Planning a Big Island road trip and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? We’ve got you covered because we spent an entire MONTH exploring every corner of this incredible island, and trust us – five days is the sweet spot for experiencing the best of what the Big Island has to offer.
During our month-long stay, we quickly realized that the Big Island isn’t like other Hawaiian islands where you can just plop down at a resort and call it a vacation.
This place DEMANDS to be explored, and a road trip is hands down the best way to see everything from active volcanoes to snow-capped peaks (yes, really!) to beaches with sand in every color you can imagine.
We’ve tested this exact 5-day itinerary with friends who’ve visited since, and every single person has told us it was the perfect itinerary to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Ready to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s dive in!
5-Day Big Island Road Trip Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary will cross off all the main must-sees while also hitting some local gems we love. And, don’t forget to check out some of our bonus info and trip prep tips at the bottom of this page.
Day 1: Kona Coast & South Point Adventure
For the best road trip experience on the Big Island, we recommend staying in the Kona area for easy access to the best western attractions.
Morning: Fuel Up at Kona Brewery
Start your Big Island adventure the right way, with a beer flight at the world-famous Kona Brewery. We always tell people to get there around 11am when they open because this place gets PACKED later in the day.
Try their Longboard Island Lager (perfect for light beer drinkers) or go bold with the Castaway IPA. The fish tacos are legit too if you need some food to soak up that alcohol before driving.
Cost: $15-25 per person for food and drinks
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Afternoon: South Point Cliff Jumping
Drive about an hour south to South Point, the southernmost tip of the United States. The cliff jumping here is absolutely INSANE (50 feet high!), but even if you’re not brave enough to jump, watching others take the plunge is entertainment enough.
Pro Tip: The jumping spot can be tricky to find. Use these exact coordinates: 18°54’52.6″N 155°40’58.7″W. We wandered around for an hour before a local showed us the way.
Cost: Free (just gas money) Drive time: 1 hour from Kona Time at location: 2-3 hours
Late Afternoon: Green Sands Beach Hike
Just past South Point lies one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world. The 5.5-mile roundtrip hike is no joke.
Pro Tip: Bring LOTS of water because there’s zero shade and the Hawaiian sun is brutal.
The sand gets its green color from olivine crystals created by volcanic eruptions. It’s absolutely stunning, and after that hot hike, jumping in the ocean feels incredible.
Cost: Free Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat but long and hot) What to bring: 2+ liters water per person, sunscreen, swimsuit
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park Exploration
For today we recommend an early morning start – seriously, get up at 5am for this one!
Pre-Dawn: Kilauea Crater Sunrise
This is going to be the highlight of your entire trip, so don’t sleep in! Drive to Volcanoes National Park before sunrise (about 2.5 hours from Kona) to see the lava glow in Kilauea crater.
We’ve been here at different times of day, and morning is hands down the best. Fewer crowds, better visibility of the lava glow, and you’ll have the whole experience to yourselves.
Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day park pass) Drive time: 2.5 hours from Kona Best viewing time: 30 minutes before sunrise
Morning: Chain of Craters Road
After watching the sunrise, drive the incredible 19-mile Chain of Craters Road. This scenic route takes you past multiple volcanic craters and ends where lava flows once reached the ocean.
Stop at every overlook – trust us, each one offers something different. The road literally ends where lava flows cut it off, which is pretty mind-blowing when you think about it.
Cost: Included with park entry Time needed: 3-4 hours with stops
Afternoon: Hōlei Sea Arch
Most people miss this natural wonder, but it’s just a 10-minute walk from the end of Chain of Craters Road. This dramatic archway was carved by volcanic activity and ocean waves. It’s like nature’s own sculpture.
Cost: Included with park entry Time needed: 30 minutes
Late Afternoon: Steam Vents Experience
Before leaving the park, let the kids (or yourself!) experience volcanic steam vents.
These natural steam baths are created by groundwater hitting hot volcanic rock underground. It’s trippy to feel that heat coming from deep inside the earth.
Cost: Included with park entry Time needed: 30 minutes
Day 3: Hilo & Waterfalls Day
Tonight, you may want to consider staying in Hilo to break up the driving but this is also possible from your Kona base.
Morning: Akaka Falls State Park
Start your waterfall day with the most famous one. Akaka Falls. This 442-foot waterfall is only a half-mile walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for all fitness levels.
The eastern side of the Big Island gets way more rain than the western side, so pack that rain jacket and don’t let a little drizzle stop you (it often makes the waterfalls more dramatic!).
Cost: $5 per vehicle Drive time: 25 minutes from Hilo Time needed: 1 hour
Mid-Morning: Kaumana Caves Adventure
Here’s one of our absolute favorite FREE activities on the expensive Big Island – exploring lava tubes!
These caves were created by an 1880s Mauna Loa eruption, and you can walk back about a quarter-mile before the ceiling gets too low.
Make sure to bring your headlamp (it’s in our packing list later in this post) because the caves are pitch black but absolutely fascinating. It’s like walking through the planet’s plumbing system.
Cost: FREE (hallelujah!) Time needed: 1 hour What to bring: Headlamp, rain jacket, waterproof phone case
Afternoon: Rainbow Falls Quick Stop
Located right in Hilo, you can literally see this waterfall from the parking lot. Visit in the morning for the best chance of seeing rainbows in the mist (hence the name).
We love this spot because it delivers maximum impact with minimal effort – perfect when you’re road tripping and want to keep moving.
Cost: Free Time needed: 20 minutes
Late Afternoon: Hilo Farmer’s Market
If it’s Wednesday or Saturday, you’re in for a treat! The Hilo Farmer’s Market has over 200 stalls selling everything from exotic fruits to Hawaiian kalua pork BBQ.
Try some fruits you’ve probably never heard of, like rambutan, dragon fruit, or lilikoi (passion fruit). The vendors are super friendly and will let you sample before buying.
Cost: $10-20 for sampling and snacks Best days: Wednesday and Saturday
Day 4: Northern Adventure & Waipio Valley
Today is a day of some of our favorite highlights so get ready for an incredible day.
Morning: Makalawena Beach Hike
This hidden gem requires a mile-long hike through forest and meadows, but it’s worth every step. The beach feels like your own private paradise, and we’ve seen Hawaiian monk seals here on multiple occasions.
Pro Tip: Wear real shoes, not flip-flops. The trail can be rocky and slippery.
Cost: Free Hike difficulty: Easy to moderate Time needed: 3-4 hours total
Afternoon: Waipio Valley Lookout & Descent
This is IT! The most spectacular view on the entire Big Island.
The Waipio Valley lookout offers mind-blowing views of this sacred valley, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike down to the black sand beach.
The hike down is STEEP. We’re talking 25% grade steep. It’s doable, but your legs will feel it the next day.
If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive down, but honestly, most rental car companies don’t allow it.
Cost: Free Hike time: 2-3 hours roundtrip Difficulty: Challenging (very steep)
Evening: Waimea Sunset
End your day in the charming town of Waimea (also called Kamuela). Grab dinner at a local spot and watch the sunset from this higher elevation. The temperature here is noticeably cooler and more comfortable.
Day 5: West Coast Beach Day & Coffee Culture
Make the most of your final day with some of our top memory making activities.
Morning: Two Step Snorkeling
Save the best snorkeling for last! Two Step (also called Honaunau Bay) has some of the most incredible marine life on the island. We’ve seen dolphins, sea turtles, and countless tropical fish here.
The name “Two Step” comes from the natural lava rock steps that make it easy to enter the water. Arrive early (7-8am) for the best visibility and to avoid crowds.
Cost: Free What to bring: Snorkel gear (rent from local shops for $20-30/day) Time needed: 3-4 hours
Late Morning: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park
Right next to Two Step is this sacred Hawaiian site. Pu’uhonua means “place of refuge,” where ancient Hawaiians came for spiritual purification. The restored structures give you a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian culture.
Cost: $20 per vehicle (up to 8 people) Time needed: 1-2 hours
Afternoon: Greenwell Farms Coffee Tour
No Big Island trip is complete without learning about Kona coffee!
Greenwell Farms offers free tours every day (no reservations needed), and you’ll learn how coffee grows from bean to cup.
The free samples at the end are fantastic, and their gift shop has some of the best prices on authentic Kona coffee we’ve found.
Cost: Free tour, coffee purchases extra Location: Near Captain Cook Time needed: 1 hour
Late Afternoon: Kona Sunset & Farewell Dinner
End your Big Island road trip with a classic Kona sunset. Grab dinner at a beachfront restaurant and watch the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean. The sunsets on this side of the island are absolutely magical.
Where to Stay: Our Tested Recommendations
Choosing the right accommodation can have a big impact on your trip so here are our favorite tried and true places to stay.
Budget Option: Kalapana Area
This is where we stayed during our month-long trip, and it was INCREDIBLE. The Lava Lookout Airbnb sits right on top of the 1990 lava flow. You’ll fall asleep under more stars than you’ve ever seen and wake up surrounded by hardened lava.
Pros: Unique experience, very affordable, amazing stargazing
Cons: Remote location (45 minutes from Hilo), alternative community vibe
Cost: $80-120/night
Mid-Range: Hilo Area
Staying in Hilo puts you close to waterfalls and volcanic attractions while costing way less than Kona. The Orchid Tree B&B offers boutique charm, while Hawaiian Ohana Home provides comfortable, mid-range accommodation.
Cost: $150-250/night
Splurge: Kona Resorts
If you want resort amenities and fancy beaches, stay on the Kona side. Aston Kona by the Sea offers great value, while Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is pure luxury (with prices to match).
Cost: $300-800+/night
Food Highlights You Can’t Miss
Shave Ice Stops
Kula Shave Ice (Hilo): Right next to the farmer’s market. Get the Chocoholic – it’s heavenly. WARNING: Portions are massive, so share with someone!
One Aloha Shave Ice (Kona): Best on the west side. Their Kona coffee flavor is unique to this location.
Local Eats
Hit up both farmer’s markets for the most authentic local food. The kalua pork at Hilo Farmer’s Market is some of the best we’ve had anywhere in Hawaii.
Before You Hit the Road: Essential Planning
Keeping plans flexible is fun, but there are some things that should be considered ahead of time to avoid unnecessary headaches. We’ve done the thinking for you, so here’s what you need to know.
What We Wish We’d Known
If we could boil down all the mistakes and lessons to a few key takeaways these are them:
- Gas up frequently: Stations can be 50+ miles apart in some areas
- Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty in remote locations
- Start early: Popular spots get crowded after 10am
- Bring cash: Some local vendors don’t take cards
- Respect the culture: You’re visiting sacred land – act accordingly
Car Rental Reality Check
To be totally honest, renting a car in Hawaii is going to mean shelling out some serious cash. We’re talking $300-500+ for a week, and that’s if you book early. Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll be paying resort prices for everything.
Our insider tip: If you’re staying on the Hilo side, rent from Automotive Solutions Hawaii instead of the big chains. We saved over $200 for our month-long rental compared to Hertz or Budget.
Do you need 4WD? For this itinerary, a regular car works fine for 95% of activities. The only exception is if you want to drive down into Waipio Valley (you can hike instead) or up to Mauna Kea’s summit (we’ll explain alternatives).
What to Pack for Multiple Climates
Here’s something that blew our minds: you can literally experience four different climates in one day on the Big Island. We learned this the hard way when we showed up to Mauna Kea in flip-flops and tank tops. DON’T make our mistake!
Pack list:
- Beach gear (reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory)
- Hiking shoes that can get wet
- Rain jacket (eastern side gets tropical downpours)
- Warm layers for higher elevations
- Headlamp for cave exploring
- At least 2 liters of water per person per day
Honest Talk About Costs
The Big Island isn’t cheap. Budget at least $200/day for two people including accommodation, car rental, food, and activities. We spent about $150/day staying in budget places and cooking our own meals half the time.
Ways to save money:
- Stay in Hilo instead of Kona
- Pack picnic lunches
- Take advantage of free activities (there are more than you’d think!)
- Shop at farmer’s markets instead of resort restaurants
The Bottom Line
This 5-day Big Island road trip itinerary has been tested by us and multiple friends who’ve followed our recommendations. Every single person has agreed it was the perfect introduction to the Big Island’s incredible diversity.
You’ll experience active volcanoes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic cliffs all in one trip. Yeah, it’s a lot of driving, but trust us, every mile is worth it for the variety of landscapes you’ll see.
The Big Island rewards curious travelers who venture beyond the obvious tourist spots. Some of our best memories came from random stops we made along the way, so don’t be afraid to explore those side roads that catch your eye.
Ready to start planning? Book that car rental NOW (seriously, don’t wait), pack for multiple climates, and prepare for the most diverse 5 days you’ll ever experience in one destination. The Big Island is calling, and we promise it’ll exceed every expectation you have.
