Big Island Self Drive Escapade Tour Detail Page

Your Hawaiian adventure begins as you land at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, where warm breezes and ocean views greet you the moment you step off the plane. After picking up your rental car, make the short drive to your hotel in Kailua-Kona and settle into island life. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along Ali‘i Drive, a lively oceanfront street lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés. Step inside Hulihe‘e Palace, once a royal vacation residence, to admire historic Hawaiian artifacts. As the sun begins to dip, enjoy a beachfront dinner at Huggo’s or Lava Lava Beach Club, where the waves nearly kiss your toes. End the evening with a breathtaking Kona sunset at Kailua Pier or Magic Sands Beach.

Set out after breakfast for a scenic drive along the Kohala Coast, where lava fields meet turquoise waters. Your first stop is Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, an impressive stone temple built under the command of King Kamehameha I in the late 1700s. Learn about its role in uniting the Hawaiian Islands before continuing north. By late morning, arrive at Hapuna Beach State Park, home to one of Hawaii’s most stunning white-sand beaches—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a gentle shoreline walk. In the afternoon, head to the charming towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au, browsing boutiques, art galleries, and visiting the iconic King Kamehameha statue. As the day winds down, return to Kailua-Kona for a relaxed dinner and a quiet evening by the ocean.

Rise early for an unforgettable journey to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a 2.5–3 hour scenic drive from Kona. Upon arrival, start at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get maps, learn the park’s history, and check current volcanic activity. Walk through the mysterious Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava centuries ago. Stroll along the Devastation Trail, where stark volcanic landscapes tell the story of past eruptions. Continue down the dramatic Chain of Craters Road, with sweeping views of rugged lava fields meeting the Pacific Ocean. On your return route, stop at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, famous for its jet-black shoreline and resting green sea turtles, before heading back to Kona for a well-earned evening of rest.

Start your day with a refreshing dip at Two Step, one of the Big Island’s most beloved snorkeling spots, located beside Pu?uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Here, crystal-clear waters teem with colorful reef fish, coral gardens, and the occasional sea turtle. After drying off, head into the cooler uplands for a Kona coffee farm tour, where you’ll learn about the growing, roasting, and brewing process while sampling the region’s world-famous coffee. Spend your afternoon unwinding at your hotel pool or browsing Kailua-Kona’s charming galleries and shops. As night falls, consider an unforgettable manta ray night snorkel or dive, gliding through moonlit waters as graceful manta rays perform mesmerizing underwater dances beneath you.

This morning, head inland to Waimea, a charming upland town rich in paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Explore local shops, visit the historic Parker Ranch, or browse the farmers market for unique island flavors. Continue your drive north to the breathtaking Pololu Valley Lookout, where emerald cliffs plunge toward a black sand beach. Adventurous travelers can take the short but steep hike down for a closer view and a peaceful shoreline stroll. By afternoon, enjoy a relaxing picnic at Spencer Beach Park, a calm, family-friendly spot ideal for swimming and unwinding. In the evening, return to Waimea for dinner at a local favorite before making your way back to Kailua-Kona, passing rolling pastures and sweeping ocean views along the way.

Begin your day with a drive to Ka Lae (South Point), the southernmost tip of the United States, where dramatic cliffs meet the deep blue Pacific and the wind whips across open pastures. From here, adventurous travelers can take on the 5.6-mile round-trip hike—or hire a local 4x4 ride—to reach Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only a handful of green sand beaches in the world, its unique color coming from olivine crystals. After your adventure, head to the small town of Na‘alehu and indulge in fresh-baked pastries or tropical bread from the famous Punalu‘u Bake Shop. In the evening, make your way back to Kailua-Kona for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing night by the ocean.

Savor your final full day on the Big Island with a morning at Kua Bay or Makalawena Beach, both known for their soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and excellent swimming conditions. Enjoy a leisurely swim, sunbathe, or simply soak up the tranquil coastal scenery. In the afternoon, take a short drive north to the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where hundreds of ancient rock carvings tell the stories of Hawaii’s past, or wander the Kona Farmers Market for locally made crafts, tropical fruits, and memorable souvenirs. As the day comes to a close, celebrate your journey with a final Hawaiian dinner at a beachfront restaurant, raising a toast as the sun dips below the Pacific in a blaze of tropical colors.