Abita Luxury Rentals Travel Guide
7 Day Big Island Itinerary for Luxury Travelers
Discover Hawaii Island through a curated seven day itinerary designed for Abita guests. Explore beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys, then return each evening to your private Kohala Coast retreat.
A Curated Way to Experience Hawaii Island
There is a moment at the start of every unforgettable trip, when the warm Kona breeze touches your skin and the quiet of the island settles in. This itinerary is for travelers who want more than a checklist of sights, it is for guests who value ease, beauty, and thoughtfully curated experiences.
- Designed for guests staying in Mauna Lani and the Kohala Coast
- Balances beach days, culture, volcano, and scenic drives
- Flexible enough for families, couples, and small groups
- Pairs with Abita luxury vacation rentals on Hawaii Island
How to Use This 7 Day Big Island Itinerary
Designed for the Kohala Coast
Ideal if you are based in Mauna Lani or nearby coastal communities, with most days starting or ending close to your Abita villa.
Balanced and Relaxed
A mix of beaches, cultural sites, volcano, rainforest, and scenic drives, with time to slow down and enjoy the island.
Flexible by Design
Swap days, add rest days by the pool, or focus on the experiences your group loves most.
Day 1, 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.
Day 2, 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.
Day 3, 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.
Day 4, 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.
Day 5, 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.
Day 6, 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.
Day 7, 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.
Travel With Intention and Respect
Hawaii Island is a rare and delicate place. As you explore, we invite you to support local businesses, respect cultural sites, and follow the island’s gentle reminder, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.
Ready to Plan Your Big Island Stay
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