Look no further if you’re itching to craft the best Hawaii itinerary for your 5-day Big Island trip. Here’s a laid-back yet detailed guide to help you soak up the best of this tropical paradise in five days. Think of vibrant volcanoes, picture-postcard beaches, and local must-eats that’ll have your tastebuds doing the hula. Get ready to pack those bags, slap on some sunscreen, and roll out on a Big Island road trip that’s all thrill, no chill!
What to do on the Big Island for 5 days
Many travelers who visit the Big Island ask themselves: how many days in Hawaii is enough? We will show you that while there will always be more to do, you can see a lot on the Big Island in five days! Continue reading this Big Island 5 day itinerary to see what we recommend.
5 day itinerary tips if you’re traveling to the Big Island
- Day 1: Explore Mauna Kea and visit Big Island sandy beaches
- Day 2: Take a helicopter ride, zip line and see amazing waterfalls near Hilo
- Day 3: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, including the Thurston Lava Tube; see a black sand beach.
- Day 4: Explore Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (City of Refuge), The Painted Church, snorkel Two Step beach, and trek the Captain Cook Memorial trail.
- Day 5: Travel to Kona, Hawaii, and go on a coffee farm tour, snorkel or kayak Kealakekua Bay, and attend a luau.
Big Island Itinerary Day 1: Summit Sunrises and Kona Coasts
Morning
After you’ve landed at Kona International Airport, it’s time to bask in the splendor of some of the best sandy beaches in Kona. Our favorite is Kikaua Point Beach. Visit our article on the best sandy beaches on the Big Island to read about how to find this beach (you’ll also have to get a parking pass from a parking attendant).
This beach has a huge tidal pool perfect for snorkeling. You’ll likely see lots of tropical fish and green sea turtles. Restrooms and water are available on site. Spaces at the parking lot are limited so you’ll need to arrive early or catch people leaving.
Quick tip: If you want to fit as much into your trip, take a Kona farm tour of the Vanillerie. One of two vanilla bean farms on the island, this attraction is only 5 miles from the airport.
5 Day Big Island itinerary map
Evening: Stargazing at Mauna Kea
For those captivated by the celestial, a nocturnal return to Mauna Kea’s summit is a calling. Mauna Kea is the biggest mountain on Earth, let alone the United States. In our opinion, it’s one of the best things to do on Hawai’i (Big Island). Leave the coastal hum behind for a stellar gazing experience in the crisp night air.
Remember, the summit greets us with a chill, so dress in layers. As the evening falls, you’ll witness a sunset like no other. You’re literally on top of the world! Pink and blue hues combined with orange fill the sky. At the summit, you’re higher than clouds. It’s really a unique experience.
Do make it a point to stop by the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station on your way up. This is a requirement if you’re going to the summit. You’ll have to stay for about 30 minutes to get used to the elevation. Far from mundane, this cozy hub offers a deep dive into celestial narratives and scientific wonders—plus, it’s the perfect spot to warm up with a hot chocolate.
The sky at this altitude is a canvas of unfathomable clarity, perfect for witnessing the cosmos in all its splendor. And if fortune favors, a shooting star might just streak across the sky—make a wish and savor the serene conclusion to your day. If you’re with a tour, you’ll likely have the opportunity to view starts through a telescrope.
Big Island Itinerary Day 2: Aerial Perspectives and Verdant Rainforest Environments
Morning of day 2 of this Big Island itinerary
Begin your second day with a mesmerizing helicopter tour of the island, offering unparalleled views from above. This experience promises an awe-inspiring panorama, allowing you to witness the volcanic majesty beneath without traffic constraints. It’s an exceptional opportunity to acquire stunning photographs and partake in an extraordinary breakfast journey.
Visit to Akaka Falls State Park
Proceed to the grandeur of Akaka Falls State Park, where the 422-foot cascade provides a spectacle akin to idyllic desktop wallpapers. Traverse the serene trails, absorbing the sounds of cascading waters while immersed in the verdant splendor of the surrounding rainforest. It’s an encounter that validates the early rise as an informed choice.
Afternoon
Reinvigorate your spirit with an exhilarating adventure at Umauma Falls via zipline. Sail over Hawaii’s exquisite canopy with the jubilation of unbound freedom. It’s an invitation to declare your vitality to the world, akin to a monarch’s proclamation, unencumbered by maritime tragedy.
Evening
Conclude your second day of this 5 day trip at the Hilo Farmers Market, the local hub for culinary discovery. Engage with a tapestry of vibrant fruits and savor local delicacies, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an exotic bazaar. It’s the perfect venue to casually integrate with the community and embody the quintessence of island life.
This second-day exploration of the Big Island encapsulates some of the best experiences during a 5-day travel itinerary. Whether traversing state parks, relishing in volcanic landscapes from above, or embracing the local Hawaiian culture, this day promises enchantment for every traveler.
Big Island itinerary Day 3: Volcano Marvels and Pristine Shores
Morning
Embark upon an exhilarating journey to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where a terrain reminiscent of extraterrestrial wonders awaits. Attire yourself appropriately in hiking footwear and venture onto the acclaimed Kīlauea Iki Trail.
Amidst a verdant rainforest and an expanse of cooled lava, one may encounter the ethereal glow of lava flowing if fortune favors. Going to the visitor center to procure a park guide and ascertain recommendations for less frequented locales of note is advisable. The ranger-led hikes are very informative.
Chain of Craters Road Expedition
Return to your vehicle and navigate the picturesque Chain of Craters Road with vistas that beckon the enthusiastic photographer. Allocate time for the Thurston Lava Tube, a natural formation that offers a solemn yet captivating experience akin to a geological sanctuary.
Provisioning for the day is essential as exploring this unique landscape demands physical exertion. Bring water and water bottles. A Nalgene bottle is ideal. There’s a rainwater catchment system at the park headquarters. Here, you can refill your water bottles. There are also public restrooms onsite.
Evening Big Island itinerary
The Volcano House beckons as twilight descends, inviting guests to dine, given the resplendent Kīlauea caldera. The evening culminates with local culinary delights accompanied by the traditional art of hula.
It is an immersive dining experience set against the backdrop of an active volcano. Make reservations, including lodging, if you’re staying the night in the park. There are Big Island vacation rentals nearby through VRBO as an alternative.
Alternative
If you do not want to stay at Volcanoes National Park for the night, or cannot get reservations, consider continuing to Punalu’u.
Transition to the striking Punalu’u Black Sand Beach environs, where one can experience the tactile sensation of volcanic sand underfoot. This locale is ideal for capturing a moment of natural beauty worthy of sharing. Observe from a considerate distance as the native sea turtles, or honu may grace the shores with their presence.
Don’t forget: You cannot remove sand from the beach.
This concludes Day 3 of your itinerary—full of exploration and island allure. From the simmering calderas to the labyrinthine lava tubes, capped with the enchantment of a black sand beach, this communion with the Big Island’s splendor is the quintessential start to your Hawaiian odyssey.
Big island Itinerary Day 4: Cultural Hangouts
Prepare to immerse yourself in the cultural depths and azure wonders of the Big Island on the fourth day of your Big Island itinerary. As dawn ushers in a new day, venture to the revered Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, where you’ll tread amidst the echoes of ancient warriors and experience the spiritual pulse of historical Hawaii—a journey through time without the need for fantastical inventions.
Captain Cook monument
Moving forward to mid-morning, gracefully make your way to the quaint township of Captain Cook. Exude a sense of homage at the Captain Cook Monument, and take a stroll to absorb the unique charm that this rustic haven offers.
Note: The Captain Cook monument hike could take you 1/2 the day or more, so plan accordingly
Royal Kona Resort
As twilight approaches with a kaleidoscope of colors, the Royal Kona Resort awaits your presence for an exquisite sunset cocktail experience. Indulge in picturesque views and tranquil surroundings that exude a serenity only found here, all complemented by a refreshing beverage.
Big Island Itinerary Day 5: Cultural Insights and Aquatic Splendor
Morning
Begin the day enveloped in the rich aroma of a Kona coffee farm tour such as Greenwell Farms.
You will have the distinguished pleasure of observing meticulous cultivation processes that have been refined over generations and understanding the profound impact of coffee on local customs and economy.
This experience isn’t merely about consuming a brewed beverage; it represents an endeavor into the essence of coffee’s historical and social significance.
Continue your exploration at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Here, amidst the preserved landscapes and historic structures, one may delve into the annals of time.
The park is an eminent reserve where ancient fishponds and enigmatic petroglyphs of significant cultural value offer you an insightful look into the customs and daily life of native Hawaiians. Engage in a thoughtful promenade, respecting the archeological sites—silent narrators of the island’s rich past.
Afternoon
As the sun ascends to its zenith, you shall whisk yourself away to the aquatic paradise of Kealakekua Bay. The bay, a natural marvel and historical monument, is prized for its exquisite marine ecosystems.
Don a snorkel and immerse yourself in crystalline waters teeming with vibrant coral formations and abundant tropical fish species. Witness an underwater tableau pulsating with life and an array of hues sure to captivate your senses in a trance of aquatic splendor.
Read more travel tips and guides
Evening
Conclude your day—an extraordinary quintet of discovery—with an exclusive dining experience in Kailua-Kona. Select from the finest culinary establishments and raise a glass in a sophisticated tribute to the adventures over the past several days. Some restaurants Earth by Foot highly recommends:
- Jackie Rey’s: 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy STE 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- On the Rocks: 75-5824 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
So, Is 5 days enough in Hawai’i?
You’ll never be able to spend enough time on Big Island unless you live there. However, you can hit the highlights on a 5 day trip to Hawai’i if you’re an efficient traveler and plan.
The Big Island presents an array of attractions. From the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to flaunting Kilauea volcano’s fiery displays the Big Island has so much diversity for travelers to see. State parks with trails yearning for exploration and secluded beaches sharing the secrets of the Pacific Ocean, are all at your fingertips.
Opting for renting a car is recommended for those aspiring to embark on a scenic drive along the stunning West side of the island. There are opportunities for enlightening guided tours and captivating history lessons at historic parks.
Whether journeying alone, with companions, or with family, spending five days on this island epitomizes the ultimate bucket-list experience With unrivaled sunsets, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and a palpable allure on this 5 day Big Island itinerary.
