Your perfect introduction to Hawaiʻi Island: pristine beaches in Kailua-Kona, active volcanoes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, cascading waterfalls near Hilo, and the rolling ranch country of Waimea. This three-day guide covers the essentials with local tips, timing advice, and direct booking links.
The Big Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, offering incredible diversity in just 72 hours. Whether you base yourself in sunny Kailua-Kona, rainy Hilo, or upcountry Waimea, you'll experience dramatic landscapes ranging from black-sand beaches to snow-capped summits, and from molten lava flows to lush rainforests.
This itinerary prioritizes the island's most iconic experiences while leaving room for spontaneity. You'll snorkel with manta rays, explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, chase waterfalls, tour a coffee farm, and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture—all in three unforgettable days.
Pro Tip: Book Activities in Advance
Popular tours like night manta ray snorkeling and Mauna Kea stargazing often sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak season (December–March and June–August). Reserve your must-do activities as soon as you confirm your flights.
Most visitors fly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on the island's western side. Pick up your rental car and head south to your hotel or vacation rental in Kailua-Kona. Take a moment to explore Ali'i Drive, the bustling oceanfront strip lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Grab a light lunch at a local spot like Island Lava Java or Bongo Ben's, then spend the afternoon relaxing at nearby beaches. Kahalu'u Beach Park is perfect for first-time snorkelers—calm waters, abundant tropical fish, and sometimes green sea turtles (honu).
As the sun sets, prepare for the highlight of Day 1: night manta ray snorkeling off the Kona coast. These gentle giants (with wingspans up to 12 feet) perform underwater ballet as they feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. It's one of the most magical wildlife encounters on Earth.
Tours depart around sunset and last 1.5–2 hours. Operators provide wetsuits, snorkel gear, floatation devices, and hot chocolate for the boat ride back. Manta ray encounters are nearly guaranteed year-round in Kona—this is the best place on the planet for this experience.
Book your night snorkel tour today — limited spots available!
Leave Kona early (7:00–7:30 AM) for the 2.5-hour scenic drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island's southeastern slope. Stop at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach along the way to see basking green sea turtles on jet-black sand—a surreal sight.
Arrive at the park by 10:00 AM to beat the crowds and afternoon rain. Must-see stops include:
Plan 3–4 hours for the park. For a deeper experience, consider booking a guided volcano tour with a local geologist or certified guide who can share insights on Hawaiian geology and cultural significance.
After exploring the park, head north to the town of Hilo (45 minutes from the park entrance). Hilo is the island's lush, rainy side—home to some of Hawaiʻi's most photogenic waterfalls.
For those who want to venture deeper into the rainforest, consider a guided waterfall hiking tour to hidden cascades with swimming holes.
Expert-led tours with insider access and local knowledge
You can either drive back to Kona (2 hours via the northern route through Waimea) or spend the night in Hilo to break up the driving. Hilo has a charming downtown with local restaurants like Pineapples (island-inspired plates) and Hilo Bay Café (Pacific Rim fusion).
Start your final day in the rolling green hills of Waimea (also called Kamuela), the island's ranching heartland. The cool, misty climate and open pastures feel more like Montana than Hawaiʻi. Stop at Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States, to learn about the island's paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage.
Grab breakfast or brunch at Village Burger (grass-fed beef from local ranches) or Merriman's (upscale farm-to-table dining with panoramic views).
Drive south from Waimea to the Kona Coffee Belt, a narrow 20-mile stretch along the island's western slopes where the world's most prized coffee grows. Book a tour at a family-run farm like:
Most tours last 60–90 minutes and offer insights into coffee cultivation, roasting, and the unique microclimate that makes Kona coffee so special. For more options, see our full guide: Must-Visit Coffee Farms & Luaus.
Cap off your Big Island adventure with an authentic Hawaiian luau—a feast of kalua pork cooked in an underground imu (earth oven), poi, fresh poke, haupia (coconut pudding), and other island delicacies, accompanied by hula dancing, fire knife performances, and live Hawaiian music.
Top-rated luaus include Island Breeze Luau at the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel (oceanfront setting, intimate vibe) and Legends of Hawaii Luau at Hilton Waikoloa Village (larger production with Polynesian performances). Reservations are required—book at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Luaus, coffee farms, and cultural tours — book your cultural immersion
Reef-Safe Sunscreen is the Law
Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Brands like Raw Elements, Mama Kuleana, and Stream2Sea are widely available on the island.
Kona to Volcanoes National Park:
2.5 hours via southern route (Highway 11). Stop at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach midway.
Volcanoes to Hilo:
45 minutes northeast via Highway 11. Hilo is the gateway to waterfalls.
Hilo to Waimea:
1 hour northwest via Highway 19. Scenic drive with ocean views and rolling hills.
Waimea to Kona (via Kona Coffee Belt):
1 hour south via Highway 190, then 180. Perfect for coffee farm stops.
Important Driving Tips
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rental car (3 days) | $150–$250 |
| Accommodation (2–3 nights) | $300–$600 |
| Night manta ray snorkel tour | $90–$150 |
| Volcanoes National Park entry | $30 (vehicle pass, 7 days) |
| Coffee farm tour | Free–$40 |
| Luau | $110–$175 |
| Meals & snacks (3 days) | $150–$300 |
| Gas | $50–$80 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $880–$1,625 |
* Prices exclude flights. Budget can be reduced with self-catering, free beach days, and skipping optional tours.
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