Hawai'i, also known as "The Big Island," is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to lush rainforests, active volcanoes, colored sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and more. While less visited than its neighbor Oahu, Hawai'i offers a more quiet experience for those seeking to escape the crowds.
In April 2023, my family and I visited Hawai'i for the first time. Watch this video for my travel guide, or keep reading for our 4-day itinerary.
Our 4-Day Itinerary in Hawai'i
Day 0:
Izakaya Shiono Kona: After flying into Kona International Airport and settling into our Airbnb, we had dinner at Izakaya Shiono Kona—a local Japanese restaurant. End your meal with their green tea ice cream with mochi and red beans!
Day 1:
808 Grindz Cafe: Begin your first day with a filling, Hawaiian breakfast at 808 Grindz Cafe—a neighborhood favorite.
Manini'owali Beach: Manini'owali Beach is a white sand beach with clear, turquoise water. Explore the area to spot some wild goats!
Lilinoe Fruit Stand: On the way to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, stop by Lilinoe Fruit Stand which offers a variety of tropical fruits.
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout: Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is an overlook with a bird's-eye view of Waipiʻo Valley—a historic site known as "The Valley of the Kings." You'll find several adorable cats roaming the area.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park: An easy, 0.5-mile loop trail will take you through a tropical rainforest to the dramatic, 442-ft. ʻAkaka Falls cascading into a gorge.
Rainbow Falls: Rainbow Falls is an 80-ft. waterfall that cascades over a lava cave and into the Wailuku River. The falls are easily accessible—the overlook to the falls is steps away from the parking lot.
Kula Shave Ice: Stop by Kula Shave Ice to enjoy Hawaiian shave ice after an afternoon exploring!
Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens: Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy a walk—this 24-acre Japanese garden overlooks Hilo Bay and features fishponds, pagodas, bridges, rock gardens, and more!
Foodland Kea`au: Foodland is a supermarket chain with stores throughout the island—stop by to try their fresh poke.
Day 2:
Tin Shack Bakery: Start your morning with breakfast at Tin Shack Bakery—you'll find both tourists and locals at this open-air café.
Makuʻu Point: Visiting Makuʻu Point was one of my favorite memories from our trip as we had the place (almost) to ourselves. Located off the beaten path, Makuʻu Point features a shoreline with groves of trees and moss-covered lava rocks.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park spans over 340,000 acres with an abundance of sights to see. If you only have one day to explore the park, I recommend visiting the following:
• Steam Vents: See and feel hot vapor from Steam Vents as they rise from cracks in the ground, created by water seeping down to rocks heated by magma deep underground.
• Kīlauea Overlook: Kīlauea Overlook offers panoramic views of the Kīlauea caldera and Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which according to the National Park Service grew from 280 ft. deep to 1,600 ft. deep and doubled in diameter after the 2018 eruption of the Kīlauea volcano.
• Chain of Craters Road: Take a scenic drive on the Chain of Craters Road—a 19-mile long, paved road that ribbons through expansive craters and alongside the coast.
• Thurston Lava Tube: Thurston Lava Tube was the highlight of our park visit. Walk through a tropical rainforest to enter the lava tube—which was formed over 500 years ago by flowing lava.
• Hōlei Sea Arch: Hōlei Sea Arch is a 90-ft. arch that extends from steep sea cliffs into the Pacific Ocean—the arch was also formed by flowing lava.
Punaluʻu Beach: After exploring the park, relax at Punaluʻu Beach—a black sand beach formed by lava flowing into the ocean.
Teshima's Restaurant: End the day with Japanese comfort food at Teshima's Restaurant—a family-owned restaurant that has been running since 1929.
Day 3:
Kona Mountain Coffee: Begin your morning at Kona Mountain Coffee—their coffee is sourced directly from their farm on the Big Island!
Kona Glass Bottom Boat: Cruise along Kailua Bay on a narrated tour with Kona Glass Bottom Boat, where you can see the coral reef below in a glass bottom boat.
Gecko Girlz Shave Ice: After the boat ride, grab Hawaiian shave ice at Gecko Girlz Shave Ice. Don't forget to add on their mochi, which was delicious!
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is one of Hawaiʻi's most important historic sites—it served as a sanctuary and place of refuge for those who violated "kapu" (ancient laws). Enjoy a walk and self-guided tour through the grounds, where plenty of resources are available onsite to learn about Hawaiian history in this area.
Broke Da Mouth Grindz: One of our favorite meals during the trip was from Broke Da Mouth Grindz—a takeout-only restaurant offering generous portions of Hawaiian dishes. I recommend trying their garlic furikake chicken and garlic butter shrimp rice plates, which were so good!
Day 4:
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park: Visit Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park to learn how early Hawaiian settlement survived on the island. Exploring this park was the perfect way to wrap up our last day in Hawaiʻi as we spotted several sea turtles along the Aiopio Fishtrap.
Ali’i Poke: Before heading back home, grab one last bowl of poke at Ali’i Poke. I recommend trying their spicy tuna poke bowl!
