A Week on the Big Island

A week is barely enough time to see the entire Big Island of Hawaii; 2 weeks would be better. But if your schedule doesn't allow more time, this tour will let you see the highlights of this huge island (twice the size of all the other islands combined). The itinerary is set up for people staying either in Kailua-Kona or on the Kohala Coast, and I suggest you spend at least 2 nights in Volcano Village to enjoy one of the stars of the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Day 1: Arrival & Beach Time

After you settle into your hotel, head for the beach: Snorkelers should go to Kahaluu Beach Park, surfers to White Sands Beach, privacy buffs to Kekaha Kai State Park (Kona Coast State Park), and beach aficionados can choose from Anaehoomalu Bay, Hapuna Beach, and Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach), depending on whether you want to snorkel, body-board, or just relax. When the sun starts to wane, head for old Kailua-Kona town and wander through the Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, and Kamehameha's Compound at Kamakahonu Bay. Find a spot to watch the sunset (either on the pier or along the seawall), and then head for dinner in either Kailua-Kona or Keauhou.

Day 2: Out on the Water, Then Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Since you most likely will be up early your first day in Hawaii (and still on mainland time), take advantage of it and book a morning sailing/snorkeling tour on the Fair Wind to Kealakekua Bay, a marine-life preserve. Spend the morning floating in a rainbowed sea of fish and enjoy a terrific lunch on board the sailing catamaran. After you return to Keauhou, start driving south. Great stops along the way are Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, South Point, and Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach). Then head up Mauna Kea to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stay at one of the many quaint bed-and-breakfasts in the tiny village of Volcano.

Day 3: Exploring an Active Volcano

The highlight of your trip most likely will be the time you spend in the incredible Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I recommend spending the morning exploring the park and taking hikes. Your first stop should be the Kilauea Visitors Center. Then explore Halemaumau Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail, and all the other sites in the crater. Find out from the rangers how to get to the current lava flow. In the afternoon, drive down to the current flow and walk out as far as the rangers will allow. Go eat a nice dinner in Volcano and return to the flow after dark, armed with a flashlight, water bottle, and jacket. Since you were there during the day, the path to the volcano after dark will be familiar to you. Seeing the ribbon of red lava snake its way down the side of the mountain and then thunder into the ocean is a sight you will never forget. You are going to be tired after this full day, so I recommend spending another night in Volcano.

Day 4: Touring Old Hawaii: Hilo Town, Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley & Cowboy Country

It's just a 45-minute drive from Volcano to Hilo, so plan to arrive early in the morning, grab a cup of coffee at Bears' Coffee, and wander through the old town, being sure to see Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Lyman Museum & Mission House, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and one of the wonderful botanical gardens such as Nani Mau Gardens, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, or World Botanical Garden. Head up the Hamakua Coast, stopping at Akaka Falls and planning a lunch stop in Honokaa. After lunch, be sure to see Waipio Valley, the birthplace of Hawaii's kings, before heading for Waimea. Spend some time in this cowboy town and at the Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum. Spend the night along the Kohala Coast.

Day 5: The Kohala Coast: Stepping Back in Time

Get an early start on your trip back in time. The first stop is just south of Kawaihae, at the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, the temple Kamehameha built to the war god to ensure his success in battle. Allow at least an hour to view the temple and wander through the visitor center. Keep driving up Highway 270 to the Lapakahi State Historical Park for a view of a typical 14th-century Hawaiian village and the Mo'okini Luakini Heiau. Plan a lunch stop in Hawi or Kapaau at either Bamboo or Kohala Rainbow Cafe, and stop by The Original King Kamehameha Statue in Kapaau. The final stop on your northward journey is the Pololu Valley Lookout. On your way back, in the late afternoon (the best time for viewing), be sure to stop at the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District. If it's Friday, make reservations at the Kona Village Luau for the perfect ending to your trip back in time.

Day 6: Mauna Kea: Where the Gods Live

Sleep in, have a lazy morning at the beach, and, in the afternoon, plan to explore Hawaii's tallest mountain (and dormant volcano), Mauna Kea. You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to climb to the top of the 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, so I recommend you book with the experts, Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, for a 7- to 8-hour visit to this mountain, sacred to the Hawaiians and treasured by astronomers around the globe.

Day 7: Relaxing or Shopping

Depending on how much time you have on your final day, I recommend either relaxing on the beach or being pampered in a spa. Spa-goers have a range of terrific spas among the Kohala resorts to choose from. Shoppers have lots to choose from.