Please help with my itinerary for the BI

Question

I am planning this trip for my husband and I, who are retired, active adults. We don't have a budget at this point. End of Jan. to mid feb OR end of feb to early march. We are planning on 12-14 days, some in Hilo and some on the west coast.

We are looking at flying into Hilo, staying at the Hilo Honu Inn (B&B) for 4 nights, with the first full day to hang in Hilo, hike Alaka and Kuhuna Falls and see the Liliuokalani Gardens. The second day, hike rainbow falls then visit the Botanical Gardens. Day 3- VNP and the Thurston Lava Tube. Day 4-Stop at the Punalu'u Balck Sand Beach then head to the west side of the island.

Is that too much?

Any other suggestions for Hilo? We typically hike 4-5 miles/day.

Should we rent a car or hire a driver to get around?

Can you recommend accommodations on the west coast with adults only, beach, gym access, and near restaurants or have food onsite.

Our list for the west side of the island includes snorkeling, whale watching, star gazing, maybe Kulaniapia falls, Kahala waterfalls, coffee farm visit, and maybe a visit to the summit of Maura Kea.

Thoughts?

We were talking about flying out of Kona, but how would that work if we rented a car?

TIA your help is greatly appreciated.

Looking for an adults only accommodation on the west side of the island.

Answer

Your plan for the Big Island is already very well-thought-out, and with 12–14 days you will have plenty of time to explore without rushing. January–March is also prime season for whales, lush waterfalls, and comfortable temperatures. Below is a detailed breakdown of your itinerary, suggestions, pacing feedback, west-side accommodations, and how car rental works with flying into Hilo and out of Kona.

Is the Hilo portion too much? In general, your activities are very reasonable for active adults who enjoy 4–5 mile hikes. Hilo is a great base for waterfalls, gardens, and Volcanoes National Park. Your pacing is good, but I offer a few small adjustments to help you maximize your time and avoid backtracking.

Day-by-day pacing review:

Day 1: Relaxing in Hilo, exploring town, Alakā Falls, and Liliuokalani Gardens — very easy and a perfect “arrival + warm-up” day.
Day 2: Rainbow Falls and Botanical Gardens — this is an excellent pairing and fits comfortably into a day.
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park and Thurston Lava Tube — absolutely doable, but plan for at least 6–8 hours inside the park if you enjoy hiking. Consider the Kīlauea Iki Trail (one of the island’s best moderate hikes).
Day 4: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach en route to the west side — this is a perfect transition day. You may also add a quick stop at Punaluʻu Bakery.

Other suggested activities around Hilo:

Given your hiking preferences and interest in nature, here are excellent additions that still fit within your daily mileage and pacing:

Kaumana Caves — Self-guided lava tubes near Hilo, short but adventurous.
Wailuku River State Park (Boiling Pots) — Often visited with Rainbow Falls.
Richardson Ocean Park — Best calm snorkel near Hilo; often sea turtle sightings.
Laupāhoehoe Point — One of the island’s most dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Pe‘epe‘e Falls and the short trail system near it — adds some peaceful walking without crowds.

Car rental vs. hiring a driver

You should absolutely rent a car. The Big Island is vast — larger than all other Hawaiian islands combined — and attractions are spread out. Drivers for the whole day would be extremely expensive ($450–$700/day), and ride-share availability outside Kona is poor.

A rental car also works perfectly with your plan to fly into Hilo and fly out of Kona; all major car rental companies allow “open-jaw” rentals with drop-off in a different location for a modest fee.

Adults-only accommodations on the west side (Kona / Kohala Coast)

The Big Island has fewer true adults-only resorts than Maui, but there are still excellent upscale options that cater to quiet, adult-oriented stays, offer beach access, and have onsite dining. Consider:

Kona Tiki Hotel (Adults Only) — Oceanfront, peaceful atmosphere, small property, very relaxed and walkable to Kona town restaurants.
Holualoa Inn (Adults Oriented) — A luxury boutique inn above Kona in coffee country with stunning views. Not directly on a beach but offers superb serenity and premium services.
Kai Kona (Some units adults only / quiet complex) — Condominium-style stays near Kailua-Kona, access to pool and oceanfront pathways.

If you can forgo the “strict adults-only” requirement but still want quiet, upscale, beachfront with full amenities, these are excellent:

Mauna Lani Auberge — Luxury, serene, adult-friendly vibe, beach, fitness center, excellent restaurants.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel — Quiet, historic, stunning beach, great dining, and a top-tier fitness center.
Four Seasons Hualālai — Not adults-only, but extremely peaceful with adults-only pool areas, world-class gym, restaurants, and beachfront access.

West-side activities: What to expect

Your list is excellent — here are notes and suggestions to help structure these days:

Snorkeling: The best spots are Two Step (Hōnaunau), Kahalu‘u Beach Park, and Kealakekua Bay (via kayak or boat tour).
Whale Watching: January–March is prime season. Tours depart from Kona and Waikoloa.
Star Gazing: The visitor center at Mauna Kea is accessible by all vehicles; summits require a guided tour or a true 4x4. Evening star programs are excellent.
Kulaniapia Falls: Private grounds requiring a reservation — beautiful, quiet, and a nice hike. You’ll be closer to this from Hilo, so consider visiting while still on the east side.
Kahalu‘u Waterfalls: These are much smaller; not a major attraction but can be a quick stop.
Coffee farm visit: Look at Hula Daddy, Greenwell Farms, or Mountain Thunder Coffee. Tours are informative and perfect for half-day excursions.

Flying out of Kona with a rental car

This is completely normal. Most visitors fly into one airport and out of the other. You would:

Pick up your car at Hilo Airport
Use it throughout your Hilo stay and west-side stay
Return the car easily at Kona Airport (KOA)

There will be a small “one-way drop fee,” but on the Big Island it’s usually modest and totally worth the convenience.

Final Thoughts

Your plan is solid, your pacing is realistic, and you’re focusing on some of the best experiences the Big Island offers for active, nature-oriented travelers. With a rental car, an open-jaw flight plan (ITO → KOA), and a mix of Hilo waterfalls followed by Kona sunshine, you will have a balanced and memorable trip. Feel free to adjust the days lightly, but nothing in your itinerary is overpacked.

Please help with my itinerary for the BI

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