9-day itinerary

Question

Hi all,

Before anything, thanks to those who participate in all forums related to each island in Hawaii.

We are planning a trip for next year and I am posting in each forum in order to see if we can get useful feedback from y'all, which I am sure we will. We come from Europe and even though we have already been to the US, this would be our first time in Hawaii.

We expect to visit Big Island and stay there 9 full days (not counting arrival and departure). We will spend 3 more weeks in the rest of the islands. Therefore, I'd like to get some info as regards:

1. Lodging. Where to stay. I've read to split our stay in 2 places. I've read Kona is a must, maybe this could be one. Our budget was too low so we will be spending a little but more. How much can a night be in the area?

2. What to do. Let's say 7 days to explore the island and 2 to relax in the best beaches. But we are open to suggestions. We love US national parks and I believe Volcanoes NP is the only one in this island, but there are other historical parks, am I wrong? Anything we should not miss? How different are they from those in the West Coast? We love hiking!

3. Car rental. Do you recommend any specific company? Is Turo available/recommended?

Any idas are welcome. Thanks!

Answer

The Big Island offers a wonderful mix of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, historical sites, and beautiful beaches, making a 9-day stay ideal to explore and relax. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help plan your visit:

1. Lodging:

Splitting your stay between two regions is highly recommended due to the island’s size and diversity. A common approach is:

Kona Coast (West Side): Great for beaches, snorkeling, coffee farms, and sunset views. Kona town offers dining, shopping, and a lively atmosphere.
Volcano/Hilo Area (East Side): Ideal for visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and exploring lush waterfalls, botanical gardens, and rainforest hikes.

Accommodation ranges:

Mid-range hotels and condos: $150–$300 per night, depending on location and season.
Upscale resorts or boutique lodges: $350–$600+ per night.
Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO): Often competitive and convenient, especially for families or those wanting more kitchen facilities.

2. Things to Do:

With 7 days to explore and 2 days for relaxation, here’s a suggested structure:

Volcanoes National Park: Absolutely unmissable. Trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes through lava fields and craters. Unique to Hawaii compared to West Coast parks is the active volcanic landscape, sulfur vents, and lava tube hikes.
Hilo and Surroundings: Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Liliuokalani Gardens, and Hilo Farmers Market.
Kona Coast Activities: Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge), visiting coffee farms, exploring historic Kailua-Kona town, and beach days at Hapuna Beach or Mauna Kea Beach.
Historical and Cultural Sites: Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, petroglyph fields, and small local museums.
Hiking Highlights: Pololu Valley and Waipi’o Valley for dramatic cliffs and ocean views, Akaka Falls Loop Trail, Kīlauea Iki Trail inside Volcanoes NP.

For your 2 relaxation days, the best beaches are generally along the Kohala Coast—Hapuna Beach State Park and Mauna Kea Beach are highly rated for calm waters and soft sand.

3. Car Rental:

Rental cars are essential; the Big Island is large and public transportation is limited.
Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Alamo are available at both Kona and Hilo airports. Booking early ensures better rates.
Turo is available and can be a good option for unique or larger vehicles, sometimes at lower prices, but make sure to check insurance coverage and pickup logistics.
Consider renting a car with GPS or ensure your phone has reliable offline maps for areas with limited cell service.

Additional Tips:

Start early for long drives to see sights and avoid afternoon rain on the east side.
Pack hiking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket for rainforest hikes.
Check park alerts for Volcanoes National Park; lava viewing conditions can vary.

Overall, splitting your stay between Kona and Volcano/Hilo areas gives you a balanced mix of beaches, hiking, culture, and volcanic landscapes. With careful planning, 9 days allows you to see the island’s highlights without feeling rushed, while still reserving time to relax on some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.

9-day itinerary

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