Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island

• Marcie Cheung • Episode 51

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Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hawaii's Big Island: Tips, Must-Dos, and Travel Advice

In this episode of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast, host Marcie shares expert advice on planning an unforgettable trip to Hawaii's Big Island. Drawing from her extensive travel experience, Marcie provides a detailed travel guide covering essential topics such as how long to stay, where to stay (Kona vs. Hilo), top attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea, driving tips, budget considerations, local food recommendations, and common mistakes to avoid. Marcie emphasizes the importance of slow travel to fully experience the island's diverse landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of your Big Island adventure.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
00:57 Planning Your Big Island Itinerary
03:06 Where to Stay: Kona vs. Hilo
05:09 Top Attractions and Must-Dos
10:17 Budgeting for Your Big Island Trip
12:32 Best Day Trips and Adventures
13:39 Local Food and Dining Tips
14:54 Common Mistakes to Avoid
17:07 Getting Around the Big Island
18:06 Final Tips and Recap

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 Aloha and welcome to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast, your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable Hawaii vacation. I'm Marcie, a mom of two and a Hawaii travel expert. If you're new here, I've been to Hawaii more than 40 times, and today we're diving into the big island, Hawaii island. I actually have a bit of a cautionary tale about the big island that I wanna share right from the start.

The first time I visited, I was 17 years old, and we made the classic mistake that I absolutely do not recommend. We stayed just one night, tried to drive around the entire island, and then flew to Kauai the next day. It was a complete whirlwind. We barely scratched the surface of what the big island has to offer, and honestly, it left me feeling like I had missed so much.

Now when we go to the big island, we plan for about seven days minimum. So we have time to do all the cool adventures without feeling rushed. Trust me, this island deserves your time and attention. It's absolutely incredible when you give it the proper respect. If you're listening, you're probably pretty sure you wanna visit the big island, but haven't actually planned anything yet.

Maybe you're wondering, where should I stay? Should I split my time between Kona and Hilo? Do I need a rental car? What are the absolute must dos? Well, I've got you covered. Today I'm giving you a step-by-step, big island travel guide, covering where to stay, top attractions, big island road trip ideas, budget considerations, and of course, big island food recommendations.

And here's the key detail you need to know. The big island is huge. It's twice the size of all the Hawaiian islands combined, so drive times are longer than you might expect. Planning your big island itinerary with that in mind is super important. So grab a notepad or just sit back and relax  📍 and let's dive in.

 First things first. How many days do you actually need on the big island? Learning from my own teenage mistake, I have some strong opinions about this. My recommendation is seven to 10 days minimum. If you wanna see both sides of the island and do a mix of adventure and relaxation, this gives you enough time to really experience

what makes the big island special? Without feeling like you're constantly in the car driving from one side to the other. If you only have four to five days on your big island trip, focus on either the Kona side or the Helo side, but not both. The island is just too big to try to cover everything in a short timeframe, and you'll spend more time driving than actually enjoying the big Island

two weeks, you'll have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace and even do some of the off the beaten path adventures. You could spend several days just exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park alone, plus have time for all the amazing beaches, waterfalls, and unique experiences the island offers.

Here's something I learned from that rushed first trip. The big island rewards slow travel. The more time you spend in one area, the more you discover some of the most magical experiences like watching the big island volcano glow at night, or finding a hidden waterfall. Can't be rushed.

My pro tip is the big island has a lot of driving, so don't overpack your big island itinerary with too many long day trips back to back building some flexibility and downtime. Okay, the biggest question I get when people are planning their big island Hawaii itinerary is, should I stay in Kona or Hilo?

And honestly, it depends on what kind of trip you want. Let's talk about Kona. That's for the resort experience. Kona offers that classic Hawaiian vacation experience with sunny dry weather year round. This is where you'll find the best beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and most big island Hawaii hotels and plenty of nightlife shopping and dining options.

The Kona Coast has beautiful black sand beaches,

world class snorkeling at places like Kealakekua Bay, and Easy Access to Kona Coffee Farms. If you want that postcard, perfect Hawaiian vacation with great weather and resort amenities. Kona is your answer. The downside, it can feel more touristy and commercialized than other parts of the island and Big Island.

Accommodation prices are generally higher. There's also Hilo. This is for the adventure base. Hilo is tropical, lush and gets more rain, but that's what makes it so green and beautiful. This side of the island is much more local and authentic with fewer resorts and tourists.

From Hilo, you're close to Hawaii. Volcanoes National Park, incredible Hilo waterfalls, like Akaka falls and rainbow falls and lush rainforests. It's perfect for adventurous travelers who love nature and don't mind a bit of rain. Speaking of rain, it always seems to rain on us in Hilo. I now always recommend bringing rain jackets, when you're staying on or visiting the Hilo side.

It's not usually all day rain, but those tropical showers can come and go quickly. So should you do a split stay if you're staying seven plus nights? If you're staying seven plus days, I absolutely recommend spending a few nights in Kona and a few in Hilo to avoid those long, big island driving times back and forth across the island.

The drive between them takes one and a half to two hours, so staying in one place and trying to explore the other side means you'll spend a lot of time in the car. My pro tip is if you're flying into Kona, but staying in Hilo. Plan, a scenic drive along the Hamakua coast to get there is absolutely gorgeous and breaks up the journey with beautiful stops.

All right, top attractions and must dos. The Big island has so many unique experiences you won't find anywhere else in Hawaii. Here are the top 10 things to do on the big island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is the crown jewel. I absolutely love Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it's totally worth spending the night at Volcano House because when the Big Island Volcano is active. You can see the glow from your room or the restaurant. There's something absolutely magical about waking up on the rim of an active volcano.

The park is open 24 hours daily and entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for seven days. The park offers incredible experiences. You can see active volcanic activity. Explore lava tubes like the Nahuku lava tube. Hike through craters and learn about Hawaiian culture and geology.

The Kilauea iki crater hike is absolutely spectacular. You literally walk across the floor of a crater that was filled with lava just decades ago. There's also a night viewing tip. If there's active lava flow, definitely plan to see it at night. The glow is absolutely unreal and something you'll remember forever.

I have a lot more information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in my next podcast episode

Mauna Kea Summit in star gazing, Mauna Kea, star gazing offers one of the best star gazing experiences in the world. At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, you're literally above most of the Earth's atmosphere, which creates incredibly clear views of the night sky.

You can drive to the visitor's center at 9,200 feet in any vehicle, but you need a four-wheel drive to go beyond that to the Mauna Kea Summit. Most big island car rental companies don't allow their vehicles on the Summit Road. So guided tours are often the best option

to a prices range from about 150 to $250 per person and typically include warm parkas. It gets really cold up there, telescopes and often dinner companies like Mauna Kea summit Adventures, Hawaii Forest and Trail, and others offer excellent experiences. The free Stargazing program at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center is now a monthly event with required reservations.

It's a great budget option if you can snake a spot. There are also waterfalls and natural wonders. Akaka Falls State Park offers a super easy, family friendly hike to a stunning 442 foot waterfall. It's one of the most accessible and spectacular waterfalls on the island. Rainbow falls and kilo is beautiful and easily accessible.

You can often see rainbows in the mist, especially in the morning. Waipio Valley, Waipio Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the island with gorgeous cliffs, taro fields, and a black sand beach. You can take a tour down into the valley or just enjoy the views from the overlook. They're also cultural and historical sites.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a sacred Hawaiian site with incredible cultural significance and gorgeous ocean views. It's a place of refuge where ancient Hawaiians could find safety, and it offers a powerful glimpse into Hawaiian history and culture. Kealakekua Bay is not only great for snorkeling, but also historically significant as a place where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

There are also adventure activities. The big island offers unique adventures like Big Island helicopter tours, over active volcanoes and remote waterfalls, big island manta rays, snorkeling or diving at night, which is absolutely incredible. Horseback riding through Hawaiian ranches, big island coffee tours in the famous Kona Coffee region and Black Sand Beach.

Exploring at places like Punalu'u black Sand Beach. My pro tip is many of these activities require advanced reservations, especially during peak season. So plan ahead. 

The big island is huge and incredibly diverse. From black sand beaches to active volcanoes to coffee farms, figuring out where to stay and how to see it all can be tricky. That's where my Hawaii travel consultations come in. For $149, you'll get a full hour of Big Island planning help from me. And because you're working with me, my travel agent partner waives her planning fee.

So Kim at Stuff's suitcase will handle all your bookings or try 30 minute consultation for $69. If you have specific questions, visit Hawaii Travel with kids.com to book, and let's map out your big island adventure. I.

Okay. Do you need a rental car on the big island? This one is easy. Yes, you absolutely need a big island car rental. Here's why. It's essential.

Public transportation is very limited, and ride shares aren't reliable, especially in rural areas. The big island driving times are long. For example, from Kona to Hilo, it's one and a half to two hours. From Kona to Hawaii, volcanoes National Park is at least two hours, and Hilo to Mauna Kea is one and a half hours.

The best attractions are spread out across this massive island. Many scenic drives and remote locations may require your own transportation. So here's an important booking tip. You're gonna wanna book your big island car rental early, especially during peak season. Big island rental cars can sell out completely and prices can skyrocket when inventory is low.

You'll also wanna gas up before long drives. Gas stations can be sparse in some remote areas, so always start with a full tank when heading to places like Hawaii, volcanoes, national Park, or Up to Mauna Kea. Okay, budget money. Let's talk real numbers.

The big island can definitely be expensive, but there are ways to manage costs smartly. Let me give you an accommodation, reality check. Kona Resorts can easily run 300 to $600 or more per night, especially oceanfront properties. Hilo accommodations are generally more affordable with options ranging from a hundred to $250 per night.

Volcano house, if you want that special experience I mentioned, runs about 200 to $400 per night, but the location is unbeatable if the volcano is active. Big island vacation rentals can offer good value, especially for longer stays, ranging from 150 to $400 per night, depending on location and amenities.

Here are some activity costs. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It's $30 per vehicle for a seven day pass. Mauna Kea Stargazing tours are about 150 to $250 per person. Big Island helicopter tours run about 200 to $500 per person. Manta Ray night snorkeling is about a hundred to $150 per person. Coffee farm tours are $250 per person, and Luaus can range from a hundred to $250 per adult.

Now let's talk food budget strategies. Resort restaurants are incredibly expensive, easily $30 or more for breakfast, $60 or more for dinner per person. But the big island has amazing big island food options, local plate lunch spots offer huge portions for 12 to $15.

Food trucks serve excellent meals for 10 to $15. Farmers' markets, especially the Hilo farmer's market, offers fresh, affordable produce and local treats. Coffee farms often offer free tastings and buying coffee directly from farms cost away less than resort shops. So here are some money saving tips or things to do on the big island for free.

You are gonna wanna pack snacks in water for long drives and remote adventures. Some areas have no food options for miles. You are gonna wanna visit farmer's markets for fresh, affordable breakfast and lunch options. Take advantage of things to do on the big island for free.

Like beach days, big island, hiking trails and scenic drives. And consider big island vacation rentals with kitchens for longer stay. All right. What are the best day trips and adventures? Well, there's the Hamakua Coast Road trip. This scenic big island road trip from Hilo towards Waimea offers incredible waterfalls, small towns, and scenic viewpoints.



Stop at Akaka Falls. Explore the charming town of Honoka'a and enjoy some of the most beautiful coastline views on the island.

There's also South Point and Green Sand Beach. Visit the southern most point in the United States. From there, you can hike to Papakolea Beach, one of the world's few green sand beaches. The hike is about two to three miles each way across lava rock. So bring plenty of water and sun protection

Waipio Valley Adventure. This dramatic valley offers gorgeous cliffs taro fields and one of the most scenic spots on the island. You can view it from the overlook or take a guided tour down into the valley itself. And Kona Coffee Exploration. The Kona Coffee Region offers beautiful drives through coffee farms, tastings, and the chance to learn about one of Hawaii's most famous agricultural products.

My pro tip is to pack snacks into water because some of these spots are remote with no food options nearby. All right, where to eat. What are some local favorites? On the Kona side, there's Da Poke Shack, which serves amazing fresh poke bowls, some of the best on the island. There's also Ulu Ocean Grill, which offers upscale farm to table dining with incredible ocean views, perfect for a special occasion, and Kona Coffee Farms throughout the region offer tastings and the chance to buy coffee directly from the Source.

Hilo side Gems. There's the Hilo Farmer's Market. It's a must visit for local produce, snacks, and authentic local experience. It's especially bustling on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There's Cafe Pesto, which serves excellent Italian Hawaiian Fusion with a great atmosphere.

Local food trucks around Hilo offers some of the best and most affordable meals on the island for island wide experiences, Hawaiian plate lunch spots throughout the island serve traditional local foods like Kalua Pork, Lau Lau, and Loco MoCo. Malasada shops offer these Portuguese style donuts that have become a Hawaiian staple.

Farmer's Markets on both sides of the island offer fresh tropical fruits you might never have tried before. My pro tip is to try Kona Coffee in Kona. There are tons of coffee farms where you can do tastings and learn about the growing process. The coffee taste completely different when it's fresh from the source.

All right, so what are some common mistakes to avoid? Let me save you from some mistakes I've learned through my mini visits to the big island. Mistake number one, trying to see everything in a short timeframe. Learn from my teenage mistake. Don't try to drive around the entire island in one or two days.

It's just too big. Mistake number two, underestimating big island. Driving times the big island is huge, and roads can be winding and slow. Always build extra time for travel. Mistake number three, not booking accommodations on both sides. If staying seven or more days. Those two or more hour drives between Kona and Hilo can get old fast.

Mistake number four, not checking volcanic activity before visiting, while the park is always worth visiting. Checking current eruption status helps you plan the best viewing opportunities. Mistake number five, not bringing rain gear for the Hilo side. Trust me on this. It always rains on us in Hilo. Pack a light rain jacket, the steak number six, not dressing warmly for Mauna Kea.

Even tours provide parkas, but it can get down to freezing, bring layers, close toed shoes, and warm accessories. Mistake number seven, forgetting sun protection for high altitude activities. The sun is much stronger at elevation. Mistake number eight, not bringing enough food and snacks for remote adventures.

Places like Green Sand beach and some waterfall hikes

are remote with no services. Mistake number nine. Not checking your rental car agreement before driving to Mauna Kea Summit. Most companies prohibit this and violations can result in hefty fines. Mistake number 10. Getting too close to active volcanic areas. Always follow Park Rangers guidance and stand designated viewing areas.

Mistake number 11. Not respecting sacred Hawaiian sites, places like Maunakea and various heiau are culturally significant. Be respectful and follow all guidelines. Mistake number 12, taking lava rocks as souvenirs besides being illegal in the National park, it's also considered bad luck in Hawaiian culture.

Just don't do. And mistake number 13, not supporting local businesses. The big island has amazing local restaurants, coffee farms, and shops that offer much more authentic experiences than resort options. Okay, now let's talk about getting around the island. You're gonna wanna fill up your gas tank before heading to remote areas.

Gas stations can be 50 or more miles apart in some regions. Download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas. Plan for big island weather delays, high altitude roads like those to Mauna Kea can close due to weather conditions. A few updates for 2025. Um, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

It's open 24 hours daily. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for seven days. The visitor center is closed until 2026. You're gonna wanna check eruption status on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website. For MaunaKea Summit access is regulated by rangers and dependent on weather. Four-wheel drive is required beyond the visitor center and for road conditions.

Always check current road conditions, especially for the chain of craters road in the national park, and access roads to remote beaches. Alright, that's everything you need to know to plan an amazing big island trip. Let me quickly recap the highlights. Plan for seven to 10 days minimum.

Trust me on this one after my rushed first experience. Consider splitting your stay between Kona and Hilo. If you're staying a week or more, you absolutely need a rental car and book it early. Don't miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. And seriously consider staying at Volcano House. If the volcano is active, waking up to that glow is unforgettable.

If you're into stargazing, Maunakea is a must do experience. Always bring rain gear. When visiting the Hilo side, it always rains on us. And pack warm clothes for high altitude adventures. Respect the cultural significance of sacred sites like Maunakea, and take time to learn about Hawaiian history and culture.

Also, try the local food. Some of the best meals come from food trucks and local plate lunch spots. And definitely visit a coffee farm to taste real Kona Coffee, where it's grown. Most importantly, give this incredible island the time it deserves. The big island rewards, slow travel and deep exploration.

Some of my most magical Hawaii memories have happened on the Big island when we had time to really soak in the diverse landscapes and unique experiences. I'd love to hear from you. What's the number one thing you're most excited about for your big island trip? Send me a DM on Instagram at Hawaii, travel with kids, or visit my blog for even more detailed, big island photography spots and tips.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps other travelers find the show. Mahalo for listening and I'll see you in the  📍 next episode. Aloha.