4-Day Huge Island Itinerary for Outside Lovers – Bearfoot Principle

The Huge Island of Hawaii definitely has no scarcity of unimaginable out of doors adventures. The island is a paradise for anybody who likes to get out in nature, from exploring lush forests and delightful seashores to climbing up volcanoes and thru lava tubes.

As a frequent traveler to Hawaii, I’ve spent quite a lot of time exploring the Huge Island and comprehend it just like the again of my hand. I’ve accomplished many Huge Island itineraries and have the inside track on the finest locations to see, issues to do, and learn how to escape the crowds.

This four-day adventure-packed Huge Island itinerary will take you to among the most spectacular websites on the Huge Island together with energetic volcanoes, waterfalls, marine life, and extra.

Huge Island Itinerary at a Look

The Huge Island is understood for its number of unimaginable out of doors adventures, so this Huge Island itinerary is geared towards guests who need to get outdoors and discover. Right here’s what you will note and do:

Day 1: Kealakekua Bay & Mauna Kea

Morning – Snorkeling

Begin your Huge Island itinerary by spending the day at Kealakekua Bay on the Kona aspect of the island.

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary and is the finest spot for snorkeling on the island.

The bay is residence to plentiful marine life together with spinner dolphins, inexperienced sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.

Not solely is the bay nice for snorkeling, nevertheless it’s additionally a spot of historic significance. Kealakekua Bay is the place Captain James Prepare dinner, the famend British explorer, first set foot on the island in 1778.

There are 3 ways to get to Kealakekua Bay:

1. Boat tour

The best and hottest methodology for visiting Kealakekua Bay is by taking a ship tour. The wonderful thing about a ship tour shouldn’t be solely will you get to snorkel, however you additionally get to see the colourful volcanic shoreline with sea caves, blow holes, and lava tubes.

Again in 2006, BFT Founder Kristen lived on the Huge Island and labored as a deckhand for Captain Zodiac, one of many Huge Island’s few licensed sustainable tour operators. They’re nonetheless in enterprise at this time and provide one of the crucial thrilling boat excursions to Kealakakua Bay. On this tour, you’ll be touring on a 16-passenger fast-moving zodiac raft that may get so much nearer to the shoreline than a bigger catamaran. The trip may be very bumpy although, so solely do that should you’re prepared to carry on.

No matter what boat tour you select, most provide snorkels and fins so that you don’t have to fret about bringing your personal.

2. Kayaking

In order for you a extra adventurous approach to expertise the bay, take into account renting kayaks and paddling right down to Kealakekua Bay from a close-by launch level.

I like to recommend going with a guided kayaking tour, as permits are obligatory for every kayak that enters the bay.

You can too lease a kayak that has a allow and enterprise out by yourself. Kayak leases can be found on the aspect of Freeway 11 and alongside Route 160, the highway that takes you to the bay.

3. Hike the Ka’awaloa Path 

There’s a difficult climbing path right down to Kealakekua Bay. The path is 3.8 miles roundtrip and is sort of steep. Kristen did this hike usually when she lived on the Huge Island and located it to be nice for train, however I believed the hike again to the trailhead was fairly exhausting after a few hours of snorkeling.

Nonetheless, should you’re seeking to mix climbing and snorkeling, it is a nice approach to spend the day. Get to the trailhead early as parking is restricted. The path travels via grasslands with sweeping ocean views, shedding at 1,200 toes as you hike right down to the Bay. Simply remember there’s hardly any shade on this hike, and also you’ll have to convey your personal snorkeling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and loads of water and snacks. Then give your self loads of time to snorkel and for the trek again to your automobile.

Night – Mauna Kea

After a day of snorkeling and spending the afternoon stress-free at your resort, head as much as the highest of Mauna Kea for sundown.

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on this planet when measured from its base on the seafloor, and it towers over the Huge Island’s stunning panorama.

The 13,803 foot summit has among the finest stargazing alternatives on this planet attributable to its excessive elevation and lack of sunshine air pollution. The view from Mauna Kea is an unforgettable expertise!

A four-wheel-drive car is required previous the Customer Middle to the summit. Additionally, cease by the Customer Middle to acclimate earlier than heading to the summit.

In the event you don’t really feel like driving, there are lots of tour firms that supply sundown/stargazing excursions as much as Mauna Kea.

It will get chilly on the summit, so convey a heat jacket. In case you are fortunate, you may even see some snow!

Tip: You don’t must lease a 4WD throughout your complete keep on the island. We solely rented one for the day we wanted it for Mauna Kea and it was nicely value the fee. We then returned it for a less expensive automobile for the rest of our journey.

Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park and Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside

Morning – Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the prime issues to do on this Huge Island itinerary. This Nationwide Park is residence to 2 energetic volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It’s additionally residence to among the finest climbing trails in Hawaii and quite a few cultural websites.

I like to recommend beginning your day earlier than dawn to maximise your time within the park, particularly in case you are staying on the Kona aspect of the island.

The scenic drive to the park from Kona takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (or 40 minutes from Hilo).

There are a number of issues to do on the park – under is the itinerary we adopted throughout our quick go to. When you have extra time and are searching for further hikes, issues to do, and tenting information, head to Bearfoot Principle’s Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park Journey Information.

The very first thing you must do while you get to the Park is cease by the Guests Middle. There you possibly can study in regards to the newest volcanic exercise, which can dictate what you’re in a position to do within the Park.

Listed below are some concepts for a half day in Volcanoes Nationwide Park

• Hike to Sulphur Banks from the Customer Middle to see colourful steam deposits and billowing vapors
• Kīlauea Overlook to look at the magnificent Kīlauea Caldera
• Steam Vents, that are brought on by the strain of the magma under
• Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava tube shaped when a scorching river of lava flowed into solidified rock and cooled.
• Chain of Craters Highway
• Kealakomo Overlook for beautiful ocean views
• Holei Sea Arch, a powerful lava rock formation.
• Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs & Mountaineering Path, a 1.4-mile path that options over 23,000 petroglyphs

Bonus possibility: See Kīlauea erupting! In case you are fortunate sufficient to go to throughout an eruption of Kīlauea, we suggest skipping Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside talked about under and staying on the park till darkish to catch a glimpse of the lava flowing.

Lately, the very best locations to observe the lava move have been from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater or Kīlauea Overlook if you could find parking.

Afternoon – Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside

When you have time after visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, make your approach to Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside, which is positioned about 19 minutes from the Park.

Usually referred to as the “finest black sand seaside on the Huge Island”, Punaluʻu Seaside is to not be missed in your Huge Island itinerary.

This seaside can also be residence to endangered species such because the Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles, which you’ll usually discover resting right here. Keep in mind to comply with pointers and don’t disturb the wildlife.

Day 3 – Seaside Day and Night time Snorkel with Manta Rays

Morning – Seaside Day

Since yesterday was a busy day, at this time will probably be a bit extra stress-free. That is the right day to go to the seaside, sit back, and absorb the solar.

We suggest spending the day at Hapuna Seaside alongside the Kohala Coast. This white sand seaside is the biggest white sand seaside on the Huge Island and is without doubt one of the most stunning seashores in Hawaii.

Hapuna Seaside is superb for swimming and snorkeling if the waves are calm. Concentrate on shore breaks and powerful currents, although, and keep away from swimming if the waves are excessive.

In the event you go to from December to March, you may even see some humpback whales within the distance. We received fortunate and noticed them breach out of the water whereas mendacity on the seaside!

Notice: There may be an entrance price of $5 per particular person and parking is $10 per car. Youngsters below three years previous enter without cost. The parking price put us off throughout our first go to right here, nevertheless it was value it!

Another choice is to spend the day at Kua Bay, a pristine paradise with a white sand seaside simply north of Kona.

The water is crystal clear and ideal for swimming and snorkeling when the waves are calm.

The seaside has no shade, although, so convey a solar shade and reef-safe sunscreen. Parking is free and there’s no entrance price.

Night – Night time Snorkel with Manta Rays

As we speak you’ll finish your day with a unprecedented expertise: snorkeling (or SCUBA Diving) with manta rays in Kona!

Not many locations on this planet provide this expertise, however fortunately the Huge Island does. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will take you into the open ocean to observe these majestic creatures feed on plankton below the starry night time sky.

Shiny lights are illuminated within the space, creating an otherworldly scene as these mild giants glide gracefully via the water. It’s a surreal encounter that may depart you in awe of the pure wonders that the ocean holds.

If there’s one tour you must splurge on throughout your journey to the Huge Island, that is it! We’ve snorkeled with mantas on The Huge Island twice and wouldn’t hesitate to do it once more. The guides are very educated and respectful and the expertise is unforgettable.

We suggest reserving with Sea Paradise, Kona Ocean Adventures, or Hawaii Oceanic. We went with Sea Paradise and the expertise was superb. We extremely suggest them!

Manta rays are a protected species in Hawaii, so respect their habitat and comply with all related security pointers.

Notice: Lately, swimming with manta rays has grow to be more and more standard. There are not any security or sustainability finest practices in place, which has led Hawaii Ocean Watch to not take into account it an eco-friendly exercise anymore.

Day 4: Discover Hilo

On the ultimate day of your Huge Island itinerary, you’ll discover town of Hilo. Located on the jap aspect of the Huge Island, this charming city is understood for its lush rainforests and small-town vibes.

We suggest grabbing breakfast in Kona and venturing to Hilo. Whereas the drive is 1 hour and half-hour, it’s scenic and peaceable. I’ve accomplished this drive quite a few occasions, and it’s at all times a spotlight of my journey!

Listed below are a number of stops and adventures I like to recommend whereas visiting Hilo:

Rainbow Falls

Begin your day with a go to to Rainbow Falls the place you possibly can view an 80-foot-tall waterfall cascading right into a pool under.

The waterfall will get its title from the rainbows that always seem within the mist when the solar’s rays hit the water.

The Falls may be simply accessed because it’s positioned a number of steps from the parking zone.

Notice: swimming is now not allowed attributable to security causes. Throughout our final go to, we noticed some individuals trying to leap into the pool under the falls, however don’t be tempted to take action because it’s extraordinarily harmful. The indicators hold everybody protected and we urge you to respect them.

Akaka Falls

Take a brief 6-minute drive from Rainbow Falls to the beautiful Akaka Falls State Park.

Right here you’ll discover two of Hawaii’s most iconic waterfalls: Kahuna and Akaka.

Kahuna is a 100-foot waterfall that tumbles over a sheer cliff face, whereas Akaka Falls is a robust 442-foot waterfall that drops right into a stream-eroded gorge. Most individuals normally come right here to see Akaka Falls, however because you’re already there, you may as nicely take a look at each!

The falls may be accessed through a brief and straightforward 0.4-mile loop path. The paved route contains a number of steps however is well-maintained and straightforward to navigate.

Swimming can also be not allowed right here, however the views from the overlooks are unimaginable and definitely worth the go to.

Pe’e Pe’e Falls

The final waterfall to go to at this time is Pe’e Pe’e Falls, positioned a brief 9-minute drive away from Akaka Falls.

This hidden gem is without doubt one of the lesser-known waterfalls on the Huge Island, nevertheless it’s nicely value a go to in case you are within the space and have a while. These falls are fed by the Wailuku River, which additionally feeds Rainbow Falls.

Sadly, climbing right down to the waterfall and pool is now not permitted attributable to security issues. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless observe a partial view of the waterfall from a lookout level close to the parking space.

Kaumana Caves

Earlier than you head again to Kona, make a cease at Kaumana Caves. Situated simply 6 minutes away from Pe’e Pe’e Falls, the caves are an unimaginable lava tube cave system and one of the crucial distinctive points of interest on the Huge Island.

The caves had been created by a move of lava from Mauna Loa in 1880 and are a part of a 25-mile-long lava tube. As we speak, guests can discover the caves and their tunnels extending greater than two miles.

Keep in mind to convey a headlamp, good sneakers, and loads of water. The cave is perhaps muddy and slippery in spots, so watch out whereas exploring.

As a be aware, there are many mosquitos right here. I at all times convey some insect repellent to keep away from bites. However don’t let that deter you from visiting! The beautiful pure formations within the caves are nicely definitely worth the minor inconvenience of mosquitos.

These caves are additionally a part of the primary motive I am going to the Hilo aspect of the island.

Downtown Hilo for Meals

Lastly, seize a chunk to eat in downtown Hilo earlier than driving again to Kona. This charming city is stuffed with nice eating places and cafes that supply scrumptious native and worldwide delicacies. That is at all times our final cease on our Hilo highway journey, and it by no means disappoints.

For recent seafood, take a look at Seaside Restaurant, Moon and Turtle, or Pineapple’s Island Contemporary Delicacies. Our prime favourite restaurant is Seaside Restaurant – we extremely suggest the teriyaki butterfish and the fried aholehole. Each had been scrumptious and cooked to perfection.

In the event you’re searching for one thing extra informal, head to Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, Cafe Pesto, or Ken’s Home of Pancakes. In the event you love breakfast as a lot as we do, pancakes at Ken’s Home of Pancakes are a must-try!

For a fast chunk to eat, Hilo Bay Cafe and Hawaiian Fashion Cafe are our favorites. Hilo Bay Cafe has among the finest views on the town and Hawaiian Fashion Cafe is understood for its scrumptious pancakes, steak and eggs, and vegetarian choices.

For a scrumptious vegan Vietnamese impressed meal, head to the Vegan Store.

And, after all, a visit to Hilo isn’t full with out a go to to Two Girls Kitchen for among the finest mochi on the island. Whereas we at all times have to attend in line, it’s at all times value it for his or her recent and flavorful mochi.

Attending to the Huge Island

The Huge Island has two fundamental airports: Kona Worldwide Airport to the west and Hilo Worldwide Airport to the east.

I flew into the Kona Worldwide Airport since most flights arrive there. Kona can also be the place most guests keep whereas exploring the island.

Because the Huge Island is “huge” (therefore the title), renting a automobile in your keep is finest. This provides you with the liberty to discover the island and expertise all that it has to supply.

Rental vehicles may be picked up on the Kona airport. You’ll positively wish to guide forward, although.

Huge Island Climate

The climate on the Huge Island of Hawaii is as various as its terrain, creating a novel expertise not like another island.

Some areas obtain no rainfall all year long, leading to dry landscapes, whereas locations like Hilo and Puna are identified for constant rain, making the east aspect of the island extra lush.

The moist climate on the east coast is the primary motive most vacationers keep in Kona in comparison with Hilo. Kona has extra sunny days, whereas Hilo will get extra rain.

The island maintains a heat tropical local weather year-round, with coastal areas averaging temperatures between 75-85°F within the winter and summer time. Nonetheless, increased elevations like Mauna Kea, Waimea, and sure inland areas may be cooler.

The summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai may be chilly since they’re above 10,000 toes excessive. Be sure you pack heat layers should you plan to journey up any of those mountains.

We’ve visited the Huge Island a number of occasions through the winter and summer time months and might attest that the climate is heat and fulfilling all 12 months spherical.

Whereas it’d rain extra within the winter, it usually passes rapidly, and you may nonetheless benefit from the solar for a lot of the day.

Save this submit to Pinterest

What questions do you’ve about this Huge Island itinerary? In the event you’ve visited, what else would you add? Depart a remark under!

Associated Posts