4-Day Massive Island Itinerary for Out of doors Lovers – Bearfoot Concept

The Massive Island of Hawaii actually has no scarcity of unbelievable outside adventures. The island is a paradise for anybody who likes to get out in nature, from exploring lush forests and delightful seashores to mountaineering up volcanoes and thru lava tubes.

As a frequent traveler to Hawaii, I’ve spent numerous time exploring the Massive Island and comprehend it just like the again of my hand. I’ve carried out many Massive Island itineraries and have the news on the greatest locations to see, issues to do, and find out how to escape the crowds.

This four-day adventure-packed Massive Island itinerary will take you to a number of the most spectacular websites on the Massive Island together with lively volcanoes, waterfalls, marine life, and extra.

Massive Island Itinerary at a Look

The Massive Island is thought for its number of unbelievable outside adventures, so this Massive Island itinerary is geared towards guests who need to get exterior and discover. Right here’s what you will notice and do:

Day 1: Kealakekua Bay & Mauna Kea

Morning – Snorkeling

Begin your Massive Island itinerary by spending the day at Kealakekua Bay on the Kona facet of the island.

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary and is the greatest spot for snorkeling on the island.

The bay is residence to ample marine life together with spinner dolphins, inexperienced sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.

Not solely is the bay nice for snorkeling, however it’s additionally a spot of historic significance. Kealakekua Bay is the place Captain James Prepare dinner, the famend British explorer, first set foot on the island in 1778.

There are 3 ways to get to Kealakekua Bay:

1. Boat tour

The simplest and hottest methodology for visiting Kealakekua Bay is by taking a ship tour. The beauty of a ship tour just isn’t solely will you get to snorkel, however you additionally get to see the colourful volcanic shoreline with sea caves, blow holes, and lava tubes.

Again in 2006, BFT Founder Kristen lived on the Massive Island and labored as a deckhand for Captain Zodiac, one of many Massive Island’s few licensed sustainable tour operators. They’re nonetheless in enterprise at present and provide probably the most thrilling boat excursions to Kealakakua Bay. On this tour, you’ll be touring on a 16-passenger fast-moving zodiac raft that may get rather a lot nearer to the shoreline than a bigger catamaran. The journey may be very bumpy although, so solely do that when you’re prepared to carry on.

No matter what boat tour you select, most provide snorkels and fins so that you don’t have to fret about bringing your personal.

2. Kayaking

If you need a extra adventurous method to expertise the bay, think about renting kayaks and paddling all the way down to Kealakekua Bay from a close-by launch level.

I like to recommend going with a guided kayaking tour, as permits are obligatory for every kayak that enters the bay.

You too can lease a kayak that has a allow and enterprise out by yourself. Kayak leases can be found on the facet of Freeway 11 and alongside Route 160, the street that takes you to the bay.

3. Hike the Ka’awaloa Path 

There’s a difficult mountaineering path all the way down to Kealakekua Bay. The path is 3.8 miles roundtrip and is kind of steep. Kristen did this hike typically when she lived on the Massive Island and located it to be nice for train, however I assumed the hike again to the trailhead was fairly exhausting after a few hours of snorkeling.

Nevertheless, when you’re seeking to mix mountaineering and snorkeling, it is a nice method to spend the day. Get to the trailhead early as parking is restricted. The path travels by way of grasslands with sweeping ocean views, dropping at 1,200 ft as you hike all the way down to the Bay. Simply remember there may be hardly any shade on this hike, and also you’ll have to carry your personal snorkeling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and loads of water and snacks. Then give your self loads of time to snorkel and for the trek again to your automobile.

Night – Mauna Kea

After a day of snorkeling and spending the afternoon stress-free at your resort, head as much as the highest of Mauna Kea for sundown.

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on the planet when measured from its base on the seafloor, and it towers over the Massive Island’s lovely panorama.

The 13,803 foot summit has a number of the greatest stargazing alternatives on the planet resulting from its excessive elevation and lack of sunshine air pollution. The view from Mauna Kea is an unforgettable expertise!

A four-wheel-drive car is required previous the Customer Middle to the summit. Additionally, cease by the Customer Middle to acclimate earlier than heading to the summit.

Should you don’t really feel like driving, there are various tour corporations that supply sundown/stargazing excursions as much as Mauna Kea.

It will get chilly on the summit, so carry a heat jacket. If you’re fortunate, you may even see some snow!

Tip: You don’t need to lease a 4WD throughout your total keep on the island. We solely rented one for the day we wanted it for Mauna Kea and it was properly value the fee. We then returned it for a less expensive automobile for the rest of our journey.

Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park and Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside

Morning – Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park

Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park is among the high issues to do on this Massive Island itinerary. This Nationwide Park is residence to 2 lively volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It’s additionally residence to a number of the greatest mountaineering trails in Hawaii and quite a few cultural websites.

I like to recommend beginning your day earlier than dawn to maximise your time within the park, particularly if you’re staying on the Kona facet of the island.

The scenic drive to the park from Kona takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (or 40 minutes from Hilo).

There are a number of issues to do on the park – under is the itinerary we adopted throughout our quick go to. When you have extra time and are in search of further hikes, issues to do, and tenting data, head to Bearfoot Concept’s Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park Journey Information.

The very first thing you need to do whenever you get to the Park is cease by the Guests Middle. There you’ll be able to study in regards to the newest volcanic exercise, which can dictate what you’re in a position to do within the Park.

Listed below are some concepts for a half day in Volcanoes Nationwide Park

• Hike to Sulphur Banks from the Customer Middle to see colourful steam deposits and billowing vapors
• Kīlauea Overlook to watch the magnificent Kīlauea Caldera
• Steam Vents, that are brought on by the stress of the magma under
• Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava tube shaped when a scorching river of lava flowed into solidified rock and cooled.
• Chain of Craters Street
• Kealakomo Overlook for gorgeous ocean views
• Holei Sea Arch, a formidable lava rock formation.
• Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs & Mountaineering Path, a 1.4-mile path that options over 23,000 petroglyphs

Bonus choice: See Kīlauea erupting! If you’re fortunate sufficient to go to throughout an eruption of Kīlauea, we advocate skipping Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside talked about under and staying on the park till darkish to catch a glimpse of the lava flowing.

In recent times, one of the best locations to look at the lava stream have been from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater or Kīlauea Overlook if you could find parking.

Afternoon – Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside

When you have time after visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, make your method to Punaluʻu Black Sand Seaside, which is positioned about 19 minutes from the Park.

Typically referred to as the “greatest black sand seashore on the Massive Island”, Punaluʻu Seaside is to not be missed in your Massive Island itinerary.

This seashore can also be residence to endangered species such because the Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles, which you’ll typically discover resting right here. Keep in mind to observe pointers and don’t disturb the wildlife.

Day 3 – Seaside Day and Evening Snorkel with Manta Rays

Morning – Seaside Day

Since yesterday was a busy day, at present will probably be a bit extra stress-free. That is the proper day to go to the seashore, sit back, and take in the solar.

We advocate spending the day at Hapuna Seaside alongside the Kohala Coast. This white sand seashore is the most important white sand seashore on the Massive Island and is among the most lovely seashores in Hawaii.

Hapuna Seaside is superb for swimming and snorkeling if the waves are calm. Pay attention to shore breaks and robust currents, although, and keep away from swimming if the waves are excessive.

Should you go to from December to March, you may even see some humpback whales within the distance. We received fortunate and noticed them breach out of the water whereas mendacity on the seashore!

Notice: There may be an entrance charge of $5 per particular person and parking is $10 per car. Youngsters underneath three years previous enter at no cost. The parking charge put us off throughout our first go to right here, however it was value it!

Another choice is to spend the day at Kua Bay, a pristine paradise with a white sand seashore simply north of Kona.

The water is crystal clear and excellent for swimming and snorkeling when the waves are calm.

The seashore has no shade, although, so carry a solar shade and reef-safe sunscreen. Parking is free and there’s no entrance charge.

Night – Evening Snorkel with Manta Rays

At the moment you’ll finish your day with a rare expertise: snorkeling (or SCUBA Diving) with manta rays in Kona!

Not many locations on the planet provide this expertise, however fortunately the Massive Island does. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will take you into the open ocean to look at these majestic creatures feed on plankton underneath the starry night time sky.

Vivid lights are illuminated within the space, creating an otherworldly scene as these mild giants glide gracefully by way of the water. It’s a surreal encounter that can go away you in awe of the pure wonders that the ocean holds.

If there may be one tour you need to splurge on throughout your journey to the Massive Island, that is it! We’ve snorkeled with mantas on The Massive Island twice and wouldn’t hesitate to do it once more. The guides are very educated and respectful and the expertise is unforgettable.

We advocate reserving with Sea Paradise, Kona Ocean Adventures, or Hawaii Oceanic. We went with Sea Paradise and the expertise was superb. We extremely advocate them!

Manta rays are a protected species in Hawaii, so respect their habitat and observe all related security pointers.

Notice: In recent times, swimming with manta rays has turn out to be more and more fashionable. There are not any security or sustainability greatest practices in place, which has led Hawaii Ocean Watch to not think about it an eco-friendly exercise anymore.

Day 4: Discover Hilo

On the ultimate day of your Massive Island itinerary, you’ll discover town of Hilo. Located on the japanese facet of the Massive Island, this charming city is thought for its lush rainforests and small-town vibes.

We advocate grabbing breakfast in Kona and venturing to Hilo. Whereas the drive is 1 hour and half-hour, it’s scenic and peaceable. I’ve carried out this drive quite a few instances, and it’s all the time a spotlight of my journey!

Listed below are just a few stops and adventures I like to recommend whereas visiting Hilo:

Rainbow Falls

Begin your day with a go to to Rainbow Falls the place you’ll be able to view an 80-foot-tall waterfall cascading right into a pool under.

The waterfall will get its identify from the rainbows that usually seem within the mist when the solar’s rays hit the water.

The Falls may be simply accessed because it’s positioned just a few steps from the parking zone.

Notice: swimming is now not allowed resulting from security causes. Throughout our final go to, we noticed some individuals making an attempt to leap into the pool under the falls, however don’t be tempted to take action because it’s extraordinarily harmful. The indicators preserve everybody secure and we urge you to respect them.

Akaka Falls

Take a brief 6-minute drive from Rainbow Falls to the gorgeous Akaka Falls State Park.

Right here you’ll discover two of Hawaii’s most iconic waterfalls: Kahuna and Akaka.

Kahuna is a 100-foot waterfall that tumbles over a sheer cliff face, whereas Akaka Falls is a robust 442-foot waterfall that drops right into a stream-eroded gorge. Most individuals normally come right here to see Akaka Falls, however because you’re already there, you may as properly have a look at each!

The falls may be accessed through a brief and simple 0.4-mile loop path. The paved route contains a number of steps however is well-maintained and simple to navigate.

Swimming can also be not allowed right here, however the views from the overlooks are unbelievable and definitely worth the go to.

Pe’e Pe’e Falls

The final waterfall to go to at present is Pe’e Pe’e Falls, positioned a brief 9-minute drive away from Akaka Falls.

This hidden gem is among the lesser-known waterfalls on the Massive Island, however it’s properly value a go to if you’re within the space and have a while. These falls are fed by the Wailuku River, which additionally feeds Rainbow Falls.

Sadly, mountaineering all the way down to the waterfall and pool is now not permitted resulting from security issues. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless observe a partial view of the waterfall from a lookout level close to the parking space.

Kaumana Caves

Earlier than you head again to Kona, make a cease at Kaumana Caves. Situated simply 6 minutes away from Pe’e Pe’e Falls, the caves are an unbelievable lava tube cave system and probably the most distinctive points of interest on the Massive Island.

The caves had been created by a stream of lava from Mauna Loa in 1880 and are a part of a 25-mile-long lava tube. At the moment, guests can discover the caves and their tunnels extending greater than two miles.

Keep in mind to carry a headlamp, good sneakers, and loads of water. The cave may be muddy and slippery in spots, so watch out whereas exploring.

As a word, there are many mosquitos right here. I all the time carry some insect repellent to keep away from bites. However don’t let that deter you from visiting! The gorgeous pure formations within the caves are properly definitely worth the minor inconvenience of mosquitos.

These caves are additionally a part of the principle cause I’m going to the Hilo facet of the island.

Downtown Hilo for Meals

Lastly, seize a chunk to eat in downtown Hilo earlier than driving again to Kona. This charming city is filled with nice eating places and cafes that supply scrumptious native and worldwide delicacies. That is all the time our final cease on our Hilo street journey, and it by no means disappoints.

For contemporary seafood, take a look at Seaside Restaurant, Moon and Turtle, or Pineapple’s Island Contemporary Delicacies. Our high favourite restaurant is Seaside Restaurant – we extremely advocate the teriyaki butterfish and the fried aholehole. Each had been scrumptious and cooked to perfection.

Should you’re in search of one thing extra informal, head to Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, Cafe Pesto, or Ken’s Home of Pancakes. Should you love breakfast as a lot as we do, pancakes at Ken’s Home of Pancakes are a must-try!

For a fast chunk to eat, Hilo Bay Cafe and Hawaiian Type Cafe are our favorites. Hilo Bay Cafe has a number of the greatest views on the town and Hawaiian Type Cafe is thought for its scrumptious pancakes, steak and eggs, and vegetarian choices.

For a scrumptious vegan Vietnamese impressed meal, head to the Vegan Store.

And, after all, a visit to Hilo isn’t full with out a go to to Two Girls Kitchen for a number of the greatest mochi on the island. Whereas we all the time have to attend in line, it’s all the time value it for his or her contemporary and flavorful mochi.

Attending to the Massive Island

The Massive Island has two important airports: Kona Worldwide Airport to the west and Hilo Worldwide Airport to the east.

I flew into the Kona Worldwide Airport since most flights arrive there. Kona can also be the place most guests keep whereas exploring the island.

For the reason that Massive Island is “huge” (therefore the identify), renting a automobile to your keep is greatest. This offers you the liberty to discover the island and expertise all that it has to supply.

Rental automobiles may be picked up on the Kona airport. You’ll undoubtedly need to e-book forward, although.

Massive Island Climate

The climate on the Massive Island of Hawaii is as numerous as its terrain, creating a novel expertise in contrast to another island.

Some areas obtain no rainfall all year long, leading to dry landscapes, whereas locations like Hilo and Puna are recognized for constant rain, making the east facet of the island extra lush.

The moist climate on the east coast is the principle cause most vacationers keep in Kona in comparison with Hilo. Kona has extra sunny days, whereas Hilo will get extra rain.

The island maintains a heat tropical local weather year-round, with coastal areas averaging temperatures between 75-85°F within the winter and summer time. Nevertheless, larger elevations like Mauna Kea, Waimea, and sure inland areas may be cooler.

The summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai may be chilly since they’re above 10,000 ft excessive. Be sure you pack heat layers when you plan to journey up any of those mountains.

We’ve visited the Massive Island a number of instances in the course of the winter and summer time months and might attest that the climate is heat and pleasing all 12 months spherical.

Whereas it would rain extra within the winter, it usually passes shortly, and you may nonetheless benefit from the solar for a lot of the day.

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What questions do you’ve about this Massive Island itinerary? Should you’ve visited, what else would you add? Depart a remark under!

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