Table of Contents

Route: Big Island Loop

Theme: Volcanic Wonders and Tropical Treasures
Highlights: Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Mauna Kea

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Introduction

The Big Island of Hawaii, also known as Hawai'i Island, offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. This road trip takes you on a journey from the sunny shores of Kailua-Kona on the west coast to the lush, tropical surroundings of Hilo on the east side of the island. Along the way, you'll explore the island's diverse ecosystems, witness the power of active volcanoes, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Hawai'i. This guide is designed to help you experience the best of the Big Island, with a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Personal Insights from William Stanek:
"The Big Island is a place of contrasts - where fiery volcanoes meet lush rainforests, and where the warm beaches of Kailua-Kona give way to the verdant landscapes of Hilo. Hui Cha and I have always been fascinated by the diversity of this island, where you can explore a black sand beach one day and hike through a rainforest the next. This road trip is crafted to take you through the heart of the Big Island, offering a deep connection to the land and its people. We hope this guide inspires you to explore the island's unique landscapes, to learn about its rich cultural heritage, and to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawai'i Island."

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Day 1: Arrival in Kailua-Kona

Morning: Arrival at Kona International Airport

• Overview: Upon landing at Kona International Airport, pick up your rental car and begin your adventure. Your first stop is Kailua-Kona, a historic town on the west coast known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Spend your first day exploring the town and getting acquainted with the island's unique charm.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Kailua Pier: Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, the pier is a great place to start your exploration. From here, you can take in views of the bay, watch boats come and go, and explore the surrounding shops and restaurants.

Lunch Stop: Kailua-Kona

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Kona Brewing Co.: A popular spot offering a range of craft beers and a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, with a relaxed, open-air setting.
  2. Huggo's on the Rocks: Known for its beachfront setting and menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, poke bowls, and tropical cocktails, with live music in the evenings.
  3. Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill: Offering fresh poke bowls, seafood plates, and other local favorites, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Afternoon: Explore Kailua-Kona and Surroundings

• Overview: After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Kailua-Kona and the surrounding area, where you can visit historic sites, enjoy the beaches, and take in the natural beauty of the island.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Hulihe'e Palace: A historic palace that was once a summer residence for Hawaiian royalty. The palace has been converted into a museum, showcasing artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi'olani.
  • Magic Sands Beach: A beautiful, white sand beach located just south of Kailua-Kona, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. The beach is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life.
  • Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Learn about the history of Kona coffee and its cultural significance at this living history farm, where you can tour the coffee orchards, visit the historic farmhouse, and sample fresh Kona coffee.
• Photography Tips: "Kailua-Kona offers a mix of historic sites and coastal beauty - capture the vibrant colors of the ocean, the historic charm of Hulihe'e Palace, and the golden light of the sunset over the bay. The late afternoon light creates beautiful conditions for landscape and seascape photography, with warm tones and long shadows."

Evening: Spend the evening in Kailua-Kona, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset walk along the beach.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Merriman's Kona: A fine dining restaurant offering a menu of farm-to-table dishes with a focus on local ingredients, served in a beautiful, open-air setting with ocean views.
  2. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill: Known for its creative, Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, including fresh seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options, served in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
  3. Da Poke Shack: A must-visit spot for poke lovers, offering fresh poke bowls made with locally caught fish, served in a casual, beachside setting.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Royal Kona Resort: A beachfront resort offering comfortable accommodations, multiple pools, and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
  2. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay: A luxury resort offering spacious rooms, a beautiful oceanfront setting, and a range of amenities, including a spa and a manta ray viewing area.
  3. Kona Seaside Hotel: A budget-friendly option offering comfortable accommodations, a central location, and easy access to the beaches and attractions of Kailua-Kona.

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Day 2: Explore Kailua-Kona and Surroundings

Morning: Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay

• Overview: Start your day with a visit to Kealakekua Bay, one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. The bay is known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. The bay is also home to the Captain Cook Monument, a historic site marking the spot where the famous explorer first landed in Hawai'i.
• Recommended Activities:
  • Snorkeling Tour: Consider taking a guided snorkeling tour to explore the best spots in the bay and learn about the marine life and history of the area. Many tours also offer the opportunity to see spinner dolphins, which are known to frequent the bay.
  • Kayaking: For a more active adventure, rent a kayak and paddle across the bay to the Captain Cook Monument, where you can snorkel and explore the area at your own pace.
• Photography Tips: "Kealakekua Bay offers some of the most vibrant underwater photography opportunities on the island - capture the colorful coral reefs, the diverse marine life, and the clear, blue waters of the bay. Early morning light is ideal for underwater photography, with calm waters and bright, natural light."

Lunch Stop: Captain Cook or Keauhou

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. The Coffee Shack: A charming spot offering fresh coffee, sandwiches, and pastries, with stunning views of the coastline and ocean from the outdoor seating area.
  2. Annie's Island Fresh Burgers: Known for its delicious, locally sourced burgers, sandwiches, and salads, served in a casual, open-air setting with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
  3. Keei cafe: Offering a menu of creative, Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, salads, and vegetarian options, with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: Explore More of South Kona

• Overview: After lunch, continue exploring the South Kona area, known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and scenic coastal drives.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Also known as the "Place of Refuge," this sacred site offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture and history. The park features reconstructed temples, fishponds, and other cultural sites, as well as beautiful coastal views.
  • Kahalu'u Beach Park: A popular spot for snorkeling and swimming, known for its calm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including sea turtles. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
  • Ho'okena Beach Park: A beautiful, secluded beach known for its soft sand, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking, with stunning views of the coastline and ocean.
• Photography Tips: "South Kona offers a mix of cultural and natural beauty - capture the serene landscapes of Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau, the vibrant underwater world of Kahalu'u Beach, and the golden light of the sunset at Ho'okena Beach. The late afternoon light creates beautiful conditions for landscape photography, with warm tones and long shadows."

Evening: Return to Kailua-Kona for the evening, where you can relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar: A popular spot offering a menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, poke bowls, and tropical cocktails, with beautiful ocean views from the outdoor seating area.
  2. The Fish Hopper: Known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and creative cocktails, served in a relaxed, open-air setting with views of Kailua Bay.
  3. Basik Acai: A great spot for a healthy, refreshing meal, offering acai bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, and other toppings, perfect for a light dinner or snack.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Holualoa Inn: A luxurious bed and breakfast offering elegant accommodations, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the Kona coast, located just a short drive from Kailua-Kona.
  2. Kona Coast Resort: A family-friendly resort offering spacious condos with full kitchens, multiple pools, and easy access to the beaches and attractions of Kailua-Kona.
  3. Kona Tiki Hotel: A budget-friendly option offering comfortable accommodations, a central location, and beautiful ocean views from the rooms and pool area.

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Day 3: Drive to Hilo via Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Morning: Drive to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

• Overview: After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, one of the most unique and awe-inspiring destinations on the Big Island. The drive takes you through the heart of the island, offering stunning views of the changing landscapes as you ascend to the park.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Punalu'u Black Sand Beach: A beautiful, unique beach known for its striking black sand and frequent visits by Hawaiian green sea turtles. The beach is a great spot for a photo stop, a picnic, or a quick swim.
  • Kāwā Bay: A hidden gem along the southern coast, Kāwā Bay offers a peaceful, secluded beach with clear waters, tide pools, and stunning views of the coastline.

Lunch Stop: Volcano Village

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. The Rim Restaurant: Located at the Volcano House, offering a menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes with a focus on local ingredients, served with stunning views of Kīlauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater.
  2. Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant: A charming, historic lodge offering a menu of creative, locally sourced dishes, including fresh fish, steaks, and vegetarian options, served in a cozy, welcoming setting.
  3. Cafe Ono: A vegetarian cafe located in Volcano Village, offering a menu of fresh, organic dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and soups, with a focus on local ingredients and sustainability.

Afternoon: Explore Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

• Overview: Spend the afternoon exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a range of activities, from hiking through lava fields to exploring lush rainforests and visiting volcanic craters.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Kīlauea Visitor Center: Start your visit at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park's geology, history, and current volcanic activity. The center offers exhibits, ranger-led programs, and up-to-date information on the best places to visit in the park.
  • Crater Rim Drive: A scenic drive that takes you around the rim of Kīlauea Caldera, offering stunning views of the crater, lava fields, and surrounding landscapes. Be sure to stop at the various lookouts along the way for photo opportunities.
  • Thurston Lava Tube: A short, easy hike that takes you through a lush rainforest and into a massive lava tube, formed by ancient lava flows. The lava tube is a unique and fascinating natural feature, offering a glimpse into the island's volcanic past.
  • Chain of Craters Road: A scenic drive that takes you through the park's diverse landscapes, from barren lava fields to lush coastal cliffs. The road ends at the Hōlei Sea Arch, a stunning natural rock formation created by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean.
• Photography Tips: "Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park offers some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes on the Big Island - capture the power of the active volcanoes, the otherworldly beauty of the lava fields, and the vibrant greenery of the rainforests. The light is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, creating deep shadows and warm tones that highlight the park's rugged beauty."

Evening: Continue your drive to Hilo, where you can relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Pineapple's Island Fresh Cuisine: A popular spot offering a menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, poke bowls, and tropical cocktails, with a lively, open-air setting.
  2. Cafe Pesto: Known for its creative, Italian-inspired cuisine, including fresh pastas, pizzas, and seafood dishes, served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
  3. Ken's House of Pancakes: A local institution known for its hearty, Hawaiian-style breakfast and lunch dishes, including loco moco, pancakes, and omelets, served in a casual, diner-style setting.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: A historic, oceanfront hotel offering comfortable accommodations, beautiful views of Hilo Bay, and a central location near downtown Hilo.
  2. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: A popular hotel offering spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and stunning views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea, located just a short drive from downtown Hilo and the island's major attractions.
  3. Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Offering comfortable accommodations, beautiful views, and easy access to the beaches and attractions of Hilo and the surrounding area.

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Day 4: Explore Hilo and Surroundings

Morning: Explore Hilo's Gardens and Waterfalls

• Overview: Spend your final day exploring the lush, tropical surroundings of Hilo, known for its beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and historic downtown. Hilo is a place where the natural beauty of the Big Island truly shines, with its lush rainforests, vibrant flowers, and cascading waterfalls.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Lili'uokalani Gardens: A beautiful Japanese garden located along the shores of Hilo Bay, offering walking paths, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese bridges and pagodas. The garden is a peaceful place to relax and take in the beauty of the island's east coast.
  • Rainbow Falls: A stunning 80-foot waterfall located just outside of downtown Hilo, known for the rainbows that often form in the mist of the falls. The falls are easily accessible and make for a great photo stop.
  • Akaka Falls State Park: A short drive north of Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park offers a beautiful hike through lush rainforest to a 442-foot waterfall, one of the most iconic sights on the Big Island. The trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Photography Tips: "Hilo's gardens and waterfalls offer some of the most lush and vibrant scenery on the island - capture the serene beauty of Lili'uokalani Gardens, the power of Rainbow Falls, and the towering majesty of Akaka Falls. The morning light is ideal for waterfall photography, with soft, even light that reduces harsh shadows and enhances the colors of the foliage."

Lunch Stop: Hilo

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Hilo Bay cafe: A popular spot offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, including seafood, salads, and sushi, with beautiful views of Hilo Bay from the outdoor seating area.
  2. Moon and Turtle: Known for its creative, Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, including fresh fish, poke bowls, and vegetarian options, served in a cozy, welcoming setting.
  3. Cafe 100: A local favorite offering a menu of Hawaiian-style comfort food, including loco moco, plate lunches, and fresh pastries, served in a casual, no-frills setting.

Afternoon: Explore More of Hilo

• Overview: After lunch, continue exploring Hilo and its surroundings, with options to visit more gardens, historic sites, and local shops.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden: Located just north of Hilo, this beautiful garden offers a self-guided walking tour through lush tropical landscapes, with exotic plants, flowers, and stunning ocean views. The garden is a great place to learn about the island's native flora and fauna.
  • Imiloa Astronomy Center: A unique museum and planetarium dedicated to Hawaiian culture and astronomy. The center offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and planetarium shows that explore the connections between Hawaiian culture and the stars.
  • Hilo Farmers Market: A must-visit for local produce, handmade crafts, and fresh Hawaiian food, the Hilo Farmers Market is a great place to experience the flavors and culture of the Big Island. The market is open daily, with the largest selection of vendors on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Photography Tips: "Hilo's lush landscapes and vibrant culture offer endless opportunities for photography - capture the colorful flowers and plants at the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden, the stunning views of the ocean, and the lively atmosphere of the Hilo Farmers Market. The soft, even light of the afternoon is ideal for capturing the rich colors and textures of the island's natural beauty."

Evening: Spend your final evening in Hilo, where you can enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset walk along the bay.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm: Offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, served in a beautiful, oceanfront setting with views of Hilo Bay and the surrounding coastline.
  2. Ponds Hilo: A popular spot offering a menu of Hawaiian-style dishes, including fresh fish, steaks, and vegetarian options, served in a relaxed, open-air setting with beautiful views of the Wailoa River and Hilo Bay.
  3. Miyo's: Known for its delicious Japanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura, and teriyaki dishes, served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views of the Wailoa River.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Inn at Kulaniapia Falls: A charming, eco-friendly inn offering comfortable accommodations, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of a private waterfall, located just outside of Hilo.
  2. Hilo Seaside Hotel: A budget-friendly option offering comfortable accommodations, a central location, and easy access to the beaches and attractions of Hilo and the surrounding area.
  3. Hale Kai Hawaii Bed & Breakfast: A beautiful, oceanfront bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms, a peaceful atmosphere, and stunning views of Hilo Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

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Conclusion

Reflections from William Stanek:
"This road trip around the Big Island has taken us on a journey through some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes in Hawai'i, from the sunny beaches of Kailua-Kona to the lush rainforests of Hilo. Each stop has offered something unique, whether it's the serene beauty of Kealakekua Bay, the otherworldly landscapes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, or the vibrant colors of Hilo's gardens and waterfalls. Hui Cha and I have always been inspired by the contrasts of the Big Island - the way the land tells a story of fire and water, and the way each corner of the island has its own distinct character. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore every corner of the Big Island, to connect with its rich culture and history, and to experience the profound sense of awe and wonder that this magical island offers."