10-day Big Island itinerary

A ready-made 10-day sightseeing plan for Big Island — top-rated attractions, one morning-to-evening schedule per day. Use it as-is or as a starting point; every stop links to full details, hours, and fees. Hungry? Pick your own spot to eat — we don't bake that decision into the plan for you.

1Day 1

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    45-3490 Mamane Street, Honokaa

    Explore the rich plantation history and cultural heritage of Hawaii's Hamakua Coast

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    Kilauea Iki Trail, hilo

    Hike through lush rainforest across a dramatic solidified volcanic lava lake

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    73-1865 Hao Street, Kailua-Kona

    Explore a lush tropical cloud forest sanctuary high on Mount Hualalai

2Day 2

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    81-6551 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Kealakekua

    Preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Kona district.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    5 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Kamuela

    Enjoy oceanfront luxury with pristine beaches, vibrant shopping, and world-class golf

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    Old Puako Rd, Kamuela

    A vast white sand paradise ideal for swimming and sunbathing

3Day 3

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    27-717 Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou

    A lush rainforest sanctuary featuring tropical plants, waterfalls, and ocean views

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    Hawaii, hilo

    Explore active volcanoes, dramatic lava landscapes, and rich Hawaiian cultural heritage.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona

    Experience thrilling manta ray, dolphin, and snorkeling boat tours in Kona.

4Day 4

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mauna Kea4.8

    Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo

    Explore Hawaii’s tallest dormant volcano renowned for stargazing and breathtaking views.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    Island of, hilo

    World-class astronomical research complex offering dramatic high-altitude Big Island stargazing

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    52-5100 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaau

    Dramatic coastal overlook offering sweeping vistas of verdant sea cliffs.

5Day 5

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    Island of, Pahoa

    Experience a dramatic black sand shoreline formed by recent lava flows

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    276 Haili Street, Hilo

    Explore natural history and cultural heritage at Hilo's historic Lyman Museum

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    HI-19, Kailua-Kona

    Pristine white sand beach accessible via a rugged coastal hike

6Day 6

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kamuela

    Luxurious oceanfront Big Island retreat with historic fishponds and golf

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    76 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo

    Interactive educational center in Hilo highlighting marine life and Hawaiian culture

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Kailua-Kona

    Hike iconic cinder cone trails for sweeping Big Island ocean views

7Day 7

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    74-5606 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona

    Iconic Hilo confectioner famous for gourmet shortbread cookies and Hawaiian chocolates

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    84-5140 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook

    Explore vibrant biblical wall murals inside this historic Big Island church

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela

    Waimea's neighborhood cafe for local Hawaiian coffee, breakfast melts, and smoothies

8Day 8

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    Hawaii 96728, honomu

    Discover lush tropical rainforest trails and dramatic 442-foot waterfall views

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu

    Discover one of the world's rare green sand beaches in Hawaii

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hilo Bay4.6

    Hilo Bay, hilo

    A scenic crescent bay along the historic waterfront of downtown Hilo

9Day 9

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hilo Zoo4.6

    800 Stainback Highway, Hilo

    Explore America's only tropical rainforest zoo featuring lush gardens and wildlife.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    74-5588 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona

    Savor authentic farm to cup Hawaiian coffee in Kailua Kona

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Captain Cook

    Step back in time to explore Hawaii's rich coffee farming heritage

10Day 10

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay

    73-5613 Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona

    A premier Kailua-Kona boutique offering fine wines, craft spirits, and cigars.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay

    44-2441 Mauna Loa Access Road, Kamuela

    A world-renowned atmospheric baseline research facility high on Hawaii's active volcano

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay

    Island of, Hilo

    Hike across historic lava fields and native rainforests on Big Island

Want more options? Browse things to do in Big Island, places to eat, or the full Big Island vacation guide.