7 Day Big Island Itinerary for Luxury Travelers

Beaches of the Kohala and Kona Coast

An effortless first day on the island

Begin your Hawaiian getaway with a relaxed day by the ocean. After collecting your rental car at Kona International Airport, head north toward the Kohala Coast, where turquoise water and white sand set the tone for your stay.

Spend the afternoon exploring a few local favorites:

• Kua Bay, clear, bright water and soft sand
• Beach 69, shaded coves and calm swimming
• Hapuna Beach, a wide, iconic stretch of shoreline

Close the day with sunset and dinner by the water, then return to your Abita villa to settle fully into island time.

South Kona Views and Ocean Adventures

Slow mornings, sea cliffs, and the culture of South Kona

Wake to gentle light over the ocean, then make your way south toward Captain Cook. Enjoy breakfast with a view at a local cafe or at The Coffee Shack, perched above Kealakekua Bay.

Continue to two of South Kona's highlights:

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a significant cultural sanctuary
• Two Step, one of the island's most beloved snorkeling spots

Add a manta ray snorkel or dive in the evening if you choose. Return to your Kohala Coast luxury villa to unwind by the pool.

Volcano Village and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A day shaped by fire, forest, and the glow of an active volcano

Leave the coast and travel toward Volcano Village, pausing at South Point and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach along the way. The landscape shifts from lava fields to cool rainforest as you approach the park.

Inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visit:

• Thurston Lava Tube
• Kīlauea Iki Overlook
• Chain of Craters Road

If you enjoy hiking, the Kīlauea Iki Trail is a memorable loop. After dinner in Volcano Village, end the night by viewing the soft glow from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater if conditions allow.

Jungle and the Puna Coast

Where the island feels wild and constantly transforming

Begin the day in the cool rainforest air of Volcano Village and choose between a deeper visit in the national park or a scenic journey toward the Puna district.

Along the Puna Coast, consider:

• Kaimū, where new black sand forms over old flows
• The scenic Red Road, winding between jungle and sea cliffs
• MacKenzie State Park and Isaac Hale

Enjoy dinner in Pāhoa before making your way back toward your accommodations.

Hilo and Waterfalls

A day shaped by ocean mist and the charm of old Hawaii

Travel to Hilo, a warm and welcoming coastal town. Begin with a classic breakfast, then explore downtown shops, galleries, and the farmers market if it aligns with your day.

Continue with:

• A swim at Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson's
• A stop at Rainbow Falls
• Views of Boiling Pots

Head up Saddle Road toward Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing if weather permits. Return to Hilo or continue toward the west side afterward.

The Hāmākua Coast

Waterfalls, fern forests, and one of the island's most scenic drives

Begin with a relaxed breakfast, then drive north along the lush Hāmākua Coast.

Highlights include:

• The Four Mile Scenic Route
• Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
• ʻAkaka Falls and Umauma Falls

Stop in Honokaʻa for lunch, then continue to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. Finish the day with dinner in Waimea before returning to your villa.

Waimea, Hāwī, and Pololū Black Sand Beach

A final day filled with quiet beauty and coastal serenity

Spend your last full day exploring North Hawaii. Begin in Waimea, then follow Highway 250 to Hāwī, a charming town with galleries and cafes.

Continue to Pololū Valley Lookout, where emerald cliffs rise above a dramatic black sand beach. If you are comfortable with a short, steep trail, hike down to the valley floor.

On your journey back toward Kona, stop in Waikoloa or Kawaihae for a final meal or a few last gifts. If time allows, enjoy one more sunset at Kua Bay.