10 day visit to the big island

Question

Have been on O’ahu for 2 months moving on to big island for 10 days starting on March 15. We are trying to decide if 2 nights is sufficient to visit Hilo or if a 3 night Hilo, 7 nights is Kona is better. Couple in our mid 60s. We will rent a car for the entire stay. Looking for recommendations or activities we could do during our stay. We will definitely do the VNP. Is there a black sand beach near Hilo? I’ve read that Waipio is a must visit. Will be doing the manta ray dive in Kona. Any good restaurants you would recommend on both sides would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer

For a 10-day visit to the Big Island in March, splitting your time between Hilo and Kona can be planned effectively depending on your pace and interests. Both sides offer very different experiences: Hilo is lush, rainy, and full of waterfalls and botanical gardens, while Kona is sunnier with beaches, snorkeling, and volcano views.

Suggested Itinerary Options:

Option 1 – 3 nights Hilo / 7 nights Kona: This allows a more relaxed exploration of Hilo’s surroundings, including Volcanoes National Park and nearby attractions. You’ll have extra time to drive the Hamakua Coast, see waterfalls, and enjoy local hikes without rushing.
Option 2 – 2 nights Hilo / 8 nights Kona: Ideal if your main focus is Kona activities such as manta ray night dives, snorkeling, coffee farms, and beach relaxation. The Hilo portion will be a bit tighter, but you can still see key highlights like Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and a short Volcanoes National Park visit.

Hilo Highlights:

Volcanoes National Park (VNP): Must-see; spend at least a half to full day. Check current lava flow and trail conditions.
Black Sand Beach: Punaluʻu Beach is technically south of Hilo on the way toward Pāhala; it’s a popular spot to see turtles.
Waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and nearby Boiling Pots in Hilo, plus Akaka Falls on the Hamakua Coast.
Gardens: Liliʻuokalani Gardens and Hilo Farmers Market are charming stops for culture and local produce.

Kona Highlights:

Manta Ray Night Dive / Snorkel: Big highlight; book in advance.
Waipiʻo Valley: Stunning views. You can hike down if physically able, or just enjoy overlooks.
Snorkeling / Beaches: Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Honaunau Bay (Two Step) for excellent snorkeling.
Coffee Farms: Tour Kona coffee farms in the area for tastings and scenic walks.
Stargazing: Mauna Kea observatories (consider guided tours for safety and access).

Restaurant Recommendations:

Hilo: Hilo Bay Café (seafood and casual), Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine (fresh local fare), Ken’s House of Pancakes (classic breakfast spot).
Kona: Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill, Kona Brewing Company (solid meals and beer), Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill (fresh poke), Merriman’s in Waimea (farm-to-table fine dining).

Tips:

Rent a car with good clearance for the occasional rougher side roads, especially near Waipiʻo or Volcano areas.
Check the Volcanoes National Park website for updates on road and lava conditions before visiting.
If time is limited on the Hilo side, focus on the top highlights: Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and a short VNP visit.
For relaxation and more sun-based activities, the Kona side will offer longer days outdoors and calmer waters.

Overall, 3 nights in Hilo allows a more leisurely experience and less rushed sightseeing, while 2 nights can work if your priority is maximizing Kona activities. The Big Island’s diversity makes either plan rewarding.