Planning Your Trip to the Big Island: Where Do You Even Start?
Planning a trip to the Big Island can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. This island is huge, wildly diverse, and packed with things to do. The key is to slow down, focus on a few regions, and build a trip that balances adventure with downtime so you actually enjoy it.
If this is your first visit, here is what matters most:
- Plan for at least 5 to 10 days
- Rent a car ahead of time
- Choose one or two home bases
- Mix nature, culture, and beach time
You do not need to see everything. You just need to experience the right things.
Best Activities & Places to Visit on the Big Island
The Big Island is all about variety, which means your itinerary should include a mix of nature, ocean adventures, and hands-on local experiences. While there are endless things to do, a few standout activities truly define a trip here. Here are the must-do experiences you should not skip:
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- See Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls
- Relax at Hapuna Beach or Kua Bay
- Snorkel or kayak in Kealakekua Bay
- Do a manta ray night swim
- Tour a Kona coffee farm
To make your trip more memorable, add at least one interactive experience where you are not just sightseeing but actually participating. At Aloha Adventure Farms, you can:
- Ride through jungle trails on a Big Island ATV Tour
- Learn traditional skills during a Polynesian wood carving experience
- Taste fresh, locally grown produce on an exotic fruit tasting tour
These kinds of experiences give you a deeper connection to the island and are often the moments people remember most after their trip.
What’s the Best Way to Explore the Island Without Feeling Rushed?
The biggest mistake people make is trying to do too much in one day. The island is called the Big Island for a reason. Driving across it takes time, and you will enjoy it more if you slow down. And one more thing. Book your rental car early. It makes everything easier.
A better approach looks like this:
- Pick one region per day
- Plan a loose route with a few key stops
- Leave room for spontaneous stops
Break your trip into areas:
- Kohala Coast
- Hamakua Coast
- Hilo and Volcano
- Kona and South Point
Best Places to Eat on the Big Island (By Location)
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Where Should You Stay on the Big Island? (Kona vs. Hilo)
Most visitors stay on the Kona side for sunshine and beaches, while Hilo offers lush scenery and easy access to Volcanoes National Park. If you have the time, splitting your stay between both sides is the best way to experience the island.
Kona Side (Best for Beaches, Sunshine, and Convenience)
Kona is the most popular place to stay thanks to its dry climate, sandy beaches, and wide range of resorts. It is a great choice for first-time visitors and families who want easy access to activities.
Top areas and hotels in Kona:
- Waikoloa Resort Area
- Kailua-Kona Area
- Luxury Stay
👉 Best for: beaches, tours, dining, and central access to the west side
Hilo Side (Best for Nature, Waterfalls, and Volcano Access)
Hilo has a completely different feel. It is greener, quieter, and closer to some of the island’s most unique features. While it does get more rain, that is what creates the waterfalls and lush landscapes the area is known for.
Top places to stay in Hilo:
- Grand Naniloa Hotel (best hotel option in town)
- Volcano House (inside Volcanoes National Park)
- Mahana House Country Inn (peaceful, scenic stay)
- Vacation rentals (great for longer stays)
👉 Best for: waterfalls, rainforest, and exploring the volcano
Best Activities on the Big Island
A Perfect Day on the Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast is one of those places where you just want to take your time. The drive alone is worth it, with ocean views around almost every turn. If you are visiting in winter, keep an eye on the water. You might spot whales offshore.
Start your day heading north and make a few stops along the way:
- Lapakahi Historical Park for a quick walk
- Hawi town for coffee or shopping
- Pololu Valley lookout for one of the best views on the island
Driving the Hamakua Coast: Waterfalls, Views, and Hidden Gems
This side of the island feels completely different. It is green, dramatic, and full of waterfalls that are easy to access. Do not skip grabbing malasadas along the way. They are best eaten warm and somehow taste even better after a morning of exploring
A simple route for the day:
- Start at Rainbow Falls
- Stop at Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve Garden
- Walk to Akaka Falls
- Head north toward Honoka’a
Exploring Hilo and Volcanoes National Park
If you want to experience the raw power of the island, this is where you go. The landscape here has been shaped by lava, and it is constantly changing. Check current conditions before you go, since parts of this area have changed from past eruptions. Even without visible lava, it is still one of the most unique places you will ever visit
Make time for:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Kaimu black sand beach
- The Star of the Sea painted church
The Kona Side: Beaches, Ocean Adventures, and Local Favorites
Kona is where most visitors spend their time, and for good reason. It is sunny, easygoing, and full of classic Hawaii experiences. If you want to mix in something meaningful, this is also where you can connect with local culture through hands-on experiences instead of just sightseeing.
Some of the best things to do here:
- Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
- Try a manta ray night swim
- Visit a Kona coffee farm
- Spend time at Hapuna Beach
One Experience You Shouldn’t Skip: Aloha Adventure Farms
If you are looking for something that is actually fun, interactive, and memorable, this is it. At Aloha Adventure Farms, you are not just observing. You are part of the experience.
Big Island ATV Tour (Adventure + Culture)
A Big Island ATV Tour is one of the most fun and interactive experiences you can have on the Big Island. You will head out into the jungle on your own ATV, or ride in a UTV with a guide if you prefer, making your way to four different Polynesian villages representing Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.
At each stop, you will jump right into the experience by playing traditional games, trying new skills, and learning about Polynesian culture in a hands-on, engaging way. Drivers must be 16 or older, and younger guests can ride comfortably with a guide, which makes this a great option for families as well.
Polynesian Wood Carving Experience (Relaxed + Meaningful)
If you want something slower and more personal, the Polynesian wood carving tour is completely different but just as memorable. You will sit under a large mango tree overlooking the Kona coastline while learning directly from a master carver.
Step by step, you will create your own tiki using locally sourced wood like mango, monkeypod, or koa. By the end, you are not just taking home a souvenir. You are taking home something you made yourself, with a story behind it.
Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour (Simple + Delicious)
For something lighter, the Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour is an easy add-on that pairs really well with either experience. You will walk through tropical farmland, learn about how different fruits grow on the island, and taste them fresh right where they are grown. It is simple, refreshing, and a great way to slow down for a bit.
If your cultural tour is in the afternoon, start your day with a kayak and snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. You can rent kayaks right by the water at Bayside Adventures, along with snorkel gear and dry bags. Be sure to book ahead since they fill up quickly.
The snorkeling here, near the Captain Cook Monument, is some of the best on the island. The water is clear, full of marine life, and you may even spot dolphins. Just remember to give them space and enjoy from a distance.
A trip to the Big Island is not complete without a manta ray night experience. It might sound unusual to get in the ocean after dark, but it is truly unforgettable.
Lights are placed in the water to attract plankton, which brings in the manta rays. They glide and loop gracefully beneath you as they feed, often getting surprisingly close. Tours run in the evening, so they are easy to fit into your schedule. Be sure to book in advance since spots fill up quickly.
Another easy experience to fit into your trip is a Kona coffee farm visit. There are plenty to choose from, and most offer tastings and a chance to learn how the coffee is grown and processed. One standout is Holualoa Kona Coffee Company, known for its organic, award-winning coffee that you can sample and take home as a great souvenir.
After all the exploring, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the beach. Hapuna Beach is the classic white sand beach on the Big Island, but Kua Bay and Kekaha Kai State Park are also great options. If you’re looking for a surf spot, check out Pine Trees Beach, also known as Kohanaiki.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out our guide to the Big Island with Kids for more ideas.
Now that your itinerary is coming together, here are some great places to eat.
Best Places to Eat on the Big Island:
Kona
Captain Cook
Naalehu (South Point Area)
Things to Know Before You Go (Save Yourself Time and Stress)
- The island is bigger than you think
- You will need a rental car
- Kona is dry and sunny, Hilo is rainy
- Pack casual clothes and good walking shoes
- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light rain jacket
- Book tours and activities ahead of time
- Respect local culture and sacred places
- Not all beaches are safe for swimming
Big Island Tours with Aloha Adventure Farms
If you are looking to add something truly memorable to your trip, Aloha Adventure Farms offers experiences that go beyond the typical tour. Whether you choose a Big Island ATV Tour, Polynesian Wood Carving Tour, or an Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour, each one gives you a deeper connection to the island.
With a mix of adventure, culture, and incredible scenery, it is a great way to experience the spirit of aloha in a more meaningful way. Be sure to book ahead and make it part of your Big Island itinerary.
Big Island Travel FAQs (Quick Answers Before You Book)
How many days should you spend on the Big Island?
Plan for at least 5 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to explore both sides of the island without rushing.
Is Kona or Hilo better to stay in?
Kona is better for beaches and weather. Hilo is better for nature and volcano access. Many visitors split their stay.
Do you really need a rental car?
Yes. Getting around without one is difficult and limits what you can see.
What is the best thing to do on the Big Island?
Volcanoes National Park is the top attraction, but mixing it with ocean activities and cultural experiences makes the trip complete.
When is the best time to visit?
You can visit the Big Island any time of year. Summer usually brings the best weather, while winter is ideal for whale watching.
Is the Big Island good for families?
Yes. There are plenty of activities for all ages, from beaches to cultural tours to Big Island adventures.
