5 Day Big Island Circle Itinerary

Question

My wife and I (mid 60s) are making our first trip to Hawaii in quickly approaching April, visiting 4 islands over the course of 28 days. Sandwiched in between longer visits to Maui and Kauai, we plan to spend 5 days on the Big Island. Key things we want to do here are things we wouldn't be able to experience on the other islands like Volcanoes NP, black sand beaches, snorkeling with manta rays, and waterfalls, scenic drives unique to the Big Island. Not so concerned with beaches here, as, from what I understand better beaches can probably be found elsewhere on our journey.

I posed a few questions earlier on this forum and got some great input, but I'm at a stage now where we are trying to finalize and book some accommodations. Just wanting to get any additional advice the community can offer to make sure my assumptions are correct, drive times and distances are realistic, etc. Ok, so here is what I think will work:

Day 1:

Arrive Kona from Maui about 12 pm

Gather luggage, car--leave airport by around 1:30 pm

Drive to Airbnb in Keaau via the southern route (Highway 11) stop to see what we can along the way--Punaluu Black Sand beach, southernmost point, etc.

Overnight in Keaau. I'm targeting Keaau, as a base to explore the eastern side of the island and Volcanoes NP. I do understand that I will be "overshooting" Volcanoes NP on the drive out and will have to backtrack the next day to see the park, but it seems logical to me since the day after we will be heading back toward Kona along the eastern/northern coast. Does my logic make sense?

Day 2:

Explore Volcanoes NP and other sites in the area. Return to Keeau.

Day 3:

Drive Keeau to Kona via eastern/northern shore Rt. 19. Visit water falls (Aka, Rainbow, others?) Do scenic drives

We expect that the drive from Keeau to Kona will take most of the day with stops and detours for scenic drives

Am I correct in my assumption that the coastal route might generally be considered more scenic than the Saddle Road?

Arrive at Airbnb in Kona. We haven't booked anything yet, but looking at vacation rentals located in the hills above Kona. Not too concerned about having oceanfront lodging as we will have that during other parts of our trip. Saw some very reasonably priced rentals with nice ocean views that seem to be just a relatively short drive from the ocean.

Days 4 and 5

Explore Kona side of the island. One of the evenings would like to do a manta snorkel tour. Perhaps one of the days do a snorkel tour at the Captain Cook Monument or I saw there is also the possibility of a submarine tour that looked cool.

Other than that the goal would be to get in some beach time... Suggestions?

Day 6 Leave for Kauai

Love to get feedback to see if this seems like a reasonable plan that would allow us to experience at least some of the Big Island in the short 5 days that we have without being too rushed....Thanks!

Answer

Your 5-day Big Island itinerary sounds like a fantastic plan, and you’ve chosen some great highlights! I'll offer a few adjustments and feedback on your proposed schedule to help ensure you get the most out of your time without feeling rushed.

Day 1:
Arriving in Kona and driving to Kea'au is a good start. You’ll want to allow enough time for your stops along the way, such as Punaluu Black Sand Beach and the southernmost point. Keep in mind that the drive from Kona to Kea'au is about 2 hours, so with your stops, it will likely take 3-4 hours. It’s great that you're using Kea'au as a base for the east side, as it’s a central location for exploring Volcanoes National Park. Your logic about driving past the park on Day 1 and backtracking on Day 2 makes sense—it saves time on Day 2 to focus on the park itself without additional travel.

Day 2:
Spending a full day at Volcanoes NP is perfect. You’ll want to explore the park’s highlights, such as the Kilauea Crater, Halema'uma'u Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, and the Crater Rim Drive. Since you're staying in Kea'au, it will be easy to return to your Airbnb in the evening after your park exploration. Depending on the time of year, the lava flow may not be visible, but the volcanic landscapes are still incredible. Be sure to check for any special events or ranger-led programs that may be offered during your visit.

Day 3:
Driving from Kea'au to Kona via the eastern and northern coast along Route 19 will be a scenic drive with plenty of waterfalls to stop at (Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are the big ones). The coastal route is generally considered more scenic than the Saddle Road (also known as Route 200), though the Saddle Road offers dramatic views of the island's interior. Your route will include lush tropical landscapes, while the Saddle Road will give you a different perspective with volcanic terrain. If you have time, make sure to detour to the Pololu Valley Lookout for stunning views of the coastline.

On your drive, plan for several hours of exploration, especially with the waterfall stops and detours. Once you arrive in Kona, you’ll be staying in a great area with views, and you’re right not to worry about oceanfront lodging, as you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beaches during your stay.

Day 4-5:
Exploring the Kona side will be a great way to spend your last two days. A manta ray snorkel tour is a must-do experience, and you can book with operators like Kona Manta Ray Night Dive. For your snorkeling at Captain Cook, I highly recommend renting a kayak or booking a boat tour to visit the Captain Cook Monument—it’s one of the most pristine snorkeling spots on the island.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider the Atlantis Submarine Tour, which is great for those who prefer to stay dry but still want to see the underwater life.
For beach time, head to beaches like Kailua-Kona, Magic Sands Beach, or Manini'owali Beach (also known as Kua Bay), which has some of the best sandy stretches for sunbathing and swimming.

On Day 5, before you leave for Kauai, consider a stop at the Greenwell Farms Coffee Plantation for a tour if you're a fan of coffee. It’s a great way to learn about Kona’s coffee history and sample some of the best coffee on the island.

General Tips:
- Your plan seems very feasible and should allow you to experience a good mix of the Big Island's highlights without feeling too rushed. - If you’re interested in seeing some additional natural wonders, you could consider adding a trip to the Mauna Kea Summit for stargazing (though it’s a long drive and may require booking a tour). - A rental car will be essential for getting around the Big Island. Be sure to check the rental terms for any restrictions when driving on unpaved roads, such as those to certain beaches and lookout points.

Overall, this itinerary strikes a great balance between exploration, relaxation, and unique Big Island experiences. Have an amazing trip!