7-10 days the BIG Island of Hawaii

Question

Hello, never been to Hawaii and here are my main objectives: a) Flying with Alaska to KONA (KOA), I am thinking doing a CW trip around the island. b) 2-3 nights at the beach. c) get in the car and go to North and Northeast all the way to HILO. d) 2-3 nights around somewhere to be able to do stargazing and visit the volcano. e) then back on the road to South and Southwest, stay 1–2-night, f) and finally back to Kona. Questions: Is that a good plan? Do I need reservations in early April, or can I just drive and stay at a place? Do I need a 4x4 or regular car/SUV will work? any lodging recommendations is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Now I can do this also CCW. Is that a better idea? Cheers.

Answer

Your plan for exploring the Big Island sounds exciting and is generally a great approach to seeing the diversity of this unique island. Here’s a breakdown of your plan with some additional recommendations and insights:

1. Traveling clockwise (CW) vs. counterclockwise (CCW) Both routes (clockwise and counterclockwise) are great, and you can’t go wrong with either. Some people prefer going CCW because it leads to smoother driving conditions along the coast and better views of the ocean from the car. Clockwise (CW) can sometimes feel like a bit more of a drive with fewer scenic spots at first, but the North and Northeast areas (including Hilo) are a nice payoff on that route. Ultimately, it depends on how you want to approach the island's geography. I recommend going CW if you want to start with the more relaxed Kona area and end with some adventure in Hilo and the volcano areas.

2. Lodging and Reservations In early April, the Big Island can get busy, especially in popular spots like Kona, Hilo, and near Volcanoes National Park, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations ahead of time, particularly for stays around the volcano, Hilo, or in more remote areas. For the 2-3 nights at the beach, booking early is advisable as beachfront resorts can fill up. For your road trip nights, some of the more remote lodging options may be less busy, but reservations are still recommended for a stress-free stay.

Beach Stay (2-3 nights): - Kona or Kohala Coast offers beautiful beaches and lots of resorts. Some good options include the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (luxury), Kona Coast Resort (mid-range), or Hale Kona Kai (for a more budget-friendly, boutique experience).
Hilo (2-3 nights): - The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo offers great views of Hilo Bay and is a nice, more affordable place to stay. If you prefer a more rural experience near Volcanoes National Park, you can also consider Volcano House (right in the park) or Chalet Kilauea for a more intimate and nature-oriented experience.
South and Southwest (1-2 nights): - For this area, look into Ka'u or Green Sands Beach. You might want to check out Pahala Plantation Cottages for a rural and charming spot in Ka'u, or South Point for more of a unique adventure.

3. Car Rental – Do you need a 4x4? A 4x4 vehicle isn’t strictly necessary for most parts of the island unless you plan on going to more rugged areas like Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa (if you plan to stargaze or visit high-altitude spots). A regular car or SUV will work for your trip around the island, especially if you plan to stick to paved roads and well-maintained routes. The roads to Hilo, Volcanoes National Park, and the beaches along the west side are all easily accessible with a regular car. If you're planning to explore the Green Sands Beach or some of the more remote off-road areas, a 4x4 could be useful but isn’t absolutely necessary for the whole trip.

4. Exploring Volcanoes National Park and Stargazing A visit to Volcanoes National Park is a must, and you’ll have plenty of stargazing opportunities at places like Mauna Kea (the highest point on the island). For stargazing, consider visiting the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station or booking a stargazing tour for the best experience. Keep in mind that Mauna Kea is at a high altitude, so it’s good to be aware of the potential for altitude sickness, especially if you’re doing any activities at the summit.

Stargazing Options: - Mauna Kea summit tours (recommended) - Volcanoes National Park offers dark skies for stargazing as well.
Volcanoes National Park: - Explore the Kīlauea Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, and the Devastation Trail. You can also see active lava flows depending on current volcanic activity, though this can change.

5. South and Southwest – 1–2 Nights This area offers incredible natural beauty and is less touristy than other parts of the island. You can visit the Green Sand Beach (take a shuttle or hike in), explore the South Point (the southernmost point in the U.S.), and see the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the way back. You could also visit Black Sand Beach in Punalu'u, which is famous for its sea turtles. If you're a fan of off-the-beaten-path adventures, this area is great for both sightseeing and quiet moments.

Final Thoughts: Your plan for a 7-10 day trip is a great balance between adventure and relaxation. Booking your stays in advance for key areas (beachfront and near the volcano) is recommended, but for the more rural parts, you can likely find accommodations on the go if you're flexible. Going CCW or CW depends on your preference for how you’d like to experience the island. You’ll have plenty to see and do regardless, and the Big Island offers a wide range of activities from beaches to volcanoes to stunning views. Enjoy your trip!

7-10 days the BIG Island of Hawaii

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