early February itinerary

Question

Aloha! My husband and I are taking a trip to the BI the first week of February (1/21-2/8). We had this trip booked last January, but I was diagnosed with cancer and had to kick it's butt instead! Here are our plans, if anyone would like to offer any critique or advice. We are early 50's and like to hike and snorkel.

1/31: arriving at 6;45 pm, renting a car and staying for 4 nights at an Air BnB on Puako Beach.

2/1: thinking we may wake up early, go to the Pololu Valley for the hike then the rest of the day at Hapuna Beach.

2/2: leave early and take the northern route to the Waipio Valley Lookout then head south to:

-Kalopa State Park (short rainforest hike)

-Pepeekeo Scenic Drive

-Akaka Falls

-Rainbow Falls

-Botanical Gardens

-Depending on timing, visit the Mauna Kea visitor center near sunset. We do not plan to go to the peak.

*anything we don't get to this day could potentially be done on Tuesday 2/4

2/3: Visit more west side beaches, Kiholo Bay, Manini'owali Beach, do a sunset whale watching cruise with Hawaii Ocean Sports

2/4: Check out of Air Bnb and travel across the island via Saddle Rd to Hilo. Visit anything we weren't able to on 2/2. Explore Hilo and eventually end up at the Lava Pond Lodge in Volcano for two nights.

2/5: Volcanoes National Park

-Kilauea Iki Trail

-Thurston Lava Tube

2/6: Check out of Lava Pond Lodge, any other VNP sites in the morning, then the southern drive towards Kona. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, bake shop. Not planning to visit the green sand beach. Maybe stop at Two Step Beach to snorkel and end up at Royal Kona hotel for the next two nights.

2/7: Snorkel boat tour to Kealakekua Bay/ Captain Cook, Two Step beach for snorkeling on our own, explore Kona town.

2/8: check out of Royal Kona hotel. Take a coffee farm tour before our evening flight home.

Does this seem reasonable?

Mahalo!

Answer

Aloha! First of all, I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better and ready to enjoy your trip to the Big Island. It sounds like you've planned an amazing and well-rounded itinerary with a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and snorkeling, which is perfect for the island. Here's some feedback and additional recommendations for your trip:

1/31 - Arrival at Puako Beach
The arrival time and check-in at your Air BnB on Puako Beach sounds great. Puako is a quiet area, perfect for a relaxing evening after your flight. Since you arrive late in the evening, you’ll likely want to have a low-key first night, maybe a brief walk on the beach if you’re not too tired.

2/1 - Pololu Valley Hike and Hapuna Beach
This is a fantastic plan. The Pololu Valley hike is beautiful and offers incredible views, but be prepared for a steep descent to the valley floor, so be sure to bring sturdy shoes and some water. Afterward, Hapuna Beach is an excellent place to relax and swim. The beach has facilities, and the water tends to be calm for snorkeling (weather permitting).

2/2 - Northern Route and Waipio Valley Lookout
The plan for the northern route to Waipio Valley Lookout is a great idea. Waipio Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the island, and the lookout provides a spectacular view. From there, heading south with stops at Kalopa State Park, Akaka Falls, and Rainbow Falls will be a wonderful day of sightseeing. The Botanical Gardens near Hilo are also beautiful, so you’ll definitely want to visit. Depending on time, you can also stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, but note that temperatures can be chilly at that elevation, so dress warmly. You might want to keep in mind that the Mauna Kea summit can be treacherous for people not acclimated to the altitude, but visiting the Visitor Center should be a good option.

2/3 - West Side Beaches and Whale Watching
Kiholo Bay and Manini'owali Beach are fantastic places for snorkeling and beach time. Be sure to check for sea turtles at Kiholo Bay! The whale watching cruise with Hawaii Ocean Sports is a great way to see the humpback whales if you're visiting in February, as it's prime whale-watching season.

2/4 - Travel to Hilo and Lava Pond Lodge
Driving from Puako to Hilo via Saddle Road is a great route. It will allow you to see more of the island’s diverse terrain. It’s smart to leave time to visit anything you missed from 2/2 before heading to Volcano. The Lava Pond Lodge in Volcano is an excellent choice for your stay—it's close to Volcanoes National Park, which will allow you to easily access the park the next day. You might want to check out the Volcano Village area in the evening for a nice dinner or just enjoy the unique vibe of the town.

2/5 - Volcanoes National Park
The Kilauea Iki Trail is one of the best hikes in the park—it takes you through a crater and through a lush rainforest, offering amazing views. The Thurston Lava Tube is also worth checking out and is an easy walk. Be sure to visit the Kilauea Caldera and Jaggar Museum for breathtaking views of the active volcano. The night sky views of the caldera glow are mesmerizing, but it can get cold at night, so bring layers.

2/6 - Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and Two Step Beach
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a must-see. It’s home to sea turtles, and you can take photos of the beautiful black sand. For snorkeling, Two Step Beach is an excellent option, especially for clear waters and vibrant marine life. Your journey down the southern coast and your stop at the famous bakery will be a nice addition to your road trip before you head up to Royal Kona for the night.

2/7 - Kealakekua Bay and Kona
The snorkel boat tour to Kealakekua Bay is a highlight of the Big Island—this bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Afterward, taking time to snorkel at Two Step Beach and exploring Kona town sounds like a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Kona’s historic district has some great shops and restaurants, so be sure to check out the local food scene.

2/8 - Coffee Farm Tour and Departure
Before you leave, a coffee farm tour is a perfect way to wrap up your Big Island experience. Kona is famous for its coffee, and there are many tours available that let you learn about the coffee-making process and sample different brews. Make sure to leave enough time for the tour, as it can be a leisurely experience.

Overall Thoughts:
Your itinerary looks wonderful, and it strikes a perfect balance between sightseeing, hiking, and relaxation. The activities and timing seem reasonable. I would just recommend being mindful of your energy levels on longer driving days and making sure to leave some room for flexibility in case you want to slow down or add a spontaneous activity.

One small recommendation: If you’re planning on hiking or exploring nature, especially in Volcanoes National Park, be sure to check the weather before your trip as conditions can change quickly, and some trails may be closed due to volcanic activity. It’s always good to have backup activities planned, like exploring local coffee shops, markets, or cultural sites.

Mahalo for sharing your itinerary, and I hope you have a truly wonderful trip to the Big Island!