The Big Island is exactly what its name promises, full of big adventures, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. From black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls to world-class dining and quiet coves, this island captures everything magical about Hawaii. Whether you’re chasing volcano views or savoring fresh island cuisine, the Big Island moves at its own rhythm, laid back, lush, and endlessly inspiring.

I have been traveling to The Big Island for over 25 years. Growing up for 10 years, I would spend 2-3 months during my summer break enjoying the island and competing at tennis camp. There was never a time where I didn’t find something new to learn, see and explore. There are multiple parts and even climates to the island. On the Hilo side you will get beautiful rain which can be perfect when exploring the island’s waterfalls. In the dead center you have the Mauna Kea, an active volcano at a steep 13,803 feet. On the Waikoloa side, you have stunning beaches. My main recommendation is staying a few nights on the Hilo side and while the bulk of your stay in Waikoloa Beach.

Things to Do

• Akaka Falls State Park – A breathtaking 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.
  • Nearby you’ll find Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, PeePee Falls, and Kaumana Caves — all within about 40 minutes and only minutes apart from each other.
• Pololū Valley Lookout – Stunning views of cliffs and coastline. Pair it with a visit to Waipi‘o Valley for another incredible vista.
  • Stop for breakfast or lunch at Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea — famous for massive, authentic Hawaiian plates.
• Kikaua Point Park – A small, secluded beach near the Four Seasons Hualalai with calm water and soft sand — perfect for families or couples looking for peace.
• Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach – Known for its jet-black sand and frequent sea turtle visitors. Best visited on the way to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
• Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay) – The start of a gorgeous stretch of west coast beaches where you can often spot turtles and find quiet, secluded coves just a short walk away.

Top Restaurants Around the Island

• Foster’s Kitchen – Fresh, locally sourced island fare with ocean views. Great for sunset dinners.
• Merriman’s Waimea – A farm-to-table pioneer. Don’t miss the lamb — it’s legendary.
• Brown’s Beach House – Elegant beachfront dining with Hawaiian flavors. Order the five-spice duck.
• CanoeHouse – Oceanfront fine dining with sushi, local seafood, and stunning sunsets.
• The Coffee Shack – Breakfast with a panoramic view of Kealakekua Bay — try the macadamia nut pancakes.
• Hawaiian Style Cafe – The go-to spot for massive, authentic Hawaiian breakfasts.
• Island Vintage Coffee – A great coffee stop with acai bowls and local brews.
• ‘Ulu Ocean Grill – Located at the Four Seasons, offering upscale island cuisine with oceanfront elegance.

Coffee & Casual Favorites

• Island Vintage Coffee – For acai bowls and smooth Kona brews.
• The Coffee Shack – Local favorite for morning coffee with postcard-perfect views.
• Hawaiian Style Cafe – Come hungry — this place serves up portions that could feed a small village.

Where to Stay on the Big Island

Waikoloa Village Side

• Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Secluded, stunning, and one of the top resorts in all of Hawaii. This is one of my favorite properties on the island. Dining is impeccable, the location is quiet and in the middle of Kona and Waikoloa and has my favorite secluded beach.
• Midscale: Fairmont Orchid – A beautiful oceanfront property near beaches, snorkeling, and Brown’s Beach House.
• Budget: Hilton Waikoloa Village – Simple, clean, and conveniently located in the village.
• AirBNB: The Fairway Villas – for some 2 and 3 bedroom condos. This is where my family had a townhome growing up and it resides right on a golf course, has a pool/hot tub, gym and walking distance to shopping and dining. Perfect for families who need a kitchen to cook at home!

HILO

• Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton – In downtown Hilo. Easy out to get to all the attractions.

KONA

• Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel – downtown Kona, walkable to all the dining options.

Festivals & Events

• Merrie Monarch Festival (April) – A world-renowned hula competition in Hilo celebrating Hawaiian culture.
• Ironman Hawaii (May) – refers to the historic IRONMAN World Championship triathlons held in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i, featuring a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
• Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) – A must for coffee lovers, celebrating Hawaii’s famous Kona beans.
• Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (February) – A beautiful celebration of Japanese culture and blooming cherry trees.

4-Day Big Island of Hawaii Itinerary

The Big Island is vast, diverse, and full of contrast from lush rainforests to volcanic plains and serene beaches. At minimum you want 7 days to experience its waterfalls, valleys, black sand beaches, and amazing dining. Once you arrive you are ready to jump into action. For a longer duration, check out my 8-day itinerary here.

Day 1 – Waterfalls & Volcanoes

Morning:
Start early in Hilo, the island’s eastern hub. Begin at Rainbow Falls, then make your way to Boiling Pots, PeePee Falls, and the Kaumana Caves, all just minutes apart. Continue north to the lush Akaka Falls State Park, where a short loop trail reveals one of Hawaii’s most photogenic waterfalls.

Lunch:
Stop in Hilo town for a casual bite or grab takeout before heading south.

Afternoon:
Drive to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Spend your afternoon exploring the Kīlauea Iki Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, and the scenic Crater Rim Drive.

Evening:
Catch sunset or twilight glow from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater if lava is visible. Stay overnight nearby in Volcano Village.

Day 2 – Black Sand & Coastal Bliss

Morning:
Head south to the famous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Watch for sea turtles basking on the sand, it’s one of the island’s most unique beaches.

Lunch:
Drive west toward Kona and stop at The Coffee Shack for incredible views and local-style breakfast or lunch.

Afternoon:
Continue along the coast, stopping at coffee farms in Kona Coffee Country for tastings and tours.

Dinner:
Settle into Kailua-Kona and enjoy dinner at Foster’s Kitchen, overlooking the ocean.

Overnight:
Stay in or near Kona for easy access to beaches and dining.

Day 3 – North Coast Valleys & Upcountry Charm

Morning:
Drive north to explore two of the most breathtaking valleys on the island: Pololū Valley Lookout and Waipi‘o Valley Lookout. The scenic drive between them reveals stunning coastline views.

Lunch:
Stop in Waimea at Hawaiian Style Cafe which home to the largest, most authentic Hawaiian breakfasts and plate lunches on the island.

Afternoon:
If time allows, stroll through Waimea’s shops and galleries, or visit nearby Parker Ranch for a look into Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) heritage.

Dinner:
Make reservations at Merriman’s Waimea, a Big Island institution and a pioneer of Hawaii’s farm-to-table movement. Order the lamb, it’s unforgettable.

Day 4 – Resort Day & Hidden Beaches

Morning:
Head to the Kohala Coast for a relaxing final day. Spend your morning at Kikaua Point Park, a calm, secluded cove near the Four Seasons Hualalai which ideal for swimming or snorkeling.

Lunch:
Enjoy a light lunch or poke bowl at Island Vintage Coffee before heading back to the coast.

Afternoon:
Walk the long stretch of sand west of Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay). It’s one of the best places to spot green sea turtles and find quiet, uncrowded beaches.

Dinner:
End your trip with a sunset dinner at one of the island’s top oceanfront restaurants:

• ‘Ulu Ocean Grill – Elegant coastal dining at the Four Seasons
• Brown’s Beach House – Order the five-spice duck and enjoy live Hawaiian music
• CanoeHouse – Exquisite sushi and a picture-perfect sunset setting

Travel Tips

Timing: Plan your days around early starts, which should be easy due to the time change, mornings are clearer for views, especially in Hilo and Waipi‘o Valley.

Rental Car Required: Distances between attractions are significant. There are some roads that you might want 4WD but majority have as becoming more accessible.

Pack Layers: The Big Island’s elevations vary, from cool mornings in Waimea to hot afternoons in Kona. Bring walkable shoes for hikes and stepping on harden lava. You will also want water shoes for the ocean, caves and snorkeling.

Respect Nature: Stay on trails and never approach sea turtles or wildlife.

Additional research: Over the years we have always used “The Big Blue Book” for Hawaii unique secret spots.

For my full list of Hawaii including Maui, visit my Google Maps List here.

Keeping It Ellavated

From cascading waterfalls and volcanic craters to hidden beaches and five-star dining, the Big Island captures the full spirit of Hawaii: wild, welcoming, and endlessly diverse. Each corner of the island offers something new: adventure seekers can hike lava trails or dive into the Blue Pacific, while those craving relaxation can find peace beneath swaying palms or at a world-class spa.

If you’re planning a trip, give yourself at least a week, a good pair of walking shoes, and a rental car, because here, the journey is the destination.