Big Island Itinerary

Question

Hello -

My husband, 9 y/o son and I will have 15 nights on the Big Island in June. Currently, our lodging is as follows:

Nights 1-7 condo in Kailua-Kona

Nights 8-12 Airbnb on a farm right near Akaka Falls

Nights 13-15 Hilton Waikoloa Village (Makai Ocean View)

My question is whether to stay one less night at the Airbnb in favor of a night very near VNP. I’m concerned that leaving Kona on day 8, southern route with stops to VNP and then on to the Airbnb would be an awful long day. Moving lodging for just one night could also be a bit of a drag, but I read that the town of Volvano is a nice place to spend the night with shops and good restaurants. Could just go straight to the Airbnb on day 8 and do VNP as a day trip from the Airbnb, but that feels like a lot of backtracking and would miss the evening in Volcano. Was thinking to take the Northern route as we head to Waikoloa for the last 3 nights, but am always interested in suggestions for better flow. We’ll have a rental car that will allow for concealed suitcases.

Am I over thinking this detail of the trip?

Answer

Your itinerary already looks fantastic, but I understand the dilemma you're facing about whether to add a night near Volcano National Park (VNP) or stick with your current plan. Both options have their merits, so let's break it down to help you decide which flow might work best for your trip.

Option 1: Stay the night near VNP (Day 8): If you decide to stay in Volcano for the night, you’ll get the chance to experience VNP in the evening, when the Kilauea volcano's lava glow (if active) is most visible. This would also give you more time to explore the park, which has a lot to offer, including the steam vents, sulfur banks, the Jaggar Museum, and, of course, the various hiking trails. Spending the night near VNP will make it easier to enjoy a leisurely dinner and perhaps even a sunset or night-time view of the volcano. It’s a small town, but it has several great dining options and charming accommodations, and it will save you from having to rush through the park on a day trip.

Pros: You get to experience the volcano in the evening, which can be quite dramatic. Less rushed exploration of VNP.
Cons: A long travel day from Kailua-Kona, with stops at points like Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, South Point, and VNP before heading to the Airbnb near Akaka Falls.

Option 2: Stick with your current plan and make VNP a day trip from the Airbnb (Day 9): This would mean one more relaxed day at the farm near Akaka Falls, without moving lodging again. The drive from the farm to VNP will take about 1.5 hours each way, but it can be done in a day. You’ll miss the evening at VNP, but you can still get a good amount of time to explore the park during the day. If you want to make it more scenic, consider taking the northern route on your way to Waikoloa on Day 13, as it offers stunning views and a chance to explore the town of Waimea.

Pros: Less packing and moving; more time to relax at the Airbnb; still a reasonable drive for a day trip to VNP.
Cons: You’ll miss the evening lava glow, which is a unique experience. A bit of backtracking for a day trip to VNP.

Option 3: Northern route to Waikoloa (Day 8-13): If you go for the northern route to Waikoloa, it’s a scenic option and will let you explore parts of the island you might otherwise miss. There are several charming stops along the way, like Waimea, the Parker Ranch, and the stunning Pololu Valley Lookout. While it’s a longer route to Waikoloa, it may feel like a more natural progression towards the north end of the island.

Pros: A scenic route and more exploration of the island’s northern parts.
Cons: A longer travel day, especially after a visit to VNP.

Overall, I think you’re not overthinking it at all—it's a great question, and it depends on how much time you want to spend in each place. If you love a relaxed pace, sticking with your Airbnb and taking a day trip to VNP might work best. However, if you want to fully experience VNP and have the flexibility to explore it both day and night, staying in Volcano for the night would make your visit more enjoyable. Either way, you're in for a great experience!

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip to the Big Island!