This Is The Largest And Most Diverse Island In Hawaii! Here’s How To Experience It In Just One Day

If you only have one day on this Hawaiian island, I’m letting you know right now that that’s pretty ambitious. Of the 137 islands that make up the archipelago of Hawaii, the Big Island is the largest, but you can see a lot with a packed day. 

I’ll first preface this article with this fun anecdote. I had to be quarantined in a pandemic hotel for a week when I tested positive on arrival back when that was a thing. No complaints; I tried all the traditional Hawaiian meals and had a great view, and it was completely free. I just, you know, had a guard and couldn’t leave. 

But I still had a week to roam the island afterward, hiking around volcanoes and taking a night snorkeling adventure. If you’re just trying to be as efficient as possible, in the end, the island is not that big; you can see a lot in a day with good planning. 

At the end of your trip, if you have fallen in love with the Big Island and want to spend more time there, I’ve added a few extra activities to add to your itinerary.

Routing your Day Trip to Big Island Itinerary

Can you enjoy the Big Island without a car?

Honestly, no. Definitely rent a car to get around this beautiful Hawaiian destination. A car gives you so much flexibility, meaning you don’t have to get a tour guide. It makes everything so much easier; you can just get an audio guide to learn more.

Choosing Your starting point: Kona vs Hilo

There are two main airports on the island: Kona and Hilo. Ideally, your flight schedule will allow you to fly into one airport and out of the other.

If you’re flying in from the mainland, you’ll most likely land at Hilo International Airport (ITO). If that’s where you land, start your day at the top of this itinerary. If you’re flying in from another island, you’ll most likely arrive at the main airport, Kona International Airport (KOA). In that case, start your day from the end of this list. 

Choosing Your Route: North vs South Coast

You will feel very rushed if you plan on trying to traverse the entire island in one day. It’s like a 7 hour drive straight shot, without stopping. 

Instead, choose either the North or South Coast and stick to it. I’ll be starting this itinerary from Hilo since the #1 thing you want to see is Volcano National Park, and it’s much closer from here.

Sample Day Trip to Big Island, Hawaii Itinerary

Starting from Hilo Northern Route Itinerary

Morning:

• Just a short drive from Hilo, stop by Rainbow Falls on your way to Volcanos National Park.
• Hike through a lava tube or on a crater rim in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, host to the world’s most active volcanoes, like Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. 

Afternoon:

• Double back to take a short walk to two waterfalls in Akaka Falls State Park.
• Drive to Waipio Valley Lookout for an insane-looking valley and black sand beach.

Evening: 

• Watch the sunset at Hapuna Beach, one of the largest and most famous white sand beaches on the island.
• Eat your heart out with a fresh poke from Kona’s Da Poke Shack.
• Head to the Kailua-Kona boat dock to join a manta ray night snorkeling tour.

Recommended Places to Stay in Kona, Big Island

• 📍Luxury: Holualoa Inn 
• 📍Mid-Range: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
• 📍Budget: Kona Magic Honu Room

Recommended Places to Stay in Hilo, Big Island

• 📍Luxury: Grand Naniloa Hotel by Hilton
• 📍Mid-Range: SCP Hilo Hotel
• 📍Budget: Big Island Hostel

Starting from Hilo Southern Route Itinerary

Morning:

• Optional Detour: Akaka Falls State Park
• Rainbow Falls
• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Afternoon:

• Relax at Punaluu Black Sand Beach; if you’re lucky, wave to the sea turtles.
• Optional Detour: Cliff jump off South Point and off-road to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
• Learn about this preserved ancient refuge site, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.

Evening: 

• Manta ray night snorkeling

Quick Facts to Visiting the Big Island, Hawaii

Traveling to Big Island, Hawaii, is an adventure into the world’s largest island chain and the most remote landmass on the planet. As its name suggests, the Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, with a whopping 4,038 square miles – twice the size of all the other islands combined! 

It is home to five shield volcanoes, three of which are active: Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. The island boasts unique black sand beaches (and a green one) and is the only state in the US that grows coffee and vanilla.

Quick Facts	Details
Location	Pacific Ocean, Hawaii, USA
Best Time to Visit	April to October for best weather
Where to Stay	Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Volcano
Best Hotels	Best Kona Hotels 📍Luxury: Holualoa Inn  📍Mid-Range: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa 📍Budget: Kona Magic Honu Room Best Hilo Hotels 📍Luxury: Grand Naniloa Hotel by Hilton 📍Mid-Range: SCP Hilo Hotel 📍Budget: Big Island Hostel
Famous For	Active volcanoes, black sand beaches, coffee farms
Population	Approximately 200,000
Time Zone	Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST)
How to Get Around	Rental car is the best option for exploration Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals
City Airports	Kona International Airport (15 min from downtown Kona) Hilo International Airport (10 min from downtown Hilo) Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	If you’re planning on visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass. This annual pass provides entry to all national parks and federal recreational lands in the United States.

What to Do on the Big Island in a Day on the North Coast

This day Big Island itinerary focuses on the popular attractions along the north coast, starting from the Hilo side of the island and ending in Kona.

Hilo Town

Hilo is a great starting point for your Big Island adventure, with its cute downtown area and easy access to the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park. Hopefully, you’ll have some time before heading out on the road.

Unlike the drier western side of the island, Hilo has lush landscapes brimming with tropical flowers and waterfalls that seem to appear out of nowhere. 

Eat the freshest catch of the day at Hilo’s Suisan Fish Market or the farmer’s market, then cross the bridge to Coconut Island. See the Liliuokalani Gardens, an impeccably maintained Japanese garden, or the Pacific Tsunami Museum for insight into the impact of tsunamis on the island. 

Rainbow Falls

Just outside Hilo, your first stop in the morning should be Rainbow Falls. This lovely 80 foot waterfall gets its name from the rainbows often seen in its mist, especially in the early mornings. 

Even though it’s visible from the parking lot, take a short 100 feet walk to get closer views of the falls at one of two overlooks.

Rainbow Falls actually has a deep cultural significance to the local Hawaiian people. Legend has it that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, the mother of the demigod Maui.

Hawai’i Volcano National Park

Now for the real adventure. Drive 45 minutes south to the mouth of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This fantastic park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

If you want a full guided experience, this national park highlights trip will cover the morning section of this itinerary, or get in on this awesome helicopter excursion over the volcanos.

You could easily spend a whole day just in Hawai’i Volcanoes, but if you just have half a day, here are the best things to do:

• Crater Rim Drive Tour: A scenic drive to the park’s most unique landscapes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
• Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail (4 miles): If you only do one hike here, let it be this trail. Descend from the crater rim before traversing through a rainforest and then across a solidified lava lake in the Kīlauea Iki crater.
• Visit the Thurston Lava Tube (1.5 miles): Walk through a 500-year old lava tube formed during a Kīlauea eruption. I recommend doing the entire 4-mile Kīlauea Trail first (a loop) and heading from the overlook to the lava tube. 
• Chain of Craters Road: Drive down to where the road ends, marking where lava flows have crossed over the road. This area offers views of the newest land on Earth. The Holei Sea Arch, a 90-foot tall lava arch, can also be seen at the end of the road.
• (No volcanic activity as of 2024) Lava Glow at Night: If there’s actually lava flowing, drop everything and come here at night to see the mesmerizing glow of lava under the night sky.

‘Akaka Falls State Park

Double back your way up north and stop by ‘Akaka Falls State Park to hike a short loop trail (0.4 miles) through a tropical rainforest to get views of two waterfalls: the 100-foot tall Kahuna Falls and the 442-foot Akaka Falls.

Entrance to the park is 5 USD for non-residents and free for Hawai’i residents. However, the parking fee is a little bit steeper, with a charge of 10 USD for non-commercial vehicles, aka your rental car. 

This walk is paved and easy, only taking 0.4 miles in total. Some areas have stairs, so they are not wheelchair accessible. Reserve around 30 minutes to walk the entire loop and admire the waterfalls.

Waipio Valley Lookout

Your next stop is about an hour’s drive to the Waipio Valley Lookout. And I’ll say, the view from this lookout point is something that will stay with you for a long time. There are steep cliffs, deep valleys, and beautiful black sand beaches below. 

The Waipio Valley was once home to many ancient Hawaiian kings and queens, and today, only around 50 residents have chosen to live off the grid here. The valley is also considered a sacred place by the Hawaiian people.

Getting to the lookout is just a drive away, but here’s the thing, the real beauty comes when you hike down into the valley itself. It’s a steep trek, so be prepared for a workout. Or be like me and just fly a drone, or for bigger ballers, take an out-of-this-world helicopter tour.

Once you’re down there, book a tour with a local company that offers horseback rides or ATV tours through the valley.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

After all that driving and hiking, it’s time for some relaxation on one of the best beaches on the island. The Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area boasts a white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

You probably won’t be getting here much earlier than the sunset, but if you are, then you’re just in time. The beach is open from 8am to sundown, with restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and even a snack bar.

Kona Town

As your day comes to an end, head towards Kona for some dinner. Along the way, you’ll pass by small towns like Waikoloa Village, which has plenty of dining options. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch your own dinner by going on a nighttime fishing tour.

Go Manta Ray Night Snorkeling 

Before coming to Hawaii, I never knew swimming with mantas was even a thing. Although I had to miss out in Kona due to being trapped in a hotel sick for a week, I loved snorkeling with the mantas in Nusa Penida, Bali, so much that I dove with them three more times on two different trips. 

I’m not kidding when I say it’s one of the coolest bucket list experiences you can cross off. 

Join a guided tour to snorkel with manta rays in Kona. After boarding the boat at Honokaa Marina, it takes 30 minutes to get to the manta ray viewing location. Once there, the boat operators turn on lights which attract plankton, bringing the manta rays to the water’s surface. 

You and your group are given snorkels and hold onto a raft, looking down at the dark ocean below. These gentle giants can have wingspans up to 20 feet and may touch you but will never hurt you. 

If you get seasick easily, do know that you will get pummeled by the waves, so you might feel queasy towards the end of the experience. 

Things to Do on a Big Island Day Trip on the South Coast

This itinerary also begins in Hilo, but we will head around the island clockwise along the southern coast. 

The morning will look very similar to the itinerary above, starting with ‘Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, and making our way to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, then ending in Kona.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Once you’re done exploring Volcano National Park, drive 30 minutes south to Punaluu Black Sand Beach. This is a quick stop but worth visiting on your way to the island’s west side.

As the name suggests, this beach has black sand and is a perfect destination to admire biodiversity. Because of the cold water temperature and rocky shore, I suggest you don’t enter the water unless you are terribly overheated from the day’s hike. 

Instead, hang out on the sand, walk around, and if you’re lucky, you can see a couple of sea turtles sun tanning. Remember to keep a safe distance from them to avoid disturbing them.

Optional: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

We actually didn’t opt to do this because we heard how difficult it was to get there, even though we met some locals who offered to take us for free with their ATVs. It was a sad moment turning down that offer.

But, here’s the thing. Papakōlea is one of the four green sand beaches in the world and is worth a visit if you have the time and energy to do so. The green color comes from olivine crystals deposited by lava flow.

To get to the beach, you’ll need to drive down an unpaved road for 2-3 miles and then hike 2.5 miles to the actual beach. The terrain is rough, hot, and dusty, so make sure you have plenty of water and proper footwear. You can also sign up for an ATV tour instead.

Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

After lunch or a quick snack break at Punaluu Bakery, I suggest heading to Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Aside from being absolutely beautiful, this park is a sacred place for the Hawaiian people. 

This site was once a royal compound and a place of refuge for those who broke the law or escaped war. Today, visitors can learn about the ancient Hawaiian culture and traditions and even participate in a cultural demonstration.

For instance, I learned that people can actually open a raw coconut in like 10 seconds with no modern tools. I once tried, and it took half a day. 

This sacred site also has a beautiful beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Other Things to Do in Big Island Hawaii with More Time

There are many incredible experiences to have on the Big Island of Hawai’i. If you have more time, don’t forget to add the following items to your bucket list:

• Kona Coffee Farms: The Kailua-Kona area has some of the best coffee farm tours. Check out Hala Tree Coffee for a free one-hour tour of the coffee tree plantation. They are certified USDA organic and practice sustainable agriculture. Hala Tree Coffee also offers coffee roasting tours for 20 USD per person and lets you roast your own beans.
• Mauna Kea: Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano for stargazers or watching the sunset, where the visitor center is already at 9,200 feet. Travelers who want to make it even further to the summit can join a stargazing tour that takes you up in a 4WD vehicle.
• Lava Tree State Monument: Walk through a forest of lava trees – tree molds created by a lava flow.
• Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: Home to thousands of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs etched into lava rock.
• Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park: A marine sanctuary that is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and spotting dolphins.
• Pololu Valley Lookout: Amazing views at the end of the Kohala Mountain Road, with hiking trails leading down to the valley and black sand beach.
• Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay: A historical site where Captain Cook, the first European to visit Hawaii, was killed. Also, fantastic snorkeling and kayaking opportunities.

Beyond these main attractions, include a few days in Kauai or a perfect layover trip in Honolulu.

Where to Stay in Big Island Hawaii

Hilo and Kailua-Kona are the best areas for a short stay on the island. Travelers who want a rainforest climate and hiking options should check out Hilo, while those who want a dry climate and great beaches should try Kailua-Kona. 

Best Hotels in Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii

Our top choice on the Big Island of Hawai’i is Hilo, given that it is the location of the main airport in the area. The town itself is vibrant, with views of the ocean, Hilo Bay, and volcanoes.

Best Hotels in Hilo	Benefits
📍Luxury: Grand Naniloa Hotel by Hilton	– Luxurious hotel with great ocean views, a golf course, and cultural activities – Close to downtown Hilo and the airport
📍Mid-Range: SCP Hilo Hotel	– Combines luxury with sustainability – Modern amenities, a rooftop bar with views – Near downtown Hilo for easy access to local attractions
📍Budget: Big Island Hostel	– Dorm room and private options with communal kitchen – Within walking distance to downtown Hilo

Best Hotels in Kailua-Kona, Big Island Hawaii

Staying in Kailua-Kona, known as Kona by locals, is another great option, as this city is the home to the manta ray night swim. Kona is a seaside town on the west side of the Big Island and is a fantastic destination for beach lovers who want a laid-back seaside town.

It is not the cheapest place, especially if you want to stay close to town.

Best Hotels in Kona	Benefits
📍Luxury: Holualoa Inn	– Beautifully-decorated rooms and grounds with ocean views – Delicious gourmet breakfasts – Extremely attentive staff with top-notch service in Kona Coffee Country
📍Mid-Range: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa	– Features a full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and a waterfront location – Great amenities such as a water slide and pool – Clean rooms and balconies
📍Budget: Kona Magic Honu Room	– 2 minute walk from Magic Sands Beach, but a bit out of town – Access to a kitchen, laundry, and free parking

Is 1 Day Enough for Big Island Hawaii

Exploring the vast landscape of Big Island Hawaii in just one day is ambitious, given its diverse climates, numerous attractions, and the size of the island. While it’s possible to experience a slice of what the island offers in a single day, I would recommend at least 3 days, or most people stay a week.

In one day, you can pick a region of the island to explore. However, doing so means missing out on other unique experiences, like stargazing atop Mauna Kea, exploring the numerous historical sites, or summit hikes.

The travel time between attractions can also eat into your day. Distances might seem short on a map, but winding roads and varying terrain can make drives longer than anticipated. 

Best Time To Visit

It’s Hawaii; the island has a temperate climate year-round, but each season differs slightly. The absolute best time to go to Big Island Hawaii is during April-May and September-October. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are low, and flights and accommodation are more affordable compared to peak season.

Despite it being the rainy season, the high season runs from December to March, when many travelers flock to escape colder climates. Due to increased demand, prices for flights and hotels can skyrocket during this period. This period also attracts surfers seeking to catch big waves on the north shores.

How to Get Here

Getting to Big Island Hawaii is an adventure in itself; it’s well-connected, just really far from any major landmass.

The primary gateway to the Big Island is through Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east and Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west. These airports service both domestic and international flights, giving flexibility depending on where you want your final destination on the island to be.

From the continental United States, direct flights are available from major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle to both Hilo and Kona. Score the best flight prices using Expedia.

International visitors often have layovers in Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu or Kahului (OGG) on Maui before catching a short, internal flight to the Big Island. These connecting flights are frequent.

How to Get Around

Once on the island, renting a car is highly recommended to cover large distances and visit remote areas at your own pace. Find great rental car deals with DiscoverCars.

Public Transportation: Local bus services are available but may not reach all tourist destinations efficiently. A helicopter tour like this one can give an aerial view of the island’s diverse topography, including its active volcanoes and lush valleys.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Big Island Hawaii

I’ve been to three of the major islands of Hawaii now, but the Big Island is my favorite. It’s not as expensive; you can pick fruit off the side of the road, and it’s just more genuine. And did I mention the incredible greenery? 

If you’re planning to explore more of the Hawaiian archipelago, see our other guides to experience the best of this tropical island chain!

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Hawaii?

Hawaii may have been the site of a family vacation when I was twelve, but having gone back for a month as an adult is even better. If you’re looking for other places in Hawaii too, check out these other posts I have on the archipelago.

• Perfect One Day In Volcano National Park Itinerary
• Perfect Day Trip to Big Island Itinerary: Hawaii Guide
• Epic Day Trip to Maui Itinerary for the Adventurous

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.