10 Day Big Island Itinerary | Volcanoes, Waterfalls + Beaches

Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Charlotte

This road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that showcases everything the Big Island has to offer in one epic loop. I’ve done this Big Island circle itinerary four times now with different groups of friends – twice as the driver, and twice as a passenger. Each trip taught me something new about this itinerary, which I’ll share here with you so you can have the best road trip ever. This isn’t a “roll out of bed at 10am and wander to brunch” kind of trip. It leans more toward the adventurous side of travel—long scenic drives, some moderate hikes, and a couple of genuinely remote stretches where being prepared simply makes the experience smoother. If you enjoy days full of exploring and you’re curious about seeing all of the island’s corners, you’ll have an incredible time. And if your ideal vacation is more about beaches, naps, and zero driving, you may be happier basing yourself on one coast instead.

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The 10-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is structured around three accommodation bases (Hilo, Volcano, Kona) connected by two intensive “adventure travel days” that combine major sightseeing with relocating between bases. While you can begin the loop in either Hilo or Kona, we usually start it in Hilo, because that’s where our friends and family live. But, you can start the loop from whichever point of entry is easiest for you.

Days 1-2: Hilo (2 nights) – Arrival & Settling In

Your first day and a half in Hilo gives you time to recover from travel, get oriented to the Big Island, and explore this charming local town at a relaxed pace. You can easily split these activities below across your two days here based on your arrival time and energy level. Since you’ll likely be dealing with jet lag and getting your bearings, Hilo is the perfect place to ease into your Big Island adventure before the more adventurous travel days ahead.

Accommodation: Book 2 nights in Hilo

Rainbow Falls + Boiling Pots

Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall that’s easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area. On sunny mornings, you might catch actual rainbows dancing in the mist, hence the name! Boiling Pots, located upstream, features a series of circular pools connected by underground lava tubes that create a bubbling effect when water flows through.

Hilo Farmer’s Market

This vibrant local farmer’s market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the full experience, featuring fresh tropical fruits, local crafts, and the best banana bread that I’ve ever eaten in my life. Even on off days, there are usually some vendors selling produce and flowers. It’s a great place to sample exotic fruits you might not find elsewhere and pick up some local honey or coffee. Big Island Lychee has a better flavor (and is more afforable) than Lychee found on any other Hawaiian Island!

Hilo Waterfront

The waterfront area offers beautiful views of Hilo Bay with several parks perfect for strolling or picnicking. Liliuokalani Gardens provides a peaceful Japanese-style garden experience right on the water. The area is great for watching sunrise or simply enjoying the laid-back Hilo vibe.

Carlsmith Beachpark

This protected lagoon has calm and clear water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) frequently rest in the shallow areas here, making it a magical spot for viewing the wildlife. Remember to observe turtles from a respectful distance because they’re protected by federal law.

Explore Downtown Hilo

Historic downtown Hilo features charming local shops, art galleries, and cafes housed in vintage buildings. Don’t miss Big Island Candies for locally-made chocolate treats, or stop by one of the local coffee shops to sample Hilo’s famous Kona coffee. The area has a distinctly local feel that’s quite different from the resort towns on the Kona side.

Day 3: Travel Day – Hilo to Volcano

• Start early (8am departure recommended)
• Total drive time from Hilo to Volcano with Stops: ~1 hr

Start your day by checking out of Hilo and heading straight to Target or Walmart for your essential supply run. This is really helpful for the remote driving ahead.

At the shops, refuel your car, and load up on 2 gallon water jugs, bananas, apples, trail mix, protein bars, and other car snacks that will sustain you through areas with zero cell service and minimal shops. Once you’re fully stocked, continue on to the Volcano area to explore the volcano park, and to check into your next accommodation.

Days 3-4: Volcanoes National Park (2 nights)

You’ll have about a day and a half to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is one of the most unique geological destinations in the world. Below are the top activities we recommend – feel free to split them across your time here based on your energy level and interests. If the lava is fountaining, we’d abandon all of our plans to see that first. Since you’ll arrive on Day 3 after your supply run and drive, you might want to save the more ambitious activities like Kīlauea Iki for Day 4 when you have a full day to work with.

Accommodation: Book 2 nights near Volcanoes National Park. Check out our full guide to accomodations near Volcanoes National Park.

Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube

This 500-year-old lava tube offers a fascinating walk through a natural underground tunnel created by flowing lava. The tube is well-lit and easily accessible compared to wild lava tubes. It’s a unique geological experience that gives you a sense of the incredible volcanic forces that shaped the Big Island. Learn more about the Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube in our full guide.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

This 4-mile loop trail takes you down into a crater that was filled with molten lava as recently as 1959, then across the now-solidified lava lake floor. The trail involves some steep sections and uneven lava rock terrain, so basic hiking fitness is definitely recommended. Walking across the crater floor feels otherworldly – you’re literally hiking on ground that was molten rock just decades ago.

Steam Vents

These natural steam vents demonstrate the ongoing volcanic activity beneath your feet, as groundwater heated by underground magma creates dramatic plumes of steam. It’s an easily accessible stop that really drives home the fact that you’re standing on an active volcano. The steam vents are particularly impressive on cooler days when the temperature contrast makes the steam more visible, although they always tend to smell a bit like the earth is farting.

Chain of Craters Road + Hōlei Sea Arch

This scenic drive descends 3,700 feet through various volcanic landscapes to reach the coast, passing numerous volcanic craters along the way. The road ends at Hōlei Sea Arch, a dramatic natural rock formation carved by ocean waves. The drive showcases how lava flows have repeatedly reshaped this coastline, and you might even see areas where the road had to be rebuilt due to recent volcanic activity.

Stargazing

On clear nights near Volcano, the entire milky way comes out visible to the naked eye, in a dazzling display of stars. The first time that I saw the milky way while visiting Volcano, I cried, because I hadn’t known that the night sky could look like that in real life. I’d just assumed that photos of the milky way were photoshopped.

Day 5: Adventure Travel Day – Volcano to Kona via South Point

• Start early (8am departure recommended)
• Total drive time from Volcano to Kona with Stops: 2 hours 40 mins

This is your first adventure travel day, combining a scenic drive with visits to some of the Big Island’s most iconic southern destinations like Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and South Point. You’ll check out of your Volcano accommodation, load your luggage into the car, and spend the day exploring before arriving at your Kona base. This day includes both must-see stops and optional activities like Green Sand Beach, so you can customize based on your group’s interests and energy level.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

This stunning black sand beach is one of the most famous on the Big Island, created by volcanic activity grinding lava rock into fine black sand. Hawaiian green sea turtles often bask on the warm black sand, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife photography. The contrast between the black sand, white surf, and green palm trees creates a truly beautiful place.

Punalu’u Bake Shop

The Punalu’u Bake Shop is famous for their Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas (Portuguese donuts), making it a perfect stop for snacks and local treats. The bakery has been family-owned for decades and offers a taste of authentic local flavors. My favorite malasada flavor is the Lilikoi Glazed (passionfruit), and we always buy a loaf of sweet bread to snack on in the car. The bake shop is conveniently located a very close 15 mins away from the black sand beach, so you can easily combine both stops.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach Hike

This rare green sand beach gets its distinctive color from olivine crystals eroded from a nearby volcanic cinder cone. Getting there requires either a 5.6 mile (9 km) round trip across rough terrain, or paying locals about $20 for a bumpy truck ride.

The beach itself is spectacular and unlike anywhere else in the world, but the journey is definitely the challenging part of this stop. If weather/energy doesn’t cooperate that day, feel free to skip the Green Sand Beach and continue straight to Kona. You can read our full guide to hiking Papakolea Green Sand Beach to judge whether this is a good fit for you.

South Point

South Point is the southernmost point of the United States, offering dramatic cliffs (which some people dive off) and a sense of standing at the edge of the world.

This area features interesting historical sites including ancient Hawaiian fishing shrines, and the strong winds and currents here make this a powerful place.

Days 5-8: The Kona Coast (3 nights)

After two intensive days of exploring volcanoes and adventure traveling, you’ll have three full nights in Kona to enjoy a more relaxed pace with beautiful sandy beaches and water activities. This is your longest stay in one place, giving you time to unpack, settle in, and enjoy the sunny west side of the island without constantly being on the move. Below are our top recommended activities, and you can easily spread them across your three days here and even build in some downtime to simply relax.

Accommodation: Book 3 nights in Kailua-Kona area

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling

This marine life conservation district offers some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, with crystal-clear water and abundant tropical fish. The bay is also historically significant as the location where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

You can access the bay via guided boat tours or kayak rentals, or by hiking, although the hike down to the bay is quite steep and challenging. You can read more about our favorite Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour in our full guide.

Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive

Swimming with manta rays at night is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many consider the highlight of their Big Island visit. These gentle giants, with wingspans up to 14 feet (4 m), gracefully glide through underwater lights as they feed on plankton. Despite the dramatic name, manta tours are extremely safe and suitable for beginners.

Multiple tour operators offer this experience, and while it’s not guaranteed, the success rate for manta sightings is quite high in Kona.

Historic Kailua-Kona Town

Kailua-Kona combines fascinating Hawaiian history with great beaches and modern resort amenities. The town center features historic sites like Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, while Ali’i Drive has beachfront dining and shopping. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the area has a much more tourist-centric vibe compared to Hilo’s local feel.

Enjoy Big Sandy Beaches

The Kona coastline has some of the best swimming beaches in all of Hawaii. We especially love to visit Kua Bay (when there is sand), Hapuna, and Spencer Beach Park.

Day 9: Adventure Travel Day – Kona to Hilo via Hamakua Coast

• Start early (8am departure recommended)
• Total Drive Time from Kona to Hilo via Hamakua Coast with stops: ~3hr 50 mins

Your final adventure travel day takes you through the lush Hamakua Coast, showcasing the Big Island’s incredible waterfalls and dramatic northern coastline before returning to Hilo. You’ll check out of Kona with luggage in tow and spend the day exploring some of the island’s most spectacular natural beauty, including options like Waipio Valley and Akaka Falls. This is a perfect way to cap off your circle route with some of the Big Island’s most iconic scenery before your departure the next day.

Waipio Valley Lookout or Tour

Waipio Valley, known as the “Valley of the Kings,” is a lush valley with waterfalls, taro fields, and black sand beaches. While in the present day it is only possible to go into the valley on a guided tour, this option is perfect if you want a cultural experience without strenuous hiking.

If you are willing to spend more time driving, Pololu Valley provides a more active option with a moderate hike down to a dramatic black sand beach surrounded by towering sea cliffs. Both showcase the stunning Hamakua Coast, so choose based on your energy level and preference for guided vs. independent exploration.

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is a spectacular 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a lush tropical gorge, accessible via an easy 0.4-mile paved loop trail. The trail also passes the smaller but still impressive Kahuna Falls, and the whole walk takes you through beautiful rainforest vegetation. It’s a relatively quick and easy stop that delivers a big payoff in terms of natural beauty and photo opportunities.

Days 9-10: Final Night in Hilo (1 night)

Your final night back in Hilo gives you a chance to repack, reflect on your epic circle route adventure, and prepare for departure without any pressure to sightsee. After nine days of active exploration, this is intentionally a low-key day where you can sleep in, grab a final meal at a favorite Hilo spot, or simply relax before heading to the airport. It’s the perfect way to decompress from your Big Island adventure before returning to the real world.

Accommodation: Book 1 night in Hilo for Day 9 arrival

Before You Commit: What This Trip Actually Involves

This route covers a lot of ground, so planning ahead helps everything flow smoothly. Accommodations in Volcano and Kona can book up early, and the island’s geography means drives often take longer than they appear on the map. Most days on this itinerary involve light-to-moderate activity, like uneven lava rock trails, a potential 5.6 mile (9 km) round trip hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, and full days that blend exploring with driving. Nothing is super technical or extreme, but this itinerary is the kind of trip you’ll enjoy most if being on the move appeals to you.

After four full loops, my friends and I now choose to base ourselves on one side of the island for shorter 3-5 day trips. The circle route is incredible for first‑timers who want to see a little bit of everything, but there’s absolutely no shame in slowing down and soaking deeply into one region instead of covering ground. Choose what matches your travel style. And if you’d rather spend your time soaking in a few beautiful places instead of covering ground, that’s always a perfectly valid choice.

A quick reality check on why this is a 10 day itineary: the Big Island is bigger than it looks. You can’t easily hop between the Hilo side, the Kona side, the Kaʻū coast, and the Hāmākua coast in the same day, trust me, we tried in our early-20s era and barely lived to tell the tale. Each region takes time, which is exactly why this itinerary stretches the loop across ten days.

Essential Trip Preparation

This isn’t your typical Hawaiian vacation where you can wing it and figure things out as you go. From booking accommodations ahead to stocking up on supplies before heading into areas with zero cell service, a little preparation will make the difference between an epic adventure and a less smooth experience. Here’s everything you need to know.

Accommodations Booking Summary

Book all your accommodations well in advance, as the Big Island has limited lodging options and popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

• Days 1-2: Hilo (2 nights)
• Days 3-4: Volcano area (2 nights)
• Days 5-7: Kona area (3 nights)
• Day 9: Hilo (1 night)
• Day 10: Departure

I personally lean toward vacation rentals over hotels because having access to a washer and dryer is incredibly valuable when you’re doing this much outdoor activity and spending days with luggage in the car. Plus, vacation rentals often provide more space to spread out and repack between the different legs of your journey.

Choosing a Reliable Rental Car

Think of this more as a comfort-and-convenience tip than a warning. One year, my friends and I did the loop in a lovingly restored vintage VW bus, which was ridiculously cute—and also hilariously slow. Sometimes, we’d have to hop out and help push it up the hills!

A regular mid‑sized SUV is perfect. You want to get something that is roomy enough for both luggage and passengers, comfortable for the long scenic drives, and totally sufficient for the paved roads you’ll be using.

Road Trip Provisions

Picking these items up in Hilo and Kona saves you from scrambling later. Once you leave town, services become sparse, and long stretches of the Kaʻū coast and South Point area have no reliable places to buy water, snacks, or fresh fruit.

• Two 1 gallon sized water jugs
• Fresh fruit (bananas, apples)
• Trail mix, protein bars, car snacks
• Easy breakfasts (muffins, croissants, etc.)
• Extra water bottles for refilling

Stocking up now means you’ll have everything you need for the remote days ahead without relying on convenience stores that may not exist when you need them.

Cheapest Places to Refuel Your Car

Gas prices vary dramatically across the Big Island, so planning your fill-ups can save you serious money.

The cheapest gas stations are:

• Safeway Gas in Hilo
• Costco Gas in Kona

If you end up relying on the tiny gas stations in remote areas like Volcano, Naalehu, or even Waimea, expect to pay significantly more per gallon.

Safety On the Road

Beyond the basics like offline maps and car chargers, there are some Big Island-specific road hazards to be aware of:

• Areas with no cell service: You’ll encounter extended stretches with zero cell service, particularly between Volcano and South Point, and between Waimea and Waipio, so download offline maps and let someone know your planned route.
• Feral goats: Watch for feral goats on Kona-side roads, especially at dawn and dusk when they’re most active.
• Heavy fog and rain: The drive toward Kohala frequently has heavy fog and rain that can reduce visibility quickly, so slow down and use headlights.
• Speed traps: Finally, be extra cautious about speed limits, particularly near Waimea. The Big Island has speed traps that target rental cars, and getting a ticket in the middle of your vacation is definitely not fun!

Travel Insurance

Given the adventure activities, remote driving conditions, and the fact that medical care and evacuations can be costly in Hawaii, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for this trip. You’ll be hiking on volcanic terrain, snorkeling in open water, and driving through areas where help could be hours away if something goes wrong. If you are unfamiliar with the world of travel insurance, check out my Smart Traveler’s Guide to Travel Insurance.

What to Pack

You’ll have luggage in your car for multiple adventure travel days, so pack strategically in one larger bag rather than multiple small ones.

• Clothing:
  • 2+ bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries)
  • Rashguard for sun protection during water activities
  • 3-4 pairs of hiking/outdoor shorts
  • 2-3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
  • 1-2 long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cooler evenings
  • Light rain jacket (essential for Hamakua Coast/Kohala areas, and Volcano)
  • One nice outfit for Kona dining
  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip for lava rock
  • Flip-flops or water shoes
  • Sweatshirt or jacket
• Health & Safety:
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Any personal medications
• Tech & Accessories:
  • Waterproof phone case for water activities
  • Portable phone charger/power bank
  • Small daypack for hikes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat with good sun protection
  • Sunglasses

If you plan some of your stays to have washers and dryers, you might be able to get away with packing a bit less.

Is This Big Island Itinerary A Good Fit For You?

This circle route is incredible for first‑time Big Island visitors who want to experience the island’s full range of landscapes, from lava fields to lush valleys to perfect snorkeling bays. It is a lot of driving and active adventure days, so choose this itinerary because the adventure excites you—not because you feel like you “should” do it. If a slower, more rooted trip sounds better, you’ll have an amazing time basing yourself on one side instead. After four journeys around this loop, I am now more of a “hang out in one town” kinda girl. But I’ll never forget the fun times I had with friends, singing carpool karaoke to Paramore on the top of our lungs in the VW bus, or huddling together in the bed of a truck as we explored the whole island.