It took me forever to create a Hawaii itinerary for my own trip the first time I went. That’s because there are so many activities and things to see, that it’s overwhelming traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii as a first time visitor.
That’s why I created this Big Island Hawaii itinerary for you to copy for your own trip. It has a mix of the must-see attractions along with hidden gems loved by locals. And since it’s me, you can expect a lot of great food. So use this itinerary for Hawaii as your guide to exploring the Big Island!
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Hawaii Itinerary
Before diving into my recommended Hawaii itinerary, let’s go over some need-to-know info to help you plan your trip.
How many days to spend in Hawaii
I recommend spending 6 days minimum in Hawaii if you want to explore all the Big Island has to offer. So that’s the number of days you can expect to find in this itinerary. However, 7-8 days would give you more breathing room and allow for additional activities like whale watching or lazy beach days.
There is no bad time to visit Hawaii, but I prefer the shoulder season of April – May and September – October. This lets you avoid summer break crowds and those looking to escape to paradise during the winter months.
What to do in Hawaii
Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s plan your trip to Hawaii! Here’s the ultimate 6-day itinerary for fully exploring the Big Island.
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Day 1: Explore Kona
This itinerary assumes you’ll fly into Kona on the west side of the Big Island and then fly out of Hilo on the east side. You can also swap the order of this itinerary if you prefer to fly into Hilo first!
Grab lunch at Pau Hana Poke
website | area: Kailua-Kona (get directions) | price: ~$22pp | best for: casual lunch loved by locals
After picking up your rental car at the Kona airport, head to Pau Hana Poke for a quick lunch. It’s an unassuming spot in an industrial park, so most tourists don’t think to come here. But they’re making excellent fresh poke that’s the perfect welcome meal once you arrive on the Big Island.
Pro tip: Check the fridge for cake from Shaka Bradda Kine Snacks. They have a chocolate tres leches cookie butter whip parfait cake that is so addictive!
Peruse downtown kona
area: Kailua-Kona (get directions) | price: free | best for: shopping
Satiated from lunch, check into your hotel and then head to downtown Kona to explore the shops lining the Kokua Kailua Village stroll. Bonus: there are also beautiful water views.
You’ll need to wade through some touristy tchotchkes, but there are a lot of hidden gems. As you explore, keep an eye out for these spots:
- Kona Brewing – Iconic brewery with lots of events
- Ola Brewing – One of my fave local breweries
- Gypsea Gelato – Yummy homemade ice cream
- Hulihe’e Palace – Historic building turned museum
Visit Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
website | area: Hōnaunau (get directions) | price: ~$20 per vehicle | best for: Hawaiian sculptures
In ancient Hawai’i, a system of laws known as kānāwai enforced the social order. Certain people, places, things, and times were sacred, or “kapu“. If someone broke kapu, it was punishable by death.
However, any fugitive who broke kapu could seek refuge and forgiveness within the walls of the Puʻuhonua. Although many pu’uhonua existed in ancient Hawaiʻi, Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park is the best preserved.
The National Park Service maintains this historic site and offers an informative audio tour that takes you around various sites along the coastal trail. You’ll see many historic artifacts and structures, plus breathtaking water views. This is one of my favorite activities on the Big Island, so carve out at least 1-2 hours to explore.
Pro tip: You’ll notice people snorkeling at the beach next to Hōnaunau. That’s Two Step Beach on Honaunau Bay, a good beach for snorkeling.
Grab dinner at Rebel Kitchen
website | area: Kealakekua (get directions) | price: ~$15-20/dish | best for: casual sandwiches
Rebel Kitchen is a casual spot for sandwiches and appetizers. But what makes their food extra special is their homemade ketchup and mustard. I don’t even like ketchup, but their curry version is addictively spicy. You should definitely slop it on everything and then take a few bottles home as souvenirs.
In terms of what to order, don’t miss the cubano egg roll. It’s crunchy and full of gooey cheese. For sandwiches, I like the shrimp and bacon. It’s spiced and balances earthy and fatty beautifully!
snorkel with manta rays
area: Kailua-Kona | price: ~$75-180pp | best for: bucket list animal encounter
I honestly thought snorkeling with manta rays was going to be a touristy gimmick. But after doing it, I can hands down recommend you prioritize it on your Hawaii itinerary. These gentle giants are drawn to the nighttime plankton along the western shore, so it’s a snorkel adventure that happens once the sun goes down.
There are a lot of tour options, but we went with Hawaiian-owned Anelakai Adventure that takes you out on a non-motorized outrigger canoe. We saw manta rays immediately and loved the added adventure of canoeing during sunset! Plus it was a small group, so the experience felt more special.
If you’d prefer a bigger boat that doesn’t require you to paddle out to the rays, here are some other options:
- Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Guaranteed Sightings
- Night Manta Ray Snorkel + Videos
- Small Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel
- Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure
- Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed
Day 2: Explore south Hawaii
Today you’ll head south from Kona to explore the rugged southern coast of the Big Island. Wear hiking gear and sun protection, plus bring water, as you’ll be hiking!
Get breakfast at HiCo Coffee
website | area: Kailua-Kona (get directions) | price: ~$5-15/dish | best for: locally-grown coffee
Start your day with java at my favorite coffee roaster on the Big Island: HiCO Coffee. They work with local farmers and roast their beans to coax out flavors that give their beans a sense of place. I like to take a few bags home as souvenirs!
Food wise they have a hefty menu of avocado toasts, breakfast sandwiches, and musubi. They also make fun coffee drinks using matcha and ube, plus even have coffee cocktails!
Hike Papakōlea Beach Green Sand Beach
website | area: Naahelu (get directions) | price: free if you hike | best for: mustardy-green sand
There are only four green sand beaches in the world, and one happens to be on the Big Island of Hawaii. Papakōlea Beach Green Sand Beach is at the southern tip of the island and is only accessible by hiking or grabbing a ride from the locals who park at the trailhead with their pickup trucks. However, cars damage the sensitive dunes so technically driving to the beach is illegal, but you’ll see a lot of people doing it for ~$20 per ride.
I recommend doing the hike not only to be better to the environment, but also because the beach itself isn’t that impressive on its own. The sand is more yellow-green and requires some sketchy scrambling to get down to it. So I think the coastal hike to it makes the destination even more worth it!
Pro tip: Bring tons of water and sun protection, as there’s no shade. It’ll also likely be windy, so sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes. Lastly, stop at Hawaiian Buzz to and from the beach for bathrooms.
Try Punalu’u Bakeshop
website | area: Naalehu (get directions) | price: ~$2-10/dish | best for: malasadas and cheesecakes
There aren’t a ton of food options near the green sand beach, so ask anyone and they’ll tell you to stop at Punalu’u Bakeshop. This spot is really buzzy, so you can expect long lines that move relatively quickly. They’re best known for malasadas that sell out quickly, but you’ll also find hot food like burgers, teriyaki, and more. There are also a gift shop and convenience store for snacks to go.
Honestly, I thought this spot was really overhyped. They only had their bismark German-style malasadas left when I visited, which were pretty good and stuffed with Bavarian cream. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way for it again. Personally I thought the mini mango cheesecake I ordered was better. But since there aren’t a ton of options, stop in and decide for yourself what you think!
Gawk at a Black Sand Beach
area: Naalehu (get directions) | price: free | best for: pretty beach walk
One of the few black sand beaches in Hawaii is near the green sand beach, so make your way there after lunch. You’ll be able to park right next to it and spend some time walking along the volcanic rocks. While you may see some people enjoying the water, this is more of a walking beach vs. a swimming one. So get your camera ready!
Visit Ka’u Coffee Farm
website | area: Pahala (get directions) | price: free | best for: coffee farm
End your day with a tour at one of Hawaii’s many coffee farms. Ka’u Coffee offers free tours and tastings, plus has a gift shop perfect for taking home souvenirs.
Day 3: Explore north Hawaii
This day will take you to Hawaii’s north shore, a remote gorgeous area known for farms and cute small towns.
Head to Waimea Town Market
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: free | best for: shopping
About an hour away from downtown Kailua-Kona is Waimea, a small town toward the north of the island. On Saturdays from 7:30 AM – 12 PM is the the farmers market, which is full of local artisans, food vendors, and music. Head there for some souvenir shopping and breakfast.
Get Lunch at The Fish & the Hog
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$15-25/dish | best for: barbecue
You wouldn’t expect to find an American barbecue spot in the middle of Hawaii, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Fish & the Hog. Lines start forming when they open at 11:30 AM because their smoked meats, sides, and desserts are the best on the island.
I recommend getting the BBQ sampler plate so you can try a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Standouts from my last visit included the pork rib, brisket, and jalapeño cornbread. People also absolutely love their banana cream pie. It’s a bit dense for my liking, but there’s no denying the flavors are good!
Check out Pololū Valley Lookout
area: Pololū (get directions) | price: ~$10pp | best for: pretty views and a hike to a black beach
Pololū Valley Lookout is a pretty spot to take in the views of the eastern shore coastline. You can park in the tiny parking lot for 10 minutes just to snap pictures, or park on the road for free to make the ~1 mile hike down the Pololū Trail. While short, it’s relatively steep on the way down…which means you need to come back up. But if you decide to go, you’ll be met with a black sand beach.
Note, there are often locals enforcing parking and requiring payment of ~$5pp to support ongoing maintenance.
Wander the small town of Hawi
area: Hawi (get directions) | price: free | best for: local gifts
On your way back toward the west coast of Hawaii you’ll pass through the adorable town of Hawi. It’s small, but has some great spots worth stopping in:
- Kohala Grown Market – Tons of local foodie gifts
- Hawi Coffee Company & Mill – Great spot for a pick me up
- Olena Gallery – Cute shop full of local art and gifts
Pro tip: On the way to Hawi you’ll drive through Kohala. Stop by the Kohala Artists’ Collective for great art and souvenirs!
Get poke at Da Fish House
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | price: ~$20 per bowl | best for: poke
Once you make it back to the western coast, no Hawaii itinerary is complete without a stop to the Big Island’s best poke, Da Fish House. It’s inside a convenience store and serves some of the freshest fish. Plus it has great air conditioning!
Go beach hopping
area: Waimea (get directions) | price: free | best for: soaking up the sun and views
The Waimea coastline has some of the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches. Regardless of if you’d prefer to lounge at one beach or hop between a few, here are some of my favorites:
- Waialea Beach – This is my favorite thanks to its hidden gem feel
- Hapuna Beach – A popular, built-up beach with lots of amenities
- Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay) – Sandy, popular beach with vibrant water
Get Dinner at Broke Da Mouth
website | area: Kailua-Kona (get directions) | price: ~$10-20 per dish | best for: Filipino comfort food
Broke Da Mouth Grindz was recommended to me by two of my Instagram followers. I’m thankful, as I would have never stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall Filipino spot tucked in a strip mall in an unassuming location.
They’re best known for furikake chicken, which is good. However, I was obsessed with the pork belly adobo. It’s perfectly cooked and falls apart with your fork.
Pro tip: Their kimchi fried rice packs a punch, so avoid it if you don’t like spicy food!
Day 4: Make your way to Hilo
After checking out from your Kona hotel, you’ll explore a few last attractions before making the ~1.5 hour drive across the island to your accommodations in Hilo on the island’s eastern shore.
Snorkel Captain Cook Monument
website | area: Captain Cook (get directions) | price: ~$120-200pp | best for: snorkeling
The Captain James Cook Monument is a small, white obelisk sculpture commemorating where Captain James Cook died in 1779. There are two ways to access the monument, either by hiking the James Cook Monument Trail or via the water on a kayak or boat tour.
Since the monument itself isn’t that interesting, you want to prioritize seeing it from the water because it sits on Kealakekua Bay, one of the best spots to go snorkeling with sea turtles on the Big Island.
If you want to go the self-guided kayak route, there are beach stalls along the bay renting them by the hour. It’s not recommended you swim across the bay, so this is your cheapest option for getting to the snorkel spots close to the monument. However, make sure you’re comfortable getting in and out of a kayak if you go this route.
The other option is booking a snorkel tour. Here are some well-rated options:
- Captain Cook Catamaran Snorkel Tour with Lunch
- Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument
- Small Group Two Reef Snorkel Trip & Sea Caves
Shop at the Pure Kona Green market
website | area: Captain Cook (get directions) | price: free | best for: souvenirs
Every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM is the Pure Kona Green Market. Unlike the more touristy Kona Farmers Market, Pure Kona is full of locals and handmade souvenirs. There’s also often live music and a few food stands.
Get lunch at Shaka Tacoz
website | area: Captain Cook (get directions) | price: ~$15-20 per dish | best for: street tacos
Across from Pure Kona Green Market is one of most popular taco spots on the island, Shaka Tacoz. I love how they grill their tortillas and melt some shredded cheese on them for an almost crispy texture. Get it with the ono grilled fish and their addictive mango salsa.
Explore Kaumana Caves
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: free | best for: exploring
Now it’s the part of your Hawaii itinerary where you’ll make the ~1.5 to 2-hour drive from the west side to the east side of the island. The drive is beautiful, so take in the scenery as you make your way!
Right outside of Hilo you’ll stop at Kaumana Caves. This is one of my favorite things to do on the island. You park on the highway and take steep stairs down to the opening of two caves. They require some light scrambling to get into, but once in you can walk as normal for around half a mile round trip.
You’ll need a headlamp or strong flashlight and sturdy shoes to explore this cave. Your phone flashlight can work in a pinch, but it doesn’t let off enough light. While I saw people wearing sandals, I think they were crazy because this is one of the craggiest caves I’ve ever explored. So many micro muscles were sore the next day from balancing on very sharp, jagged rocks. There are also some slight scrambling spots further into the cave, so don’t wear a skirt like I did!
Go Waterfall hopping
area: Hilo (get directions) | price: free to $5 | best for: photos
Near the caves and just before making it into the city of Hilo, you’ll find a bunch of cool waterfalls all within a short drive of each other. Spend some time hopping between them for photos:
- Wai’ale Falls – Small, serene falls in a residential area that feels off the beaten path
- Peepee Falls (Boiling Pots) – Pretty falls into a river with bubbling water that looks like it’s boiling
- Rainbow Falls ($5pp) – Grand falls inside Wailuku Falls State Park (gates lock at 6)
Get Dinner at Na’au Hilo
website | area: Pepeekeo (get directions) | price: ~$165pp | best for: fancy multi-course meal on a farm
One of the best meals I had on the Big Island was from Na’au Hilo, a pop-up that does farm dinners at Whitehaven Farms. It’s run by chef Brian Hirata who was born and raised in Hawaii. He’s dedicated to preserving the heritage of the islands by focusing on highly seasonal and local ingredients. The menus change regularly, but you can expect a creative, well-executed menu.
For example, when we went, chef Hirata served the crispiest kanpachi tempura, abalone miso soup, poke with local tuna, and roast pork that was like an elevated lau lau. I couldn’t stop gushing over the meal, so make sure to snag a reservation for your Hawaii itinerary!
Day 5: Explore Volcanoes National Park
Get ready to cross off a bucket list adventure on your Hawaii itinerary: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This is one of two Hawaii national parks alongside Haleakala National Park in Maui, so you’re in for a treat!
Pro tip: Make sure to check the lava cams to see if it’s visible when you visit!
Grab breakfast at Keaukaha General Store
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$5 each | best for: spam musubi
Getting up early to visit Keaukaha General Store is worth it because they have life-changing spam musubi in a basket by the register that sells out quickly. I always recommend getting a bunch, some to eat warm right when you get it and the rest for lunch at Volcanoes National Park.
There is also a coffee shop with smoothies inside the general store if you’d prefer a lighter breakfast and to save the musubi for later.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
website | area: Volcanoes (get directions) | price: ~$30 per vehicle | best for: hiking and breathtaking scenery
Volcanoes National Park is one of the most interesting national parks in the US. It extends from sea level to 13,680 feet, encompassing the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet it’s not so big that you can’t explore it in a day.
I have a whole article with a Volcanoes National Park itinerary, so check that for my recommendations of exactly what to do and see! Remember to bring sun protection and lots of water because it can be hot!
Get Dinner at Tetsumen Ramen
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$8-25 per dish | best for: satisfying bowls of soup
Nothing hits like a big bowl of soup after a long day of hiking. Head to Tetsumen, which rivals some of the best ramen in Seattle. The shoyu broth is extra fatty and the eggs plus char siu pork are perfectly cooked.
You’ll also want to get the creme brûlée sweet potato dessert if it’s on the menu. It’s served in an actual sweet potato so you get some of the roasted vegetable with each custard bite.
Enjoy a drink at Ola Brewing
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$5-15 per drink | best for: beer, cider, and trivia
Ola Brewing also has a location on the Kona-side of the Big Island, but visiting their Hilo location is best for this Hawaii itinerary. It’s a casual spot that has excellent beers and trivia on Tuesdays. It’s all ages and has a large food menu. We didn’t order anything to eat, but everyone was getting the smash burger and bao buns.
Beer wise I recommend getting a sampler so you can try a bunch. Ola has an amazing lilikoi passion fruit IPA that balances out the hops. But my favorite is actually Ola’s hard juices using local fruit. They’re crisp, not too dry or sweet, and colorful. Definitely get the dragonfruit and lilikoi orange if available!
Day 6: Explore Hilo & East Hawaii
Your last day on the Big Island will be spent exploring Hilo and the eastern coastline. Get ready to make the most of it!
Get breakfast at Hawaiian Style Cafe
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$15-25 per dish | best for: Hawaiian grindz
Start your last day with a quintessential breakfast of Hawaiian grindz at Hawaiian Style Cafe. There is always a line, so expect to wait. It’s worth it for comforting dishes in huge portions.
People love their pancakes, but I prefer the loco moco and perfectly-crisp hash browns!
Shop downtown Hilo
area: Hilo (get directions) | price: free (unless you buy something) | best for: souvenirs
Hilo is an adorable town sitting right on the water in southwest Hawaii. I prefer it to Kona because it feels more geared toward locals and discerning tourists. Most of the shops are locally owned and have great souvenirs, so spend a few hours combing the streets for things to take home!
Here are some of my favorite stops:
- One Gallery – Art gallery with a ton of local artwork
- Simply Sisters – Modern printmaker with cool women’s clothing
- Wild Heartist – Witchy shop full of cool finds
- Hana Hou – Cute women’s fashion and home store
- Sig Zane Designs – Men and women’s Hawaiian-print clothing
- Puna Chocolate – Chocolate shop and cafe
- Mahi’ai Made – Another local chocolate shop
- 2 Ladies Kitchen – A must if you like mochi. Order ahead so you can skip the line.
If you get tired of shopping, head to Lili’uokalani Gardens for pretty botanical gardens. There’s also the Pacific Tsunami Museum if you need to beat the heat indoors.
Get lunch at Poke Market
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$16-18 per dish | best for: poke
When you start feeling peckish, stop at my second favorite poke place on the Big Island, Poke Market. It’s only a window, so you’ll need to eat it standing if you don’t snag one of the few tables outside. However, it’s well worth it for fresh fish served with purple potato salad and cucumber salad.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$5-12 per dish | best for: dole whip ice cream
Across the street from Poke Market is the perfect place to cool down after a day of walking in the heat, Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack. This ice cream spot has pineapple soft serve that’s excellent on its own. Or get it in a smoothie or acai bowl.
Head to Akaka Falls State Park
website | area: Honomu (get directions) | price: ~$10 per car, $5pp | best for: the largest waterfall on the island
One of the most impressive tourist attractions that you should add to your Big Island Hawaii itinerary is Akaka Falls State Park. It’s home to the largest waterfall on the island, plunging 442 feet off a cliff.
To access it, you’ll take a loop trail that requires you to travel in one direction. It’ll take you along a paved path through lush rainforest. Most of it is flat, though there are some hillier areas. Once at the falls, there is a viewing platform perfect for taking a rest in the shade.
Pro tip: If you park on the street before the lot, you can skip the parking fee.
Shop the small town of Honoka’a
area: Honoka’a (get directions) | price: free | best for: chocolate tasting
As you drive north along the western coast of the Big Island, you’ll pass by Honoka’a. This small town has a quaint downtown area with a few restaurants and shops. Take a little bit to stroll the street, popping into shops of interest.
Two not to miss are Ahualoa Family Farms Store for macadamia nut souvenirs and Honoka’a Chocolate. The latter takes you through a tasting of all their bars and even offers farm tours not too far from their storefront.
Stop at farm stands
area: Honoka’a (get directions) | price: ~$10-15 per item | best for: refreshments
As you weave up the coast, you’ll see two adorable farm stands beckoning you to stop. If you have time, stop at both for fresh fruit and souvenirs.
Lilinoe Fruit Stand is the first one you’ll hit. It’s smaller, but still offers a bunch of fresh fruit, jams, and teas. The best part, though, is their hidden seating area overlooking the valley behind their stand.
Waipio Fruit Shack is the next one. It’s much larger and has huge grounds with plenty of space to spread out and take in the valley views. I had an excellent limeade here that really hit the spot during a hot day.
Take in the views at Waipi’o Valley Lookout
website | area: Kukuihaele (get directions) | price: free | best for: views
Waipi’o Valley Lookout is at the end of the road that you can explore along the Big Island’s western coast. The lookout offers unparalleled views of the valley below.
You used to be able to go down to the valley, but it’s currently closed unless you take this sanctioned tour.
Get dinner at Lehua Restaurant
website | area: Hilo (get directions) | price: ~$20-50 per dish | best for: Hawaiian food
Located inside Imiloa Astronomy Center is an excellent restaurant called Lehua. There’s often musicians playing in the open dining room encircled by windows. The ambiance is a bit fancy, but still casual enough after a long day.
If available, don’t miss the calamansi margarita, fried taro with chili crisp, fried calamari steak with tomato poke, and short ribs. All of them are generous portions and well balanced. You wouldn’t expect to find such execution in an astronomy center, but the chef is James Beard nominated!
Do a Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour
area: Mauna Kea (get directions) | price: free or ~$280-300 pp on a tour | best for: breathtaking stars
This last activity is optional, but if you can stay awake on the last day of your Hawaii itinerary, I recommend going stargazing at Mauna Kea. It’s the highest elevation on the Big Island and offers breathtaking views of the stars and Milky Way.
You can choose to go stargazing on your own. However, guests not on a tour are only allowed as high as the Maunakea Visitor Information Center (the VIC for shorthand). That’s because a 4×4 vehicle is required to get past the VIC to the summit. While on a clear day you can get great stargazing in from the VIC, most people say the higher elevation is better since there is less light pollution.
If you’d like to take a tour, here are some well-rated options:
- Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience + Photos
- Big Island Mauna Kea Summit Small Group Tour
- Mauna Kea Summit Tour with Free Photos
How to get around Hawaii
And there you have it, your guide to the ultimate Hawaii itinerary. I’ll leave you with information about how to get around the Big Island so you can make the most of your trip.
By car
This is my preferred way to travel around Hawaii because the island is so big. You can grab Hawaii car rentals at both the Kona and Hilo airports (NOT the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, that’s in Honolulu on Oahu!). Remember, for this Hawaii itinerary you should set your pick-up location at Kona and drop-off at Hilo.
Note, a normal sedan rental car works perfectly for this itinerary. However, if you think you want to drive yourself up to Mauna Kea, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
By taxi/rideshare
If you don’t plan to explore the whole island, rideshares and taxis are an option. Both Uber and Lyft are on the Big Island, as well as local options. However, I don’t recommend this approach for exploring the Kona, Hilo, north, and south areas. It’ll make your Hawaii itinerary too expensive!
By bus
Hele-On is Hawaii’s bus service. Taking the bus around Hawaii is an option, but again, this is best for local travel vs. traversing the whole island for your Hawaii itinerary. Since buses take longer, you won’t be able to fit in everything on this Hawaii itinerary if you rely on this mode of transportation.
Hawaii travel itinerary
And there you have it, my ultimate Hawaii itinerary! Here’s a graphic with all these stops that you can save to Pinterest for later!
Did I miss any stops? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to my list for next time!
More to do on the Big Island
Want to customize your Hawaii itinerary? Check out my other guides to the Big Island:
- Best Things to Do on the Big Island
- Where to Stay on the Big Island Hawaii
- Bucket List Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Want to explore other islands?
Here are my guides to other spots in Hawaii if you’re down for some island hopping to another Hawaiian island!
- My Ultimate Kauai Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Maui
- Must-Get Souvenirs from Maui
- Best Shopping Areas in Maui
- Where to Stay in Maui
- The Perfect 5 Day Maui Itinerary
- Must-See Stops on the Road to Hana
- Best Snorkeling Spots in Maui
- Where the Locals Eat in Maui
- Easy Hikes in Maui
Want to work together to customize your trip?
I’m ready to plan you a custom trip full of stops that cater to your group’s interests. Let’s chat!
