Big Island Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Guide That’ll Make You Ditch the Mainland

Kick off your day with a peaceful stroll through Liliʻuokalani Gardens, a 30-acre Japanese-style garden built in honor of King Kamehameha, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch . The koi ponds, stone lanterns, and pagodas make for a relaxing start to your trip. It’s free to enter and perfect for quiet reflection or snapping family photos.

Activity Option: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour – Want a bird’s-eye view of Hilo’s lush landscape? Consider adding the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Discover Hilo Tour to your morning. This unforgettable experience takes you soaring over waterfalls, rainforests, and iconic landmarks for a breathtaking perspective on Hilo’s natural beauty.

Just five minutes from downtown, Rainbow Falls is a must-see. This 80-foot waterfall is famous for the vibrant rainbows that appear in the mist during morning sunlight. You’ll find accessible viewing platforms and plenty of photo opportunities.

Optional: Check out Akaka Falls State Park, just 11 miles north. This tropical spot features Akaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot waterfall, plus the smaller Kahuna Falls. Stroll the easy loop trail for gorgeous views and native Hawaiian plants—perfect for a peaceful nature break.

Check out Suisan Fish Market for some of the freshest poke bowls and seafood plates in Hawaii. Known for their incredible quality and authentic Hawaiian flavors, this spot is a local favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic ahi poke or a mixed seafood plate, every dish is made with the best ingredients straight from the ocean.

After lunch, take a short walk to Coconut Island (Moku Ola). Connected by a footbridge, this small island park offers grassy picnic areas, a sandy beach safe for kids, and space to unwind while enjoying views of Hilo Bay.

Activity Option: Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak – For a more active afternoon, consider the Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak tour. Paddle through the peaceful waters of Hilo Bay, taking in views of the lush coastline and learning about the area’s history. This adventure offers a unique way to experience Hilo’s charm and get closer to its stunning waterfalls.

End your afternoon at the Imiloa Astronomy Center, where Hawaiian culture and space science come together. With interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and stories of Polynesian navigation, it’s a fun spot and educational experience for everyone.

Where to Stay: Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, a DoubleTree by Hilton? Stay by the ocean at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, a Doubletree by Hilton, where you’ll find spacious rooms with stunning bay views and a convenient location near Hilo’s top spots. With a pool, family-friendly perks, and those famous DoubleTree cookies, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Take on the 4-mile Kīlauea Iki Trail, starting with a walk through a lush rainforest before heading down to a solidified lava lake from the 1959 eruption, you’ll also pass remnants of a lava flow along the way. Once you’re on the crater floor, you’ll come across steam vents and unique lava formations. Be sure to bring good shoes and plenty of water—this trail is moderately challenging.

Note: The Kīlauea Iki Trail typically takes 2–3 hours to complete and is suitable for most ages with average fitness—generally recommended for ages 8 and up, especially if accustomed to moderate hiking.

Check out the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), an enormous tunnel shaped by lava flows from centuries past. While you’re there, swing by the Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks, where volcanic gases create vibrant mineral deposits—a striking reminder of the incredible forces simmering below the surface.

Before heading back, consider a scenic drive along the Chain of Craters Road, which winds through volcanic terrain and ends dramatically at the sea.

Make a stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to see its stunning black sand beaches and the Hawaiian green sea turtles that often visit. Remember to give the turtles their space and take in the one-of-a-kind vibe.

Pro Tip: There’s little to no shade near the sand, so bring hats, sunscreen, or even a small umbrella—especially helpful if you’re visiting with toddlers!

Hop on a Kona Snorkeling & Sailing tour with lunch (usually 3–4 hours) with operators like Body Glove Hawaii. Cruise along the breathtaking Kona coastline to explore crystal-clear snorkeling spots filled with vibrant coral and tropical fish.

With snorkeling gear, guided support, and a tasty onboard lunch with refreshing drinks included, it’s a great adventure for families and snorkelers of all experience levels.

After your sailing adventure, unwind at Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the Kohala Coast’s largest white sand beaches. Its gentle waves, lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, and shady spots make it ideal for kids and parents alike.

Optional Seasonal Activity: Whale Watching Cruise (December–April) – If you’re visiting during whale season, try swapping the snorkeling & sailing tour for a Whale Watching Cruise with Body Glove Hawaii in the morning or early afternoon.

These 2–3 hour cruises offer an incredible chance to watch humpback whales breaching and playing in their winter breeding grounds along Kona’s coast. Perfect during winter months when humpbacks visit the Hawaiian Islands to breed.

End your day with a Historical Kona Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay, setting sail in the early evening. Cruise to Kealakekua Bay, a sacred and historic spot where the Captain Cook Monument. Enjoy a sunset dinner with Hawaiian music and stories, offering a memorable cultural experience on the water.

Check out Greenwell Farms or Hula Daddy Kona Coffee for free guided tours where you can learn all about the coffee-growing process and sample some of the famous Kona coffee. These tours are a treat for coffee enthusiasts—both educational and delicious!

Explore the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, a working farm museum preserving early 20th-century coffee farming life. Kids can have fun exploring old farm tools, feeding animals, and watching how coffee was made the old-school way. Adults can enjoy learning about traditional Hawaiian agriculture and lifestyles in an engaging, distraction-free setting.

Stroll the waterfront and check out Huliheʻe Palace, once a royal vacation home and now a museum filled with Hawaiian artifacts. Don’t miss Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church built in 1820, and browse for local crafts at Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace.

Experience the true taste of Hawaii at Da Poke Shack, a local favorite known for its fresh and flavorful poke bowls. Made with top-notch ingredients, each bowl is packed with fresh fish, tasty toppings, and mouthwatering sauces. With great service and a focus on quality, it’s a go-to spot for anyone who loves good food.

End your day with the Kona Super-Raft Sunset Cruise (with Dinner). Enjoy a scenic sail along the Kona coast, a tasty dinner onboard, and breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific. It’s the perfect way to unwind, take in the beauty of Kona from the water, and maybe even spot some marine life while soaking up Hawaiian music or stories.

Explore Parker Ranch, a historic treasure and one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S., covering over 130,000 acres on Hawaii’s Big Island. With roots dating back to 1847, it’s a place full of rich history that helped shape the island’s ranching culture. Older kids will love the horseback rides, while little ones can visit the small museum or explore the grounds.

After a morning of hiking through hills and valleys, head back to the Royal Kona Resort for the incredible Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Set on the resort’s oceanfront lawn with stunning views of Kailua Bay, the evening kicks off with a warm shell lei welcome and fun pre-show activities like cultural demonstrations and the traditional imu ceremony. As the sun sets, sit back and enjoy Polynesian music, hula performances, and stories celebrating the voyages of Pacific explorers.

Kona Inn Shopping Village is super close to the resort and packed with great spot to explore—cute boutiques, art galleries, waterfront dining, and lively bars with live music. Be sure to check out Huggo’s on the Rocks for delicious seafood or swing by Sam’s Hideaway if you’re up for karaoke and cocktails.