Hawaii Island (Big Island), HI - A 3 Day Guide to the Island
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii Island (Big Island), HI - read more!! I’m sharing some of the fun experiences we had, places we ate, things we saw and so much more on this post! This is just a small glimpse into our entire 12 day trip! To read about our entire 12 day trip, check out THIS blog post!
Day 1— Now on to our last inter-island flight with Southwest Airlines. This was another $39 steal and a very short hop over to the Big Island. The Safe Travel screening was the quickest and most nonchalant of any island! They maybe took 2 minutes and we were on our way!
We rented another car with Turo since we had such a great experience in Kauai! The car was waiting in the airport parking lot for us.
We hit the road to Da Poke Shack— yall this place was legit. There was a line out the door in the late afternoon and they were mostly sold out but we still had some options left. I recommend going early and prepare to stand in line.
We headed back to check into our hotel— Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. This hotel was also recently renovated and not far from the airport. It was a great pick!
For dinner we went to Kona Brewing Co— there was a long wait but it was worth it. They offer many fresh made brews on tap and great pizza! While at dinner we devised a plan for tomorrow.
Day 2— we got a decently early start because we had planned a lot for today. We called it the “Road to Kona” because we planned to make a big lap around the island so we could see everything.
Our first stop was at Menehune Coffee Company — we got bagel sandwiches and an iced coffee and were ready to go!
Next we drove through what seemed like endless fields to Kalae— the southern most point of the United States. It is often thought this point is in the Florida Keys, but it is in fact located in Hawaii. There is even a cliff you can jump off here which is not encouraged. Personally I was way to scared to even think about jumping off. It is pretty high!
It is believed that the first Polynesians to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands disembarked here at Kalae somewhere between 400 and 800 A.D.
Right down the road, roughly 10 minutes you will find Papakōlea— aka the Green Sand Beach was the next stop on our tour! I have never heard of a green sand beach but there are four in the world! One of them is located right here on the Big Island. To get back here you will need a jeep or truck with 4 wheel drive or you must hike several miles in— roughly 2.5-3 miles one way. Alternatively you can pay $20 per person to get a ride in the back of a pick up truck driven by a local.
Personally this is what we did for times sake, but after seeing just HOW far back the beach is, I would do it again in a heart beat.
The green sand is so mystifying! I would highly recommend adding this to your stops on the Big Island. It sparkles in the light. The green is formed by a common mineral in Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other components of the lava.
You can swim in the ocean here, but the current can be treacherous. We got in to about our waist as it was so hot! There are no facilities or life guards on duty so if you choose to get in the water please be observant and do so at your own risk,
Next up was Punaluʻu Beach— also known as the black sand beach is an incredibly beautiful black sand beach where you may also find sea turtles sun bathing or in the water when snorkeling. The beach is lined with beautiful palm trees that make for a great place to relax. Definitely add this to your list! You can bring a towel and hangout— no reservation required for this black sand beach!
We were starving because we had not had anything to eat all day, we found Lava Rock Cafe near the entrance of Volcanoes National Park. I got a chicken wrap and I was so hungry I ate every bite!
We entered Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and stopped by the ranger station so we would know where to go. They suggested going to the end of Crater Rim Drive to see the Kilauea Overlook. Then we stopped at the steam vents. It was so cool to see the steam coming out of the vents. This striking phenomenon is created as ground water seeps down to rocks heated by magma deep underground. The rocks are so hot that it vaporizes the water, returning it to the surface as steam— it is quite the site to see.
Thurston Lava Tubes were the highlight of the National Park for me! I had never been into a lava tube which is essentially a cave made from lava flow. To get here there is a short walk through a rain forest. It was incredible.
Be sure to bring your America the Beautiful National Park pass for entry— if not it is $30 per vehicle. You can purchase an annual national park pass here. They are $80 and well worth the money in my opinion!
Be sure to bring a jacket or sweatshirt to Volcanoes NP as it is COLD here! No one warned me and I was in a tank top freezing.
If you have extra time stop at Punalu'u Bake Shop in Naalehu town to try the famous Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas! We were told about this by a local! They are open daily from 8:30-5pm.
On the way home we booked it to Shaka Tacoz— this came highly recommended by the locals! Great stop for dinner.
Last but not least we scoped out some gelato at Gypsea Gelato oh my gosh— the banana was soo good!!!
Day 3— we got up early for our last day in Hawaii. We are staying near the hotel/airport since we are leaving. First things first—Kona Coffee and Tea for some iced coffee. We also got some coffee beans to take back home. They have a farm and grow the beans right here on the Big Island! If I had more time I would love to visit the farm.
Next up a last morning acai bowl from Basik Acai Cafe — so good!!!! I wish I could bring them home with me to eat everyday. We strolled the streets as they have many shops in this area. One in particular that I loved was Tasty Kona boutique on Ali'i Drive featuring items from around Hawaii and select small businesses around the globe! Be sure to check them out!
For lunch we ate at Island Lava Java— of course I had Ono Fish Tacos one more time! They were so yummy!
Our last stop on the way to airport— some Hawaiian shaved ice from our favorite Ululanis!
To return to the mainland no Covid testing is required. You do have to clear an agriculture screening twice before boarding the plane to ensure you are not taking anything off the islands that isn’t allowed. We had a smooth trip home!
