If you are planning to visit Hawaii, but are confused about choosing from the list of islands. Don’t worry, this blog will help you with a Big Island itinerary. The best place to spend long weekends and enjoy the forest, Volcano National Park, hikes and sunny beaches.
Hawaii is a cluster of islands, also known as an archipelago. While out of the total 8 islands, only 4 are accessible to travellers. Now to make this trip easier for you and filled with adventure, we suggest you explore the Big Island.
Big Island is the most recommended and travelled destination in Hawaii, with a great blend of nature, peace and serenity. 3 days on the Big Island would be filled with new adventures every day. With this blog, we are here to guide you through your trip to Hawaii and make the most out of it.
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3-Days Big Island Itinerary for an Adventure-Packed Weekend
Hawaii isn’t the easiest place to travel, the long time-consuming flight can be a nightmare for most of you. But, let me take the chance to prove it is all worth the trip. Once you land in Hawaii, irrespective of which island you choose to travel to, you will enjoy it thoroughly. Here, we have shared a detailed itinerary for the Big Island. So Let’s look at how you will be spending your days.
Day 1 at the Big Island, Hawaii
Start your morning by visiting the Volcano National Park. Before leaving, carry or have breakfast as at the park there aren’t many options for eating. Once you have reached the park, make sure to spend some time at the Visitors Center to learn about the history of this place. After completing the tour of the park, it is time for the next stop.
With just a .4 mile distance from the parking, check out the 500-year-old lava tube. Thurston Lava Tube is a great tourist destination where you will be walking into a cave that was created by lava.
Next up to conclude your first day’s morning is the Kilauea Iki Overlook Loop. Unlike the other places, this is a unique experience for travellers. However, the 5-mile trek can be tough for some traveller, but it is worth it. Once you reach there, you will realise that you are walking on the frozen lava land. The feeling is similar to walking on a crater.
Afternoon: Get some energy because there is a lot to come
When leaving the Kilauea Iki Overlook Loop, a short descent can take you to a place where you can peacefully witness the endless ocean and waves flowing toward the shore. Feel majestic right? Take a break at the Holei Sea Arch and experience a unique natural beauty. Spend some time here and let your body recover from the hike.
Once you are ready to continue your exploration, head towards Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs and the steam vents. It is a unique experience of natural steam vents which stays the same throughout the year.
Evening: It’s time to sit back and relax
To reach our last destination for Day 1 in Big Island is Black Sand Beach, Punalu’u Beach. After taking on the long day of traveling and walking it’s time to rest and let it all sink in. The black sand beach itself is worth experiencing, while an overwhelming exploration experience of the day makes it even better.
Day 2 of exploring the beautiful Big Island
After the first day of adventurous and hectic exploration, it’s time to head to a new destination with a new day. Here is what you can do on day 2 on Big Island.
Morning:
Start your morning by exploring a great waterfall that is 442 feet big. Situated in the Akaka State Parks, it requires a .4 mile trail to complete to reach the destination. Though this isn’t a free spot to explore, the Charge for the waterfall is $5 per person while it is $10 per person for the park.
Now you can spend time exploring the local markets and get some food for your afternoon picnic. Recommendation: Take a quick stop at the Hilo Farmers Market and grab some quick bites that are easy to carry and consume.
Afternoon:
After the great waterfall, head to a new exploration where you will find a great blend of adventure as well as historic creation. Kauma Caves is situated just outside the town but is easily accessible. In 1881 the caves were formed by the Mauna Loa eruption.
Now the caves have two entrances, and based on your preference you can choose to explore the caves. One entrance is an easy staircase entry, while the other takes you through a pitch-black cave that leads to the other side.
After exploring the caves, head to explore a few more waterfalls in the area. Some of the waterfalls that you can explore are Rainbow Falls and PeePee Falls.
Evening:
Now for the evening, it’s time to explore around and rest while you start your next adventure. There are some great restaurants and cafes in the market offering great food. Pineapple Island Fresh Cuisine is a great option to have a unique tropical open dinner experience.
Day 3: The final day of exploring the Big Island
On the last day of the Big Island itinerary, it’s beach day from our side. Rest is your choice to choose the beach that you wish to spend time on and enjoy the most sunny area of the Big Island. Here are some of the beach options where you can choose Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay, Alula Beach, Mahai’ula Beach and Makalawena Beach.
Recommendation: Do not miss the snorkeling with Manta Rays experience. It is a must when on the Big Island. So try and include that in your schedule and spend some time with Manta Rays.
Wrapping up the Adventure-Packed 3-Day Big Island Itinerary
With so much to do. The 3-day Big Island Itinerary does not justify the things that can be done. However, we have tried to include all the major things that you should not miss when on the Big Island. Now, based on your preference you can choose to remove activities. Though with a great blend of adventure and leisure, this is a justifiably great itinerary to follow, if you are visiting the Big Island, Hawaii for the first time.
If you have any other queries or questions regarding the same. Please drop a comment. We will try and help you in the best possible way.