A Week on the Big Island

A week is barely enough time to see the entire Big Island; 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 those staying either in Kailua-Kona or on the Kohala Coast; I suggest you also spend at least 2 nights in Volcano Village to enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Day 1: Arriving & Making 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 (A-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 on the pier or along the seawall to watch the sunset, and then head for dinner in Kailua-Kona or Keauhou.

Day 2: Enjoying a Morning Sail & Afternoon Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Since you most likely will be up early on your first day in Hawaii (and still on mainland time), take advantage of it and book a morning sail/snorkel tour with Fair Wind to Kealakekua Bay, a marine-life preserve. 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 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stay at one of the quaint B&Bs in the tiny village of Volcano.

Day 3: Exploring an Active Volcano

The highlight of your trip most likely will be the incredible Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your first stop should be the Kilauea Visitor Center; then you can explore Halemaumau Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail, and the other sights 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 here earlier 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 joe 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 Gardens. Head up the Hamakua Coast, stopping at Akaka Falls and Honokaa for lunch. Afterward, 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 & Museum. Spend the night along the Kohala Coast.

Day 5: Stepping Back in Time on the Kohala Coast

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 here. Keep driving up Hwy. 270 to Lapakahi State Historical Park for a view of a typical 14th-century Hawaiian village and the Mookini 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: Seeing Mauna Kea

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 booking 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 & Shopping

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