10 Day Itinerary for the Big Island
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The Big island is the perfect spot for your next family vacation
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Welcome to the ultimate family guide to the Big Island of Hawaii! If you're planning a family vacation to this stunning island paradise, you’re in the right place. The Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and rich cultural experiences.
The big island is home to five national park sites
From exploring active volcanoes to snorkeling in crystal clear waters, the Big Island has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. In this 10-day itinerary, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect family vacation, including the best family-friendly activities, top beaches, delicious local cuisine, and more. Only have 5 days on the Big Island? No worries, this itinerary is easy to make into a Big Island Itinerary 5 Days!
We'll also provide insider tips on how to make the most of your time on the island, such as where to find the best shave ice and save you from backtracking across the island. Whether you're traveling the Big Island with kids or adults only, we've got you covered with the perfect Big Island Hawaii itinerary!
So, get ready to pack your bags and experience the beauty and excitement of the Big Island. Hike to one of only three green sand beaches in the world, swim with manta rays, or learn about Hawaiian culture and history, the Big Island has it all. Let's dive in and start planning your family's unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for the first 5 days of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
Table of Contents
Click to Skip to:
Arrival
Stock Up for the Week
Rest Day and Explore
Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Southern Most Point in the USA
Stop at Hawaii’s Local Buzz
Dinner from Broke Da Mouth Grindz
Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Monument
Harbor House for Lunch
Manta Ray Dives
L&L Hawaiian BBQ
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Lunch or Dinner at Magics Beach Grill
Pololū Valley Lookout
Pololū Trail
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Tex Drive-In for Lunch
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Kekaha Kai State Beach
Honus on the Beach (Saturday Buffet)
St Benedict Catholic Church
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Honomalino Beach Snorkeling
Island Breeze Lū‘au
Sunrise Photoshoot
Punaluʻu Beach
Check in to Kilauea Military Camp (Or whatever East side lodging you’re staying at)
Keanakāko‘i Crater to see the Lava Flow
Explore Hawaii Volcano National Park
Breakfast at Hilo Farmers Market
Lavaloha Chocolate Tour
Rainbow Falls
Akaka Falls State Park
Lunch at Moon & Turtle
Snorkel Richardson Ocean Park
Breakfast at Volcano House
Catch flight home from Kona
READ NEXT: What to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Kids
Family photo on Green sand beach
acai bowls are a staple in hawaii
Interactive Map of The Big Island
The map below will show all of the spots highlighted in this 10 Day Itinerary for The Big Island. Click the “Expand” option and you’ll be able to view the map of the Big Island by Itinerary Day. Simply check or uncheck the boxes to show more or less to simplify your family Itinerary for the Big Island!
Where to Stay on The Big Island
When choosing where to stay on the Big Island, there are so many great choices. For us, we were trying to stay on a budget. We decided to use our Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem 7 nights at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. If you are not a Marriott Bonvoy member yet, definitely join and start earning points toward your next adventure! If you use THIS LINK to join Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll get 2,000 bonus points on your first 5 stays — meaning a FREE 10,000 points!
the king kam property is gorgous and the pool is such a great way to beat the heat!
My review of King Kam Kona Beach Resort: We stayed here with 2 children and 2 adults. Our room was a 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non-Smoking, Ocean View room. The room was spacious with plenty of closet storage, a desk, decent sized TV, and a mini fridge. The room was very clean. The hotel has it’s own sandy beach front where you can kayak or snorkel. On-site there is the Island Breeze Lu’au, so you won’t have to leave the property to experience of the best Luaus on the Big Island. There are several food options co-located with the hotel and a convenient gift shop in the building. If you stay here, don’t miss Uluani’s Shaved Ice located at the hotel. It is AMAZING. There is on-site secure parking and the staff was friendly and helpful. We celebrated our daughter’s 7th birthday and the Kona Beach Resort staff had a cake waiting for her in our room.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight on The Big Island with more videos and photos from the hotel and property.
The kids playing on the beach front at kona beach resort
The view from the hotel’s beach
If you are having a hard time deciding where to stay with kids on The Big Island, check out these options. Scroll around the map to find the best places to stay on the Big Island. You can search by dates, number of guests, and find a place to stay that fits your group’s budget.
Day 1 on the Big Island
Today is when you arrive on The Big Island. For us, it was a low key day of getting adjusted.
Aloha!! Welcome to hawaii!
Once we landed at Kona International Airport, we let our Turo Host know we were there. He met us promptly with our car and we loaded up and headed to the hotel. We chose to rent a car with Turo because we knew we were supporting a local. We rented a Toyota 4-Runner and it came with beach chairs, a beach mat, a cooler, and boogie boards. It was the best rental car for a family trip to the Big Island.
After checking in to the hotel, we explored the property and made a run to Target for some essentials for our trip. To save a little money, we packed the cooler with snacks and lunch items on our beach days.
We also walked across the street and ate lunch at Quinn’s Almost By The Sea and had one of the best Reuben sandwiches I have ever had!
We spent the rest of our first day swimming and snorkeling in the hotel’s cove!
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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The view from our room at kona beach resort
Day Two on the Big Island
Today is a free day to get in anything you want. Originally I wanted to take a tour of Kona Coffee, but by the time the day came my family was wanting a full day to go slow. Snorkeling and exploring the area around your hotel on foot is a great way to get oriented with the town and beat jet lag!
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the big island is home to one of only 3 green sand beaches in the world.
Day Three on the Big Island
Today is going to start very early as you’re headed to one of only three green sand beaches in the entire world. I recommend having a coffee and breakfast ready to go to eat in the car on the drive.
We got to the parking area before any locals so we didn’t get hassled to pay anything.
The goal is to be at the Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Parking area just as the sun is rising. I read so many stories about locals trying to make you pay to park or not letting you through - but we were there before there was anyone in the parking lot. We parked further down than the established parking area, so we were in the shade and close to the entrance of the trail.
The hike is about 5.6-6 miles round trip. In the morning, it’s absolutely stunning in the breeze of the light sun. However, on our hike back it was SO hot because there is absolutely no shade. I recommend bringing an umbrella or good sun hat.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for the first 5 days of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
BE prepared for a long hike with no shade — but beautiful views the whole way
Once we arrived at Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, we were the only people there for over an hour. It was so magical. The sand is actually really green, but be warned that the water is not usually safe for swimming. The waves are rough and the tide is strong. Keep an eye out for sea turtles though, we did see one!
**If you do not want to hike in, then wait until later so that there are trucks you can ride in. Locals charge a fee for you to climb into the back of their trucks and they will drive you down to the Green Sand Beach. However, you will be with a large group and have very limited time on the beach.
being silly on the green sand beach since we had it all to ourselves
After you hike back to the car, head over to the Southern Most Point in the United States. (Yes, its further south than the Florida Keys!) It’s a short drive over and worth it to say you’ve been.
After you’ve seen South Point, the road back to Kona will take you past a small place called Hawaii’s Local Buzz. Its a family run shop with farm animals and the best macadamia nuts we had on the island.
Shaved ice from Ululani’s Shaved Ice
After this, the evening is yours to choose one of the many amazing restaurants to have dinner at. We had heard over and over again to try Broke Da Mouth Grindz and it was one of the best meals on the Big Island in my opinion! Be prepared to wait a bit and when we visited you could not eat inside, so plan for takeaway.
Don’t forget to reward yourself after your hike with the best shaved ice in Kona at Ululani’s Shaved Ice!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for the first 5 days of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
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These are the PORK BELLY FAT ADOBO FRIES from broke da mouth
"SPICY" GARLIC FURIKAKE CHICKEN from broke da mouth
We stopped or a photo near south point. the water is incredible at the bottom of the cliffs.
Day 4 on the Big Island
Today is going to be epic. After breakfast, you’ll head to Kanaloa Octopus Farm to get up close with octopi! This tour is offered a few times a day, but sells out quickly and reservations are required. All of us actually loved this tour. You’ll get to witness Octopi moving about in their tanks and, only if the octopi initiates, you might get to touch one! We lucked out with an active guy who moved around and reached for us a lot. All of these octopi are very well taken care of and Kanaloa is committed caring for the animals properly.
***As of 2023, the Kanaloa Octopus Farm is currently closed to the public and is in the process of re-opening. Consider taking the Sea Horse Farm Tour, visiting the Kona Sea Salt Farm, a tour o the coral laboratory, the Big Island Abalone tour, or possibly a guided coastal history tour in it’s place.
one of the many sea turtles basking on Honokohau Beach!
After you enjoy a morning with these magnificent creatures, it’s time to head to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. There are two different sections to this park. If you want to get the Junior Ranger badge, you’ll need to head to the Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center. However, if you’d like to explore the prisine beaches, see one of the cool ʻAiʻōpio Fishtraps, see many sea turtles basking in the sun, and walk through a replica Halau Wa`a (canoe house), I suggest heading down to the South Parking entrance and entering there. We loved this spot so much. Take some time to look through the tide pools for some cool sea creatures like the snowflake eel!
After you finish at the National Park, walk across the parking lot for a late lunch at Harbor House restaurant. The staff is very friendly and if you get a water view table, keep your eye out for sea turtles swimming!
today you’re going to be swimming with manta rays!!
Conveniently, you’ll be meeting your Manta Ray tour guides right here at the Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor. We chose to go with Manta Adventures because they have a very professional staff and some of the best, eco friendly light boards in the business. The staff let us go for a daytime snorkel, then we had some light refreshments before it was time to suit up and get into the ocean at night to swim with manta rays. This is by far one of the best things to do on the Big Island. I will never forget what it felt like to have these gentle giants gliding underneath us!
I suggest bringing a dry change of clothes, a warm towel, a snack, water bottle, and possibly some Dramamine if you’re prone to sea sickness.
After you’re back on shore, head across the highway for a late night dinner at the L&L!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for the first 5 days of our trip with more videos and photos from swimming with manta rays! Absolutely incredible.
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No photo will ever do these manta rays justice.
tidepooling in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
The Big Island with Kids
What’s Included in the Guide to the Big Island?
41 Detailed Pages, Daily Schedules, An Interactive Downloadable Map, Pro Tips, Kid Friendly Tours and Activities, Family Resort/Hotel Recommendations, Complete Packing List, Hawaii Crafts & Worksheets, and so much more!
Day Five on the Big Island
Today is going to start dark and early with a predawn drive over to the Pololū Valley Lookout. When you think of Hawaii’s landscape, this is what you think of. We made the drive over only for it to be raining so hard and so foggy, we didn’t get to do the Pololu Trail as we had planned. I wanted to do this moderat 0.9 mile trail at sunrise to have it to ourselves and see the sun rise here.
the fog slightly cleared for us to start to see how magnificent the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout really is
After your hike, head over to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout where there is no hiking involved. It is just one of the best overlooks on the Big Island. Absolutely stunning when the skies are clear. Again, we met heavy fog and rain.
insane poke naches from the waimea market!
We started to drive toward Tex Drive In, but it wasn’t even close to lunch yet. But we stumbled on to the Waimea Saturday Market where there was live music, absolutely delicious food, local goods, and a fantastic playground for the kids. We stayed here for a few hours just enjoying it all.
the incredible playground next to the waimea saturday market
Our day was supposed to continue on to explore the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site on our drive back to Kona, but we couldn’t beat the rain and fog. It was really coming down all day. However, I suggest going here after having lunch at Tex Drive In.
As we got closer to Kona, the rain let up and we decided to pop in to Kekaha Kai State Beach to check it out. This is a great, low trafficked beach. However, the road to get to the beach is very rough and you’ll definitely need a 4X4! Before we got to the beach, we grabbed some snacks from a gas station - Hawaii’s musubi is to die for.
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: Top 10 Beach Must Haves for Toddler and Baby
Having musubi on Kekaha Kai State Beach
By the time we made it back to our hotel, we were ready for the Saturday buffet at Honos on the Beach. DO NOT MISS THIS. For the price, you won’t find a better selection of poke, seafood, and more!
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: The Best Hiking Gear for Kids
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just LOOK at this poke bar!!
If you’re headed to Oahu, Check out the Best 5 Things to do with Kids in Honolulu!
Day Six on the Big Island
We spent the day recovering from two long days exploring by lounging on the beach, snorkeling, and searching for seashells along the small rocky coastline. There are several shaded areas and picnic tables available for families to enjoy a picnic together, but we just had our food at our beach mat.
Our turo host left the mat, chairs, umbrella, and cooler in the car for us to use on our trip!!
Kahalu'u Beach Park is also known for its abundant marine life. We snorkeled here all day, exploring the reef and getting an up-close view of tropical fish and varying sea creatures. My Instagram highlight shows videos of some of the wildlife we saw! You do not need to book a snorkel tour to see an abundance of wildlife!
As you can see from the photo, the beach gets very busy. I suggest getting here early to secure your spot. There is a parking lot that does fill very quickly as well. Right at the beach access there are showers and restrooms.
After a day on the beach, I highly suggest heading to Magics Beach Grill for a fantastic late lunch or dinner. We did bring a cooler full of snacks thanks to our Turo host for having the cooler in the car.
If you’d rather spend the day exploring, I suggest taking a tour of the Kona Coffee Farm, a helicopter tour of the Big Island, or planning to take one of the Mauna Kea Summit Tours at night!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for Day 5-10 of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
CHECK OUT MY GUIDE FOR: Top 10 Beach Must Haves for Toddler and Baby
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The sign welcoming you to kahalu'u beach park
magic’s has alcohol free beer!
the pork belly from magics was so dang good
Day Seven on the Big Island
It’s day Seven and time to dig deeper into the Hawaiian history and culture!
the kids at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
We headed South and made our first stop at the Pure Kona Green Markets where we loaded down on local food and some souvenirs. The markets on the Big Island are a great way to support the Hawaiian locals.
Once we had what we needed we drove a little further down to explore the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. This park is a spiritual sanctuary that was protected by Lono, the God of life. Today, the puʻuhonua continues to serve as a refuge for all peoples in our modern world. While you’re here make sure to see the Royal Ponds, Kōnane Papamū, Keoneʻele Cove, Great Wall, Canoe Hālau, and Kānoa. The National Park website has a great self-guided walking tour and maps.
the tiki men at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
a Canoe Hālau
If you’re a National Park Pass holder, you are in luck! You can leave your car in the parking area for FREE while you walk down to Two Step beach (AKA Honaunau Bay) for a day of excellent snorkeling. There is a shallow gradual entrance into the water by the boat ramp, but you can also set up on the rocks where you’ll enter via very deep water. We brought our boogie boards and snorkeled for along time here.
There is little to no shade at Two Step, so be prepared with loads of sunscreen, sun hats, and sun shirts if you have them!
the kids out snorkeling with my husband at two step
After a relaxing day of exploring the ocean, it’s time to head back to the hotel for a shower and to get ready for the best luau on the Big Island - Island Breeze Lū‘au. We mainly chose this luau because it was at our hotel, but it turned out to be a great show with excellent food. While some people say luaus are a tourist trap, I actually loved the way they incorporated so many different cultures and dances. I would happily go again! Pro tip - get there early to get in line. Once they open the gate, do not go for the drinks, head straight for the tables and claim a spot. We were able to get front row seats! Check out the Island Breeze Luau!
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for Day 5-10 of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
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performers in the Island Breeze Lū‘au
we snagged a family photo before they opened the doors!
the Island Breeze Lū‘au had all you can drink mai tais and hawaiian punch!
Day 8 on the Big Island
National Park sign on our way to the Kilauea military camp
Today is picture day and moving day! We scheduled a sunrise photoshoot with our family and asked for a late check out from our hotel. This way we didn’t need to worry about rushing to pack up before dawn. We booked our photographer pretty last minute, but we went with Modern Milestones Photography who was excellent. If you’re looking to book family photos in Hawaii, check out Flytographer using THIS LINK. Use code BIGBRAVENOMAD to get $25 off your first session!
We had our photos done at Alaka‘i Nalu Beach (Four Seasons Resort). After we wrapped up, we changed into our swim suits and searched for seashells and did some tidepooling along the rocky coast line. I saw so many live Cowries and eels, it was amazing!
Flytographer is an excellent way to find a photographer for your family - use code bigbravenomad for $25 off your first booking
We love having thes memories from our time on the big island
After photos, it’s time to transition from staying in Kona to staying on the Hilo side of the island. We spent 7 nights in Kona and then 3 nights at the Kilauea Military Camp. This hotel is reserved for Active military members and their families (and retirees). However, there is a lodge inside the National Park called Volcano House with rooms and many Airbnb and hotel options near the park. You can see all of my suggested lodgings here in my full guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
After you check out of your hotel this morning, you’ll make your way down Highway 11 and over to the Hilo side. The drive from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National park is a little over 2 hours. Plan to make a stop for lunch at the Punalu'u Bake Shop where you can get some fresh Hawaiian bread.
After you’re full, make your way to Punaluʻu Beach for an incredible pit stop at the Big Island’s black sand beach! This is such an incredible spot to see and is so convenient on your drive.
From here, it’s a short drive into the park or to your lodging! We used this evening to let the kids play on the playground and get settled in. If you’re still full of energy, you could use this evening to head into the park to watch the lava flow at night. Check out my Hawaii Volcanoes guide that outlines how to see lava flow on the Big Island.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for Day 5-10 of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
Punaluʻu Beach is the big island’s black sand beach
the amazing black sand
Day Nine on the Big Island
Today is a full exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I have this FULL GUIDE to the park that outlines exactly what we did with a map of the park showing how we broke down our day! From Thurston Lava Tube to petroglyphs to the impressive 90 foot Hōlei Sea Arch — you’ll want to dedicate at least one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii volcanoes national park
We absolutely love Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and it is a must do on the Big Island. This was the first time any of us had seen an active volcano & my guide outlines how to see lava flow on the Big Island.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for Day 5-10 of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
Seeing the lava flow was a huge highlight of our big island trip
Day Ten on the Big Island
Today is the only full day to explore the Hilo side of the island, so we’re going to make the most of it.
Start the morning with breakfast from the Hilo Farmer’s market. This market is actually pretty huge and there are so many vendors selling fruits, pastries, local Hawaiian treats and souvenirs. This market is open 7 days a week, so no matter if your planning one week on the big island or two weeks on the big island, the market will be open!
we tasted so many foods at the hilo farmers market
one of the gorgeous murals by the hilo farmers market
After the market we headed up to Lavahola for a chocolate tour. We have done other Chocolate tours in Costa Rica and Guatemala, so this chocolate tour did not live up to our expectations. It is expensive and you get very little chocolate. However, their process is pretty amazing and the farm tour is cool. If I did this day again, I would rather have hiked all the way down to Akaka Falls later. Another alternative to the chocolate farm is to do a ziplining tour over the waterfalls on the Big Island!
Akaka Falls from the parking lot
After the chocolate tour, we drove up to Akaka Falls State Park. There is a complicated way to pay for parking and almost no cell service up there, so be SURE to download the app in advance. You can do that by clicking HERE. Once you pay for parking you can enter the park. We were starving after the chocolate tour and spent a great deal of time trying to figure out paying that we eventually just left. We glimpsed the falls from the parking lot.
From here we drove back into Hilo and popped by Rainbow Falls which is very easy to access and requires no hiking at all. This is one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island because of it’s accessibility! Plan to only have about 20 minutes here as it’s very easy to access and see.
Be sure to make reservations for lunch in advance for Moon & Turtle — we did not do this and couldn’t get in. We ended up picking up food at a gas station and just eating down by the water when we went snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park. This is a great place to snorkel in Hilo. It has a good parking area, restrooms, and some beach to set up on. We spent about half the day here exploring the waters.
Click HERE to see my Instagram Highlight for Day 5-10 of our trip with more videos and photos from each activity.
richardson Ocean Park!
rainbow falls is easy to get to - no hiking required
We did get to taste almost every kind of chocolate lavahola makes
Day Eleven on the Big Island
On our last morning on the Big Island we packed up and had breakfast at the Volcano House inside of the National Park. We ate here 3 times while on the island because the views of the volcanic eruption are unmatched and the food is amazing.
You can see the volcano erupting behind the kids having breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time head to the airport! Today you’re going home with a load of memories!
Even though Kona is a tiny airport, give yourself an extra 30 minutes to get checked in because they will have to scan your bags before check in to check for animals and fruit. Then you can go check in like normal!
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Boarded and ready for our flight from kona to san francsisco! We will cherish these memories forever!
READ NEXT: Check out my California Guides
This 10-day itinerary for The Big Island will take you on an adventure you’ll not soon forget. From the Lava Flow in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to walking on one of the worlds only green sand beaches to eating musubi to snorkeling with Manta Ray, your trip to The Big Island will make a lifelong impression on everyone in your group. If don’t have 10 days on the Big Island, pick and choose whichever days from this itinerary fit your road trip plans. If I could only pick for one week on the Big Island, I would pick day 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 for sure. And don’t worry, it doesn’t matter how many days on the Big Island you have, it matters that you’re here! So let this guide help you decide what’s going on your Big Island Itinerary! If you are looking to island hop, check out these incredible guides for all of the Hawaiian Islands: CLICK HERE.
the kids at
Since many people choose to pair California and Hawaii together, check out all of my guides for California!
If you are still overwhelmed about planning a trip to the Big Island, consider getting this amazing guide to plan your family trip to the Big Island. I used this guide to shell out my itinerary! It has over 40 pages packed with amazing info!
The Big Island with Kids
What’s Included in the Guide to the Big Island?
41 Detailed Pages, Daily Schedules, An Interactive Downloadable Map, Pro Tips, Kid Friendly Tours and Activities, Family Resort/Hotel Recommendations, Complete Packing List, Hawaii Crafts & Worksheets, and so much more!
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