Aloha and welcome to the Big Island of Hawai’i, a tropical paradise filled with captivating landscapes, active volcanoes, and a rich cultural heritage. Over six days, we embarked on an unforgettable journey of hiking, exploration, and culinary delights. From the otherworldly lava landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to the serene shores where sea turtles bask in the sun, our itinerary is packed with experiences that will leave you in awe of this magical island.

Day 1: Arrival to the Big Island

We embraced the Aloha Spirit upon arriving in Hilo, where we settled into our cozy stay in an amazing historic mansion. Hilo’s laid-back atmosphere and local charm instantly made us feel at home. We soaked in the beautiful views of Hilo Bay at Leleiwi Beach Park while eating mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen. At night we explored Hilo’s downtown markets and eateries, indulging in some delicious local cuisine.

Day 2: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

We ventured into the fascinating Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We embarked on two incredible hikes—the Kilauea Iki Trail, which took us through a once-boiling lava lake, and the Crater Rim Trail, offering breathtaking views of the active caldera. We also explored the eerie beauty of the Thurston Lava Tubes. As night fell, we returned back to the crater on the east side and witnessed the mesmerizing glow of active lava at Kilauea Overlook and saw more stars in the sky than we have ever seen, a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Captain Cook Monument – Snorkeling in Turquoise Waters

Our adventure continued as we headed to Kealakekua Bay to hike the scenic trail to the Captain Cook Monument. Along the way, we immersed ourselves in the lush tropical forest and stunning coastal views. At the monument, we plunged into the crystal-clear waters for a thrilling snorkeling session, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and marine life. After our hike and snorkeling a well deserved bowl of poke was a must. Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co was amazing and their mac salad was divine. We ended the night with watching the sunset at Pebbles Beach.

Day 4: Mauna Kea & Waterfalls

We ascended to the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest mountain. The challenging drive required an AWD vehicle, which took us all the way to the top. We found ourselves surrounded by snow and felt as if we were above the clouds. It was crazy to think just yesterday we were at the beach snorkeling and today we were bundled up surrounded by snow. If you go back at night, you can book a tour for a stargazing session. The celestial display from this astronomical observatory is an experience beyond words.

We made our way back down the mountain and headed to our next stop, Rainbow Falls. The area around Rainbow Falls is steeped in Hawaiian legend and cultural significance. In ancient times, it was believed that the falls were the home of Hina, the goddess of the moon.

We ended the day with the best stick mango rice and curry from Naung Mai Thai Kitchen.

Day 5: Akaka Falls State Park & Puna Trail Hike

We started at Akaka Falls State Park, where we followed the well-marked trail through lush rainforests to view the impressive Akaka Falls. On our way out we stopped at, Mana’s Aloha fruit Stand, for coconut and pineapples.

We then headed to the Waipio Valley Overlook, marveling at the stunning panoramic views. We were hoping to trek down to the black sand beach, but this was closed off to locals. The lookout was well worth the drive and we we understood that certain areas are closed off to tourism to allow the land to heal and flourish. Instead we headed over to the nearby trail, Pololu Trail, to en dour day with some amazing views. We stopped at Fresh Off the Grid, for poke nachos, by far one of my favorite things we ate on the trip.

Day 6: Kalapana & Turtles – A Day of Natural Wonders

We started the day at Kalapana Lava Viewing, where we witnessed the solidified lava range as far as the eye could see. We stopped in and met Gary, a local to the area, where we listened to his stories about life on the island, history of the area.

Our final adventure that day was the Puna Trail Hike, which leads us through beautiful landscapes and lush flora. The hike ended at Ha’ena beach, where we got to observe the sea turtles swim into shore.

Conclusion: As we concluded our six-day adventure on the Big Island of Hawai’i, we found ourselves filled with gratitude for the extraordinary experiences we’ve encountered. From exploring the fiery depths of volcanoes to swimming alongside marine wonders and basking in the splendor of star-studded skies, the Big Island has left an indelible mark on our hearts. The spirit of aloha, the island’s natural wonders, and its vibrant cuisine have woven together to create a journey of a lifetime. Mahalo, Big Island, for sharing your enchanting beauty with us; until we meet again, aloha and a hui hou!