There's a reason visitors return to Hawaii's Big Island year after year. No other Hawaiian island offers such an incredible variety of landscapes, adventures, and experiences. In a single week, you can snorkel with sea turtles, explore an active volcano, sip world-famous Kona coffee, swim beneath waterfalls, stargaze from one of the world's highest mountains, and end each day watching spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you're staying in one of our beautiful vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona or Keauhou, this itinerary is designed to help you experience the very best of the island while minimizing driving and maximizing your vacation.

Day 1 – Arrival & Discover Kailua-Kona

Welcome to paradise!

After landing at Kona International Airport, pick up your rental car and head to your vacation rental. Once you've settled in, ease into island time.

Spend your afternoon strolling along historic Aliʻi Drive, where you'll find oceanfront restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and local shops. Visit Huliheʻe Palace, browse the local farmers market if it's open, and enjoy your first taste of Hawaiian shave ice or fresh poke.

As evening approaches, find a waterfront restaurant and watch your first Hawaiian sunset. Kona's sunsets are among the most beautiful in the world, and there's no better way to begin your vacation. Or just eat dinner on one of our large lanai's and watch the sunset from there!

Dinner Suggestions

• Kona Inn Restaurant
• Huggo's
• Foster's Kitchen
• Kona Brewing Company

Day 2 – Snorkeling & Beach Day

Today is all about enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Kona Coast.

Start your morning at Kahaluʻu Beach Park, one of the island's best snorkeling spots. Calm waters make it ideal for beginners, and you'll likely see colorful tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles.

If you're looking for soft white sand and turquoise water, continue north to Kua Bay or Hapuna Beach for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing.

Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water.

End the day with another unforgettable Kona sunset.

Day 3 – Coffee Farms & Keauhou

Today you'll discover why Kona coffee is famous around the world.

Drive through the scenic Kona Coffee Belt, where rolling hills are lined with coffee farms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Many farms offer free tastings and guided tours where you'll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.

Afterward, head to beautiful Keauhou.

Explore Keauhou Bay, browse the Keauhou Shopping Center, enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean, or simply relax by the water.

If you're visiting on a Friday evening, don't miss the Keauhou Farmers Market featuring local food, crafts, music, and fresh island produce.

Tonight is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the Big Island's most unforgettable adventures:

Manta Ray Night Snorkeling

Swimming alongside giant manta rays as they gracefully glide beneath you is consistently ranked among the world's greatest wildlife experiences. Many tours depart directly from Keauhou Bay, making it one of the most convenient and reliable locations for this incredible adventure.

Day 4 – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Today's adventure takes you across the island to one of Hawaii's most iconic destinations.

Leave early and enjoy the scenic drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights include:

• Kīlauea Visitor Center
• Steam Vents
• Sulphur Banks
• Chain of Craters Road
• Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
• Devastation Trail
• Scenic overlooks of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater

On your drive back toward Kona, stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where Hawaiian green sea turtles are often seen basking on the shore.

Grab dinner along the way or return to your vacation rental for a relaxing evening.

Day 5 – North Kohala Adventure

Today explore the island's beautiful northern coastline.

Visit charming Hawi, known for local art galleries, cafés, and boutiques.

Continue toward the Pololū Valley Lookout for one of the Big Island's most spectacular panoramic views.

On your way back, stop at some of the island's finest beaches:

• Hapuna Beach
• Mauna Kea Beach
• Spencer Beach Park

These beaches consistently rank among Hawaii's most beautiful.

Day 6 – Ocean Adventure Day

Choose your favorite island adventure:

• Snorkeling cruise
• Scuba diving
• Dolphin tour
• Whale watching (seasonal)
• Sport fishing
• Glass-bottom boat tour
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kayaking

If you'd rather slow down, spend the day beach hopping along Aliʻi Drive and enjoy Kona's relaxed atmosphere.

Treat yourself to a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean.

Day 7 – Relax Like a Local

Your final day is all about slowing down and soaking in the aloha spirit.

Enjoy breakfast on your lanai with fresh Kona coffee.

Visit one last beach.

Shop for locally made gifts.

Pick up bags of authentic Kona coffee to bring home at one of the farmers markets.

Enjoy one final Hawaiian sunset before preparing for your flight home.

Most visitors leave already planning their next trip.

Bonus Adventures If You're Staying Longer

If you're fortunate enough to spend more than a week on the Big Island, consider adding:

• Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (stargazing)
• Akaka Falls
• Rainbow Falls
• Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
• South Point (Ka Lae)
• Green Sand Beach hike
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge)
• Two Step snorkeling
• Captain Cook Monument boat tour