Day trip from Oahu

Question

We will be doing a day drip from Oahu and trying to figure out the best itinerary. We arrive at 8am and plan to pick up a rental. We want to see Akaka Falls, Volcano National Park, black sand beach and time on Carlsmith Beach Park before heading back to fly out at 7:30pm. Is that too much squeezed in? Any suggestions on what order I should do this, any recommendations on stops to eat. It can be picnic, food truck or cafe. We just love trying good local stuff. Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting day planned! A day trip from Oahu to the Island of Hawaii (Big Island) is a great way to experience some of its unique natural beauty. While your itinerary is ambitious, it is possible to visit all of these spots, but it will be a long day, so careful planning is essential. Here’s a suggestion for how to organize your day, along with some recommendations for food and how to make the most of your time:

Suggested Itinerary:

8:00 AM: Arrive in Hilo & Pick up Rental Car
As soon as you land, pick up your rental car at Hilo International Airport. From the airport, you can head toward the first stop on your list.
8:30 AM: Akaka Falls
Start your day with a visit to Akaka Falls, which is about a 25-minute drive from the airport. The hike to the falls is short (around 0.4 miles) and easy, with beautiful views. You can spend about 30 minutes here, taking in the sights and snapping photos.
9:30 AM: Volcanoes National Park
Drive about 45 minutes to Volcanoes National Park. This park is huge, so it’s best to focus on the highlights. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is a great first stop to pick up maps and current information about any eruptions or trail conditions. The Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Overlook is a must-see, and the short walks around the Crater Rim Drive give you views of steam vents and the volcanic landscape. If you’re up for it, the Kīlauea Iki Trail (a 1-2 hour hike) gives a great look at the crater, but for a shorter visit, focus on the overlooks and the steam vents.
12:00 PM: Lunch – Local Stop
For lunch, head to Keaau or nearby Pahoa for some local eats. You’ll find a few food trucks and local cafes serving dishes like plate lunches and fresh seafood. Two popular options are:
- Keaau Store & Cafe: A cozy spot with local plates and good coffee.
- Pahoa Village Cafe: Known for local favorites like loco moco and teriyaki chicken.
Alternatively, if you prefer a picnic, you can grab some takeout from a nearby shop and head to a park to enjoy a casual meal.
1:00 PM: Black Sand Beach (Punalu'u Beach)
After lunch, head towards Punalu'u Beach, which is about an hour’s drive from Volcano National Park. The beach is famous for its black sand, and it’s a great spot to relax and take in the scenery. Spend 30-45 minutes here. You might also see sea turtles basking on the beach, so keep an eye out!
2:30 PM: Carlsmith Beach Park
From Punalu'u, drive about 25 minutes north to Carlsmith Beach Park, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. It has calm waters and is known for being turtle-friendly. You can spend about 45 minutes here, enjoying the beach and perhaps spotting some sea turtles.
3:30 PM: Head Back to the Airport
Allow for at least 45 minutes to drive back to the airport. Given your 7:30 PM flight, you’ll want to leave ample time for rental car return, airport security, and any other potential delays. Arriving by 5:30 PM should give you enough time to comfortably get to your gate.

Additional Tips:

Traffic & Timing: The distances on the Big Island can be longer than they appear, and the roads may be winding, so be mindful of travel time. You’ll be doing a lot of driving, so try to keep an eye on the time to ensure you don’t rush through any of the stops.
Weather: The weather in Hilo is often rainy, so pack accordingly. Bring a light rain jacket, especially for Volcanoes National Park, where the mist and steam can make things feel cooler and wetter.
Fuel Up: Be sure to fill up your gas tank before heading to Volcanoes National Park and other remote areas, as gas stations can be scarce in some spots.
Pack Snacks & Water: Since you’ll be on the go all day, it’s a good idea to pack snacks and plenty of water for the drive between stops.

Conclusion:

While your itinerary is packed, it’s definitely doable with careful time management. You’ll be able to experience some of the Big Island's most iconic sites, including the waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park, the black sand beach, and Carlsmith Beach Park. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock to ensure you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Have a fantastic trip and enjoy your adventure on the Big Island!

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