Advice on splitting nights over New Year's week?

Question

We are planning a trip to the Big Island from 12/27-1/4. Two adults and one 13 year old. We will be flying in/out of KOA and renting a car.

Our top priorities are visiting Volcanoes NP, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau NHS (and possibly the other two NPS sites on the island), and a Mauna Kea stargazing tour. We'd also like to fit in Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, NYE fireworks (maybe at the Hilton Waikoloa, since they had a 9pm show last year), and ample beach time. Maybe a manta ray excursion, or I have read there are observation areas at Mauna Kea resort and Outriggers if we don't want to snorkel/pay for an excursion.

I'm thinking we spend 2-3 nights in Hilo, followed by 1 night at Volcano House, and then 4-5 nights on the Kona side.

Is it better to spend 2 nights in Hilo and 5 in/near Kona? Or 3 in Hilo and 4 in Kona?

Answer

Planning a Big Island trip over New Year's week can be a balancing act, especially with a 13-year-old in tow and priorities spanning Volcanoes NP, Mauna Kea stargazing, waterfalls, beaches, and cultural sites. Splitting your nights strategically is key to minimizing long drives and maximizing your experiences.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your suggested itinerary considerations:

Hilo side (East Hawaiʻi): - Hilo is your gateway to the lush east side, waterfalls, and Volcanoes NP. Staying here makes sense for visiting Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the eastern side of Volcanoes NP. - It also positions you conveniently for Volcano House, Mauna Kea access, and some of the northern slopes if desired. - Pros: Less driving to Volcanoes, easy access to waterfalls, botanical gardens, and the charming Hilo town vibe. - Cons: Less beach access; Hilo beaches are often rocky or black sand and may not be ideal for long beach days.
Volcano House (Volcano NP): - Spending 1 night here is smart, especially if you want to explore the park in the early morning or evening when the lava glow (if active) is visible. - Staying inside the park minimizes driving and maximizes time in the crater area. - Pros: Immersive Volcanoes experience, easy sunrise or evening park access. - Cons: Limited dining options, small number of accommodations, so book early.
Kona side (West Hawaiʻi): - Kona is ideal for beaches, snorkeling, manta ray excursions, and Mauna Kea stargazing tours (most tours depart from Kona or nearby areas). - Pros: Sun, sand, and resort-style amenities; easier access to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau NHS and southern Kona beaches. - Cons: Longer drives back to Volcanoes NP if you decide to explore east side again.

Two options for splitting nights:

Option 1: 2 nights Hilo / 1 night Volcano House / 5 nights Kona - Advantage: More time for beaches, snorkeling, and relaxation in Kona. - Suitable if your main focus is Kona-side activities and you only need a quick visit to Hilo and Volcanoes NP. - You would have to compress waterfalls and eastern sightseeing into 2 days, which can be a bit rushed, especially over New Year’s when attractions may be busy.
Option 2: 3 nights Hilo / 1 night Volcano House / 4 nights Kona - Advantage: More relaxed pace in Hilo; you can see Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Hilo town, maybe do a light drive along the Hamakua Coast, and have time to explore Volcanoes NP before moving to Kona. - This option also reduces long back-and-forth drives and allows for more flexibility if weather impacts any plans (rain or rough seas on east side). - Disadvantage: Slightly less beach and Kona-side leisure time, but 4 nights is still sufficient for snorkeling, manta rays, and stargazing.

Additional Considerations:

Since you are traveling with a teen, consider leaving a day with minimal driving for beach or resort downtime. Kona is better for this than Hilo.
New Year’s week is busy; popular sites (Hilton Waikoloa for fireworks, Volcanoes NP) will be crowded. Staying 3 nights in Hilo helps you stagger sightseeing and avoid the biggest crowds at the park.
Mauna Kea tours often depart in the evening; staying in Kona makes this logistically easier without a long drive from Hilo.

Recommendation: Given your priorities and the pace you want for both sightseeing and relaxation, I would lean towards 3 nights in Hilo / 1 night Volcano House / 4 nights Kona. This split balances the east-side exploration, Volcanoes NP experience, and west-side beach/resort time while minimizing overly long drives during a busy travel week.

You can still do all your listed activities — waterfalls, Volcanoes, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, Mauna Kea stargazing, NYE fireworks, and optional manta ray excursions — without feeling too rushed.

Advice on splitting nights over New Year's week?

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