Trip Report - 5 days on the Big Island

Question

We just got back from a whirlwind trip to the BI. Thanks to all who helped me plan. This trip was done somewhat last minute due to finding out the airline credit I had for canceled plans while I was sick this summer was due to expire by the end of this month. We haven't been to Hawaii in 30 years, and that trip was to Kauai.

We had 5 full days, not including travel to and from. We flew Alaska Air there, and Southwest back.

Answer

It sounds like you had a fantastic time on the Big Island! It's great to hear that you were able to use your expiring airline credit for an impromptu trip. The Big Island is such a diverse destination with so much to offer in terms of landscapes, activities, and experiences. I'm glad to hear that your trip was full of adventure!

For a 5-day trip, you probably had the perfect amount of time to explore some of the island's most famous attractions as well as a few hidden gems. The Big Island is known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush forests, and unique cultural sites. Since it’s been 30 years since your last visit to Hawaii, you probably saw a lot of changes and got to experience new things on this trip.

Here are a few highlights of what you might have experienced, or what others often enjoy during a 5-day trip to the Big Island:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: One of the island’s top attractions, offering a unique opportunity to see active volcanic landscapes, craters, and lava flows. You can drive through the park, hike, or visit the Jaggar Museum for some amazing views of Kīlauea’s crater.
Kona Coffee Tour: If you spent some time on the western side of the island, you might have visited one of the Kona coffee plantations. The region is known for its delicious coffee, and tours can include tastings and a look at the process of making world-famous coffee.
Mauna Kea Summit: A trip to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset or stargazing is another must-do on the Big Island. It’s the highest point in Hawaii and offers spectacular views of the island, especially at night when the sky is clear and the stars are abundant.
Beaches: The Big Island boasts a range of beaches, from white sand to black sand beaches. You might have visited Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, famous for its sea turtles, or Kailua-Kona’s beaches for snorkeling and swimming.

Depending on your interests, you may have also taken a helicopter tour to see the island from above or spent time exploring the waterfalls and rainforests near Hilo. The island’s diverse climate zones offer everything from lush rainforests to dry desert landscapes, so there’s always something new to discover around each corner.

It’s also possible that you spent time in the quaint towns of Waimea or Hawi, both of which offer great local shopping and dining. As with any Hawaii trip, you likely found the island’s food scene to be a big highlight as well, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and delicious local specialties such as poke and loco moco.

Whether you spent your time hiking, exploring, or relaxing, the Big Island offers something for everyone. It's a great place to experience the true spirit of aloha and appreciate the diverse beauty of Hawaii. Since you were able to plan your trip somewhat last-minute, I’m glad everything came together so well, and I hope you got to make lasting memories from this incredible experience!

Trip Report - 5 days on the Big Island

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