Advice on our planned activities

Question

Hello. I am able to tag along on my husband’s work trip to Hilo May 21-27, then we will stay on a few more days for exploring. I have a pretty good idea of what I will be doing to keep myself busy there but wanted to run our west side plans by the experts. The 28th we will spend the day at Volcano National Park, then on the 29th, drive over to the west side. It is our first time to Hawaii. I have been looking at Honu Kai B&B, Hale Hualālai B&B, Kona Reef Resort or Hale Kona Kai for 3-4 nights.

29th - Drive over in the morning and drop off bags. Afternoon Kona Boys guided kayak/snorkel tour of Kealakekua Bay. Dinner. Is there a different area we should consider a kayak/snorkel tour?

30th - Considering visiting a coffee farm. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Maybe Honokohau Beach (sea turtles) or Magic Sands Beach or other recommended sandy beach in the area - will probably only hang out for an hour or so. Early dinner. Manta Ray night snorkeling - have not looked into which company yet - just want a reputable and responsible one.

31st- Day trip up to Pololū Valley Lookout and hike down to beach, Waimea - Beer and Lunch, Hapuna Beach?

1st - day activity before flying out in the evening? Short hike nearby? A cultural or historical site?

Could possibly add one more night if need be.

We have not decided about flying into Hilo or Kona - this will depend somewhat on B’s work. We are not big relax-on-the-beach people. We like really laid back dining options and are willing to drive to find some underrated ones. It being our first time to Hawaii, I really want to make sure we are considerate of environmental and cultural issues.

Thank you for your help.

Answer

Your planned west side itinerary on the Big Island sounds well thought out and manageable for a first-time visit. Here is some detailed advice to help maximize your experience while staying environmentally and culturally conscious.

Accommodations:

Honu Kai B&B: Small and charming, close to Kealakekua Bay, very convenient for your kayak/snorkel plans.
Hale Hualālai B&B: Quiet, with good local vibes; slightly farther north, so driving times increase for southern activities.
Kona Reef Resort: Close to Kailua-Kona, offers easy access to restaurants and beaches, but less secluded.
Hale Kona Kai: Quiet, good for couples; check if it accommodates your stay length and vehicle access.

Given your focus on water activities and proximity to Kealakekua Bay, Honu Kai B&B would be ideal.

Kayak/Snorkel Tour:

Kona Boys is excellent and responsible, with knowledgeable guides and eco-friendly practices.
Alternative areas: Honaunau Bay near Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park offers calm waters, clear snorkeling, and a less crowded option.

May 30 – Coffee, Historical & Beach Visit:

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau is excellent for cultural history and well-maintained. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Coffee farms: Greenwell or Hula Daddy are popular, offer tours and tastings. They also focus on sustainable practices.
Beaches: Honokohau is good for spotting sea turtles; Magic Sands is more for quick sunbathing/swimming. If short on time, prioritize Honokohau for wildlife observation.
Manta Ray Snorkel: Look for operators like Kona Ocean Adventures or Fair Wind Cruises, both reputable, small group tours emphasizing safety and conservation.

May 31 – Pololū Valley & North Shore:

Pololū Valley: Moderate hike down to beach; watch footing as trail can be steep and rocky.
Waimea: Great for local lunch and small town vibe; check out Merriman’s or local food trucks.
Hapuna Beach: Excellent white sand and larger beach park; can be a good stop if time allows before heading back south.

June 1 – Departure Day:

If flying out from Kona in the evening, consider a short hike like Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs (easy, historical, 20-30 min) or a morning walk along Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
Another option is a quick visit to Huliheʻe Palace or Kailua-Kona pier area for a cultural touch and light lunch.

Additional Tips:

Driving between Hilo and Kona is about 2.5–3 hours via Saddle Road; make sure to allow travel time when planning activities.
Respect wildlife and natural areas: avoid touching coral, turtles, or lava formations.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and follow local guidelines at parks and beaches.
Consider adding an extra night if you want a more relaxed pace for the north-to-south drive or a second kayak/snorkel trip.

Overall, your itinerary balances adventure, cultural exploration, and environmental awareness. Prioritizing smaller, responsible operators and visiting lesser-crowded beaches will make for a memorable and conscientious first-time experience on the Big Island.