ALOHA! When you think of visiting Hawaii, your mind probably jumps to white sand beaches, sunny skies, tropical drinks, and all the palm trees. Mine did anyways.
A trip to the Big Island challenged all of those beliefs. The Big Island is home to the rainiest town in all of the United States, Volcano National Park, foresty views and hikes, and don’t worry, some sunny beaches!
It’s truly an adventure-lovers paradise with so many diverse adventures and finds. Keep reading to learn how to spend ONE WEEKEND on the Big Island. This ultimate 3-day Big Island itinerary will make planning your Hawaain adventure EASY!
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Table of Contents
How do you get to the Big Island?
Okay, it’s no secret that Hawaii isn’t the easiest place in the United States to visit. It’s located all the way across the Pacific Ocean and flights can be quite long and spendy. BUT, a trip to the Big Island (or any other of the Hawaiian islands) is 100 percent worth it. I recommend combining this weekend with a trip to Oahu or Maui as flying in between the islands is extremely easy and affordable.
Anyway, the Big Island (otherwise known as the Island of Hawaii) is the biggest (hence the name) of all the Hawaiian islands. It’s actually twice the size of all the islands combined. With this being said, you have two airports to choose from, Hilo and Kona.
Hilo Airport is located on the East side of the island, while Kona is across on the west. Due to its massive size, you will most definitely need to rent a car on this island!
When is the best time to visit the Big Island?
Although temperatures remain between 70-80 degrees year-round, most people would agree that the best time to visit the Big Island is between September and November. You’ll find the most affordable prices, avoid the rainiest season (December-March), and maybe even catch some whales!
It’s also important to note that the Big Island is divided into 3 pretty distinct regions with different weather patterns. You’ll find the coldest weather near Volcano National Park with average temperatures between 50-70 and over 209 days a year of rain.
Hilo is actually the rainiest city in all of the United States with over 211 days of rain, but a bit warmer than Volcano National Park.
Finally, Kona is the sunniest part of the island with average temperatures in the 80’s and only 20 days of rain a year.
Where to stay on the Big Island?
We choose to stay near Volcano National Park for this 3-day trip and it ended up being the perfect home-base. It is a bit of a drive from Kona (about 2 hours), but if you plan your Kona day on the day you fly out (day 3), it works out perfectly.
I enjoyed the peacefulness of staying right in the middle of the rainforest and the ability to hop in our car and drive 5 minutes to check out the lava after dark (after the crowds start clearing out).
You could also stay one night in each of the three cities if wanting to lower your drive time a bit. Example below!
- Night One: Volcano, HI (We stayed in this cute rainforest B&B-complete with homemade banana bread and a papaya boat for breakfast each day- You can read more about it here!)
- Night Two: Hilo, HI (Here’s a unique stay that’s right on the ocean and near downtown Hilo!)
- Night three: Kona, HI (There are a plethora of options in Kona including some luxurious options on the beach and some more affordable options just outside of town).
Here’s a complete blog post about the best hotels on the Big Island!
One Weekend on the Big Island: Sample 3-day Big Island Itinerary
Day One on the Big Island: Volcano National Park
Morning:
Rise and Shine! Wake up bright and early for an exciting day at Volcano National Park! Have breakfast at your hotel (as you will soon find out your food options near the park are pretty limited) then drive to the park.
Start your adventure with a stop at the visitors center where you can learn about the history of the unique land you will soon be exploring. There’s a short video you can watch every half hour as well that is a great introduction to your day.
Next, head to Thurston Lava Tube for a short hike into a 500-year-old lava tube. It’s an easy .4 mile loop from the parking lot, BUT parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. If you cannot find parking, you can park at the Kilauea Iki Trailhead which would make it into a 1.5 mile trek.
After exploring the Lava Tube, you can hop on the trailhead (near the cars–on the opposite side of the Thurston Lava Tube trailhead) to the Kilauea Iki Overlook Loop. This is a longer trail (about 5 miles from the Thurston Lave Tube trailhead), but 100 percent worth it. You get to descend to the floor of a solidified lava lake!
Afternoon:
Next, give your hiking legs a bit of a break and head down towards the ocean to check out Hōlei Sea Arch. You can reach the overlook on a short paved trail. This is a great spot to enjoy a picnic while enjoying the waves crashing to the shore!
On your way back stop at Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs and a quick stop at the Steam Vents.
Evening:
Head out of the park and to the picturesque Black Sand Beach, Punalu’u Beach. It’s about 30 minutes away, but worth a stop. You can watch the sunset from here and hang out with the resident sea turtles.
Then, head back towards the national park for dinner at The Rim at the Volcano House or Thai Thai Bistro and Bar.
I know you’ll likely be exhausted after this busy day, BUT the show truly starts after dark. Head back to the Kilauea Overlook to check out the lava lake. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Note: There is not always lava here. Conditions can change at any time. On Average, the Kilauea volcano erupts once every two or three years. You can check out the live webcam here!
Looking for more details about Volcano National Park? Check out this complete guide to the park!
Day Two on the Big Island: Hilo
Morning:
Today will be spent in the rainy city of Hilo! Take off early and grab breakfast at the Hawaiian Style Cafe, then head to Akaka State Park to check out the massive 442-foot waterfall. You’ll find this beauty along an easy .4-mile trail. It does cost 5 dollars per person and 10 dollars to park at the state park.
Head back towards downtown Hilo for a quick stop at the Hilo Farmers Market. Pro Tip! Grab some fruit and snacks for a picnic this afternoon!
Afternoon:
Just outside of town, you’ll find the Kauma Caves- This was by far my husband’s favorite stop of the entire trip!
The Kaumama Caves were formed in 1881 flow from the Mauna Loa eruption. There is a small parking lot available and then metal stairs leading down to the caves. There are two entrances to explore. If hoping to adventure into the tubes make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and a flashlight as it is PITCH BLACK (and spooky) inside. At some point, the tubes go into private property, but it’s unclear as to when.
After exploring the lava tubes head to Rainbow Falls for a quick walk to the overlook. Be sure to take the stairs to get a view from the top and then head down the hill to look at the massive tree! Then, head to the nearby PeePee Falls for another overlook (no hike needed).
Evening:
Downtown Hilo is a fun town with a walkable downtown. You’ll find a lot of cute shops to check out before dinner. After doing some window shopping, head to Pineapple Island Fresh Cusine for a tropical open-air dinner! Pro tip! Order the drinks sampler and coconut-crusted fresh fish! You can thank me later 🙂
Day Three on the Big Island: Kona
Morning:
If staying near Volcano, you’ll have a bit of a drive to get to Kona so get an early start to make the most of your day. It’s about 2 hours from Volcano, but during the drive, you can admire the changing of scenery and volcano views.
Kona is definitely the sunniest part of the island, so after arriving grab a quick brunch at Papa Kona’s to have the most time to spend at the beach.
Afternoon:
You have several choices to choose from for the ultimate Kona beach day. Some of the best beaches are Maniniowalu Beach at Kua Bay, Makalawena Beach, Alula Beach, and Mahai’ula Beach.
We spent the day at Maniniowalu beach and it was a beautiful stop with white sand, sparkling water, and black lava rocks. Be careful though as it’s known to have a dangerous wave break–we did see someone get hurt with what looked like a pretty serious neck injury.
Evening:
After you are all beached out (is that even possible??) head back toward downtown Kona for a delicious early din din at Big Kahuna Beach Grill. It’s conveniently located downtown with free parking and a great happy hour!
Don’t make the same mistake we did and eat too much because next up is snorkeling with the giant manta rays! This is a must on this Big Island Weekend.
Okay truthfully, we didn’t have the best luck on our tour as it was extremely wavy (hence why eating to much was a problem) and we both were feeling pretty sick. Then when we got in the water, we only saw one Manta Ray swim below us.
BUT, there were people on our tour that were on their fourth time and absolutely loved every time before that. SO we will just have to try it out again!
Anyways, there are MANY tour companies to choose from that leave at differing times. AND jumping in the ocean at night in hopes of swimming with manta rays is a pretty cool experience in itself.
Other Things to do on the Big Island:
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a unique park with a very interesting history. While visiting, you can explore cultural sites, hike, and learn about the crazy history of this national park.
- Snorkeling Captain Cook: There are many Big Island snorkeling tours to chose from, but this one takes you out on a beautiful sailboat (with breakfast) to the vibrant reef of the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument.
- Big Island Luau: There’s nothing more Hawaiian then sipping Mai Tais while watching a traditional Hawaiian Luau.
- Whale Watching Tour: If visiting in the Big Island during the winter months, a whale watching tour is a must!
Tips to Know BEFORE visiting the Big Island:
- Be prepared for rain and pack your rain jacket!! I have this packable one from Amazon!
- Pack in layers as the weather changes A LOT from place to place. I like to travel with my WoolX base layers as the wool wicks moisture away from your body to keep you dry and feeling your best in rainy climates.
- You NEED a rental car. Check out DiscoverCars for the best deals on the Big Island!
- Combine this weekend trip with a trip to one of the other islands in order to take advantage of the cheap island flights!
- It can be chilly in Volcano National Park, be sure to pack some layers!
- Hawaii can be expensive! Check out this list of other free and cheap things to do if you need more ideas!
3-day Big Island Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK: Thurston Lava Tube, Kileau Iki Trail, Black Sand Beach, Sea Arch, Steam Vents, and Nighttime lava.
- Day 2: HILO: Akaka State Park, Kaumana Caves, Rainbow Falls, Hilo Farmer’s Market
- Day 3: KONA: Beach Day & Snorkeling with Manta Rays
One Weekend on the Big Island Itinerary Map
Hint! Click on the map’s name to download it and use it during your trip to the Big Island!
One Weekend on the Big Island Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do on the Big Island that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Big Island itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend on the Big Island!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend on the Big Island” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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