Itinerary Feedback - 4/5 days in BI this winter

Question

Looking for feedback on the below "loose" itinerary -- 2 adults, and 2 kids (tween and teen). Well traveled and do well with a long day but realize we're trying to cram in a lot anyway.

Day 0 - Land KOA at dusk. Grab rental car, dinner and get to Hilton / King's Land Waikaloa

Day 1 - Drive Waimea, Lunch, Honokaa, Waipi'o Valley, Shuttle Down and back up. If we have energy, pull off Manta Ray snorkel?

Day 2 - Drive to HNP. Spend the day there, drive back stopping at Mauna Kea visitor center on the way back

Day 3 - Drive south. Kona/Greenwell farms coffee, continue south to black sand beach

Luau at Royal Kona

Day 4 - Day trip to Hilo/Kaumana Caves, Rainbow Falls.

Day 5 - Beach/Pool in the AM. Flying out to Maui in the PM

Answer

Your itinerary looks packed but definitely doable for a well-traveled family, especially with tweens and teens who enjoy adventure and exploration. The Big Island has so much to offer, and while you may be cramming a lot in, it sounds like you’re going to experience the diversity of the island’s landscapes, activities, and culture. Here are some specific thoughts and suggestions for each day:

Day 0: Arrival This sounds like a good, easy plan. Since you’ll land at dusk, grabbing a rental car, having dinner, and heading straight to Hilton/King’s Land Waikaloa is a solid start. You’ll probably be tired from traveling, so having a relaxed evening is a good way to ease into your trip.

Day 1: Waimea, Honokaa, Waipi’o Valley You’ve got a great mix of natural beauty here. A couple of points:

Waimea: A visit to Waimea is a nice way to start exploring the island. It’s a beautiful, cooler area with lots of farms and ranches, so it's a nice contrast to the beaches. Don’t forget to check out the local shops and possibly grab lunch at one of the small, local eateries.
Waipi’o Valley: The shuttle down to Waipi’o Valley is an excellent idea, as the drive can be pretty steep and rough. The valley is absolutely stunning, and if your kids are into adventure, they’ll love the rugged beauty. Depending on how much time you have, you could also consider a short hike around the valley floor or along the river.
Manta Ray Snorkel: If you have energy, consider the Manta Ray snorkel. However, keep in mind that these tours often happen in the evening and can be quite tiring. If you decide to do it, be sure to check with the kids about how comfortable they are with night snorkeling in open water.

Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HNP) + Mauna Kea This is an excellent plan. The park offers a lot of fascinating sights, and the kids will love learning about the volcanic landscape.

Volcano Tour: Make sure to visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center for an overview of the park. Also, check out the Steam Vents and the Thurston Lava Tube for a good mix of accessible but memorable experiences. If you’re up for it, you can hike down to the craters or even explore some of the smaller trails in the park.
Mauna Kea Visitor Center: Be mindful that going up to Mauna Kea can be tricky due to the altitude. The Mauna Kea Visitor Center is at 9,200 feet, and the summit is at 13,796 feet. If you choose to go to the summit (and it’s weather dependent), bring warm clothes, as temperatures can be quite chilly up there. If you’re just visiting the Visitor Center, you can still enjoy stunning views of the stars if you visit after dark.

Day 3: Kona, Greenwell Farms, Black Sand Beach, Luau This sounds like a great day for exploring Kona and the southern coast.

Greenwell Farms: A coffee tour at Greenwell Farms is fantastic, and the kids will love learning how coffee is grown and processed. It's very educational, and the samples are delicious!
Black Sand Beach: You’re likely referring to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, a great spot to relax and possibly spot some sea turtles. It's a scenic spot for a quick visit, but it’s worth taking the time to walk around and enjoy the unique black sand.
Luau at Royal Kona: A Luau is always a fun way to experience Hawaiian culture, and the Royal Kona Luau is known for its great views of the ocean and sunset. Be prepared for the kids to enjoy the traditional dances, fire knife performances, and food!

Day 4: Hilo and Kaumana Caves, Rainbow Falls Hilo has a totally different vibe than Kona, with lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls.

Kaumana Caves: The Kaumana Caves are an excellent option for a family-friendly adventure. Just be sure to bring flashlights, and be cautious while exploring. The caves are quite easy to access but can be slippery, so good footwear is a must.
Rainbow Falls: This waterfall is a must-see in Hilo. It's accessible and a nice, short walk to the viewing area. It’s a great place for photos, and your kids will probably love the beauty of the falls, especially with the mist creating rainbows.

Day 5: Beach/Pool & Departure It sounds like you’ll need a bit of downtime to relax before heading to Maui. Spend the morning at the beach or pool to unwind, and make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the airport for your flight to Maui.

General Tips:

If you plan to drive a lot, be mindful of the distances and make sure you stay well-hydrated, as the island can get quite hot in some areas, and you’ll be doing quite a bit of driving.
If you have some flexibility, consider swapping out one of the longer days for a more relaxed day (perhaps Day 5 or part of Day 4). It could make the trip feel less rushed.
Keep in mind that some activities, such as Manta Ray snorkeling, may require booking in advance, so check ahead for availability.

Overall, your itinerary looks like a great mix of exploration, relaxation, and adventure. Enjoy your trip to the Big Island! It's an amazing destination with so much to offer for families.