Two full days itinerary

Question

Hello, my daughter and I traveling next week and we have 2 full days. Staying at Kona. I am planning on doing one day to drive the lower part of the island and another to cover upper part.

Should I include Hilo and volcano national park while doing lower? Do I need a reservation for volcanoes park?

Answer

With only two full days on the Big Island and staying in Kona, you’ll need to prioritize, as the island is very large and driving times are significant. The “lower” part of the island (South and West) is more convenient from Kona, while the “upper” part (North and Hilo side) involves longer drives, especially if you want to include Volcanoes National Park.

Including Hilo and Volcanoes National Park in a single day from Kona is technically possible but will make for a very long day. From Kona to the park entrance is roughly 2.5–3 hours one-way, and Hilo adds additional driving time. If you try to do both in one day, you’ll spend most of the day in the car rather than exploring.

Option 1: Focus on the lower part of the island (Kona, South Kona, and South Point areas) for your first day. You could visit:

Kailua-Kona town for coffee shops, historic sites, and a stroll along Aliʻi Drive.
Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge) for cultural history and scenic coastline.
South Point (Ka Lae), Green Sand Beach, or Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach if time allows.
Optional snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay or Honaunau Bay.

Option 2: Dedicate the second day to Volcanoes National Park and Hilo area:

Start early from Kona to maximize time at the park.
Highlights at the park include Kīlauea Visitor Center, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, and scenic viewpoints. Note that some areas may be closed depending on volcanic activity.
Hilo side stops could include Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and downtown Hilo for a quick lunch or souvenir shopping.

Reservations for Volcanoes National Park:

As of recent updates, the park generally does not require a reservation for entry, though certain activities or guided tours might. Check the National Park Service website before your visit for the latest information on closures, parking, and any special requirements.

Additional tips:

Start early both days to maximize daylight and avoid driving in the dark on winding roads.
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers — weather can vary significantly between Kona and the Hilo/volcano side.
If you’re limited on time, consider skipping Hilo on the volcano day and focus solely on the park to get more out of the visit without feeling rushed.

Overall, for a comfortable experience with two full days, it’s recommended to split your itinerary into “West/South Kona” one day and “Volcanoes National Park/Hilo” the next day. Trying to do Hilo and Volcanoes on the “lower” day will be very tight and exhausting.

Two full days itinerary

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