Island circle drive from Westin Hapuna

Question

We will be on the big island in just a few weeks! Staying near Hapuna Beach. We will have rental car. Could someone please give me best travel directions from Hapuna to the East side? We would like to include: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, VNP, Akaka Falls, and maybe Rainbow Falls. Would like this to be a day trip. We will not be dividing our stay from one side of the island to another. Thank you for the help!

Answer

You're in for an incredible day trip around the Big Island! From Hapuna Beach, you’ll have a chance to see some of the island's most famous spots, including Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Here's a suggested route for a full day of adventure.

1. Start from Hapuna Beach

Begin your day at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, and head south on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Route 19). You'll be taking this road for most of your journey, so it's easy to navigate.

2. Stop 1: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach (2 hours from Hapuna)

Drive south on Route 19 towards Kailua-Kona, then turn left onto Route 11. Follow Route 11 south for about 1.5 hours to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It's one of the most iconic beaches on the island with stunning black sand and a good chance to see sea turtles basking in the sun. Spend around 30-45 minutes here, and take in the beauty of this unique beach.

Address: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Naalehu, HI
Time: Spend 30-45 minutes to enjoy the beach

3. Stop 2: Volcanoes National Park (VNP) (1 hour from Punalu'u)

After visiting Punalu'u, continue driving south on Route 11 for about an hour to Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to active volcanic craters, steam vents, and lush rainforests. There’s a lot to explore, but if you're short on time, focus on the Crater Rim Drive, which offers some of the best viewpoints of Kīlauea Caldera and the Halema'uma'u Crater.

Key attractions: Steam Vents, Kīlauea Visitor Center, and the Crater Rim Drive
Time: Plan on spending 1.5 to 2 hours at VNP

4. Stop 3: Akaka Falls (45 minutes from VNP)

After visiting Volcanoes National Park, head back north on Route 11 for about 30 minutes, then take the Hilo side of Route 19. Akaka Falls is located just off the highway and is an easy 0.4-mile loop trail that leads to an amazing 442-foot waterfall. The walk is short, easy, and well worth the time!

Address: Akaka Falls State Park, Honomu, HI
Time: The hike takes about 20-30 minutes, plus extra time for photos

5. Stop 4: Rainbow Falls (15 minutes from Akaka Falls)

From Akaka Falls, continue driving north on Route 19 into Hilo. Rainbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall located right near the city. It’s very accessible with a short walk from the parking lot, and you may catch a rainbow in the mist on sunny days!

Address: Rainbow Falls, Hilo, HI
Time: Spend 20-30 minutes for the visit

6. Return to Hapuna Beach (2.5 hours from Rainbow Falls)

After seeing Rainbow Falls, you’ll drive back west. Take Route 19 out of Hilo and head north towards the Hamakua Coast. Once you're on Route 19, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive back to Hapuna Beach, so plan to get back in the evening. If you have time, consider stopping at a scenic lookout or grabbing a bite in Waimea along the way.

Time: 2.5 hours back to Hapuna

Total Time: This trip can be done in a full day (around 8-10 hours). The drive is scenic, but be sure to pace yourself and take breaks as needed. You'll have plenty of chances to stop for photos, snacks, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Tips:

Leave early in the morning to maximize daylight and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Pack snacks, water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the amazing sights!
Check the weather and road conditions before you go—some areas may be rainy or foggy, especially near Volcanoes National Park and Hilo.

This route gives you a fantastic taste of the Big Island’s diversity in a single day trip, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Enjoy your time on the island!

Island circle drive from Westin Hapuna

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