The Big Island reminds you that nature is the greatest storyteller—one written in lava, wind, and waves.
🌋 5-Day Big Island, Hawaii Itinerary: Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Manta Rays
The Ultimate Big Island Travel Guide for Adventure, Relaxation, and Culture
Looking for the perfect Hawaiian adventure? This 5-day Big Island itinerary blends scenic road trips, volcano treks, snorkeling with manta rays, and local bites into an unforgettable Hawaiian escape. Based on personal travel experience, this guide includes practical tips, recommended tours, and hidden gems—all optimized for your dream vacation.
🌌 Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays (Kailua Kona)
Most amazing and unforgettable experience of our trip was the after dark Manta Ray snorkeling tour in Kailua Kona. Snorkeling with these majestic creatures in the dark is nothing short of magical. Booked with Sea Paradise Tours
🏝️ Day 1: Arrival & North Kohala
We chose to fly into Kona (KOA) for its close proximity to Waikoloa, our home base. From there, we hit the road along the scenic Akoni Pule Highway (Hwy 270) toward the lush northern coast.
🚗 Pololu Valley Lookout & Trail
Drive up to the Pololu Valley Lookout for a breathtaking view of the coastline and Pololu valley
Hike down the Pololū Trail to the valley (short but steep hike) and get to the black sand beach at the valley floor
🥭 Stop by local fruit stands for fresh coconuts, mango, and liliko‘i on the way.
🏨 Where We Stayed: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
🌊 Day 2: Waterfalls, Malasadas & Manta Ray Magic
Route: Kohala ➝ Hilo ➝ Kona
🌄 Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Known as the "Valley of the Kings," this iconic vista at the end of Hwy 240 is a must-see.
🍩 Tex Drive-In, Honokaʻa
Hands down, the best malasadas (Portuguese donuts) on the island.
💦 Umauma Falls & Zipline Adventure
Located on private land, Umauma Falls is a stunning 3-tiered waterfall with easy access.
Entry includes garden tours
Optional: Zipline & ATV tours (book early!)
🎟️ Reserve here
🌿 Akaka Falls State Park
A lush 0.4-mile loop trail brings you to Akaka Falls (442 ft) and Kahuna Falls (100 ft).
🌈 Rainbow Falls, Hilo
Easily accessible, the Rainbow Falls cascade 80 ft over a lava cave that, according to legends, is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon.
🌰 Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
A fun stop to sample locally grown macadamia nuts.
🌋 Day 3: Volcanoes & Black Sand Beaches
Route: Hilo ➝ Volcano National Park ➝ South Point ➝ Waikoloa
🏞️ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center and drive the Crater Rim Trail in the center of the park. Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that encircles the Kilauea volcano.
Must-see stops:
Kilauea overlook
Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff)
Haakulamanu (Sulphur banks)
Kilauea Iki overlook , Hike Kilauea Iki trail loop to walk through the crater.
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Kilauea Ili trail and lava tube together is around 4 miles.
🚗 Chain of Craters Road (18.8 miles)
Drive down the chain of craters road in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (18.8 miles)
Key stops:
Pauahi crater
Kealakomo overlook
Pu’ua Loa Petroglyphs (30 min drive and 1.2 mi out -and-back walk)
Hōlei Sea Arch
⛱️ South Point & Punalu’u
South Point: Southernmost point in the U.S. (mostly for bragging rights)
Punalu’u Bakery: More malasadas because…why not?
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Ideal for spotting sea turtles basking in the sun.
🌄 Day 4: Resort Relaxation & Mauna Kea Sunset
We spent the morning at the resort unwinding at the beach, got lunch at Kona Brewing Company and drove to Mauna Kea for sunset.
🏔️ Mauna Kea Sunset (Visitor Center at 9,300 ft)
Mauna Kea is considered the most sacred of all Hawaiʻi’s volcanoes, and is known by Hawaiians as a region of the gods. Drive to Onizuka center for International Astronomy visitor information center (9,300 ft above sea level). Keep in mind, to reach the summit, you have to book tours with tour companies or need a 4 wheel drive.
☕ Day 5: Kona Coffee & Departure
Kailua-Kona Region
🌿 Kona Coffee Plantation Tour
We visited Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation for a quick free tour (didn’t have enough time with an afternoon flight), but next time we’d book a deeper dive at:
Hala Tree Coffee Farm
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
☕ Bring home some 100% Kona coffee—it’s worth every sip.
💡 Travel Tips & Final Thoughts
Car rental is a must on the Big Island—exploration is half the fun.
Pack layers: Weather shifts from tropical to chilly (especially Mauna Kea).
Book early: Manta Ray tours and ziplines sell out fast.