of marine life and coral, watch dolphins frolic and show off, and it’s a famed historical site. Or you can do the hike down to Kealakekua Bay (it takes maybe 1:30 down and 2 hours up)

You’ll enjoy being in the salty, cool waters, swimming with yellow tang and sea turtles, and hearing parrotfish eat algae off the coral. Today the site is a popular location for snorkeling due to its clear and calm conditions.  Dolphins, manta rays and tropical fish are commonly seen in these waters.