{"id":123153,"date":"2025-03-31T03:20:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T13:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/?p=123153"},"modified":"2025-08-19T12:36:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T22:36:23","slug":"3-day-big-island-road-trip-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/3-day-big-island-road-trip-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"An Epic 3-Day Big Island Road Trip: Steal this Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Red

Ohi’a lehua flower with snow on Mauna Kea in background. (Photo Credit: Hawai’i Visitors Bureau)<\/p><\/div>\n

Welcome to the Big Island!<\/h2>\n

At over 4,000 square miles, it\u2019s easy to see how the Big Island got its nickname. And the best way to explore? Circumnavigating it by car. The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other place on Earth. Snow-capped mountains meet black sand beaches. Rainforests transition into lava deserts. Ancient Hawaiian culture pulses beneath the surface of every landscape.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re short on time, a three-day Big Island road trip starting in Kona is the perfect way to explore the island\u2019s incredible diversity. Born and raised here, I\u2019ve driven every stretch and love sharing what makes this place so special. You won\u2019t find bright lights, big crowds, or traffic jams \u2014 just wide-open roads, natural beauty, and space to breathe. Even a quick trip will help you slow down and reconnect. But fair warning: after three days, you\u2019ll probably wish you had more.<\/p>\n

There are parts of the island that this itinerary won\u2019t cover. The Big Island is just too big.<\/strong> The Puna and Kohala districts aren’t included, but it\u2019ll give you at least two great reasons to return.<\/p>\n

What Makes the Big Island Special<\/h2>\n

The Big Island of Hawaii<\/a> is known as the land of fire and ice. Fresh lava gushes from the Kilauea volcano when it erupts. Snow crowns Mauna Kea during the cooler months of December to February. On the Big Island, we have eight of the 13 defined climate zones, and beaches with white, black, and green sand.<\/p>\n

For history lovers, it’s where British explorer Captain Cook landed in 1778 revealing the Hawaiian Islands to the world. Soon after, Native Hawaiians killed him. The Captain Cook monument is a landmark at Kealakekua Bay in Kona. It\u2019s the home of King Kamehameha I, who was born and died on the island.<\/p>\n

\"This

This statue of Kamehameha stands in Hilo. (Photo Credit: HawaiianScribe)<\/p><\/div>\n

The Big Island is jam-packed and full of things to do \u2014 ocean sports, hiking, rainforests, historical sites, cultural events, or quiet browsing in antique stores and art galleries. Whatever you decide, you won\u2019t be far from interesting eateries and food stops along the way.<\/p>\n

Start in Kona<\/h2>\n

There is an airport in Kona and Hilo. I recommend flying into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Ke\u0101hole as more airlines service the town, which means better odds of landing earlier in the day to settle in and get started.<\/p>\n

With this itinerary, you\u2019ll spend one night in Volcano, a night in Hilo, and a choose-your-own-adventure on the final night in Waimea or back in Kona before flying out.<\/p>\n

Day 1: Kona to Volcano via South Kona and the Southern Coast<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Head south through the Ka\u02bb\u016b District to Volcano. You\u2019ll be driving about 100 miles to Hawai\u2018i Volcanoes National Park. You won\u2019t enter the park today, but I would suggest staying in the Volcano area overnight.<\/p>\n

\"Fresh

Fresh Kona coffee beans. (Photo Credit: HawaiianScribe)<\/p><\/div>\n

Morning: Kona Coffee Country & Pu\u02bbuhonua o H\u014dnaunau<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Start your day in Kona with a hot cup of island-grown coffee. Kona is famous for its rich, volcanic-soil-grown beans, so grab breakfast and a brew and head to Greenwell Farms<\/strong><\/a>. This well-known coffee farm offers hour-long tours and free java beginning at 9 a.m. daily with no reservations required. You\u2019ll find out how the beans get from shrub to cup \u2014 well worth your time, especially for coffee lovers.<\/p>\n

Pu\u02bbuhonua o H\u014dnaunau National Historical Park<\/strong><\/a>: <\/strong>Located about 22 miles south of Kailua-Kona, the National Park Service operates this 180-acre park. It was once home to ancient Hawaiian royalty before the arrival of Westerners. It also is a place of refuge for lawbreakers who were sentenced to death if they did not reach the sanctuary before being caught. Walk among carved wooden ki\u2018i <\/em>(statues), stone platforms, and reconstructed hale<\/em> (thatched huts) to the sound of waves crashing on the lava rock shores. You could easily spend a couple of hours on a self-guided tour and observing cultural demonstrations. It’s open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"Hawaiian

Hawaiian ki’i or statues of ancient gods. (Photo Credit: Puuhonua o Honaunau)<\/p><\/div>\n

Midday: South Point (Optional Detour)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

South Point:<\/strong><\/a> This is the halfway point between Kailua Kona and Volcano. South Point is the southernmost point of the United States, and some historians think this was the first landing spot for ancient navigators via canoe, which is well worth a stop just to say you\u2019ve been there. While the drive itself is unremarkable, it\u2019s about 12 miles off the main highway and provides a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It\u2019s desolate and windy, and you\u2019ll pass a few farms, cattle, horses, and maybe a food truck or fruit stand if you’re lucky. Once back on the main road, you\u2019ll be in the Ka\u02bb\u016b District.<\/p>\n

\"Sheer

Sheer cliffs at South Point. (Photo Credit: HawaiianScribe)<\/p><\/div>\n

Afternoon: Punalu\u2018u and Volcano Winery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Punalu\u2018u Bake Shop<\/strong><\/a> is a great place for a leisurely pit stop, lunch and to snag some souvenirs. The bakery is excellent \u2013 get some malasadas (Portuguese buns), their famous sweet bread, and local favorites like eclairs, turnovers, and cheesecake. Order a plate lunch<\/a> and eat outside in the tropical garden. They’re open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Punalu\u2018u Black Sand Beach<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 <\/strong>A highlight of any Big Island visit, the black sand beach is also a sea turtle sanctuary so there are usually several turtles lazing on the sand. They\u2019re protected, so keep your distance, but feel free to marvel at their presence \u2014 it’s one of the most iconic sights on the island. If it\u2019s not too late in the day, check out the gift shop run by locals right on the beach. The black sand gets hot and windy, in case you were wondering why people aren\u2019t laying out on the sand.<\/p>\n

\"Sea

Sea turtles come up onto the black sand at Punalu’u. (Photo Credit: HawaiianScribe)<\/p><\/div>\n

Volcano Winery<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Established in 1986, the winery harnesses the unique volcanic soil to cultivate Symphony grapes, demonstrating that even in the most unexpected terrains, viticulture can thrive. For a midday pick-me-up, they offer daily tastings from 12 to 5:30 p.m. or guided tours at 12:15 p.m. (advance reservations required). There is also a one-hour tour of their tea fields with tastings of the white and black varietals.<\/p>\n

Evening: Volcano Village and <\/strong>Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

Although you probably didn\u2019t notice, your Big Island road trip drive has taken you up quite the elevation gain \u2014 4,000 feet above sea level. As sunset approaches, Volcano Village comes into view, a misty, fern-filled enclave on the edge of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/a>. Evenings are often cool and rainy, but if you\u2019re lucky to be there on a clear night, look up. The stars are amazing.<\/p>\n

If you still have energy, the park after dark is a sight to behold. Open 24\/7, you won’t find rangers on duty, and need to be prepared with flashlights, emergency supplies, and layers of clothing. If there\u2019s volcanic activity reported<\/a> (check NPS conditions in advance), head to the Halema\u02bbuma\u02bbu Crater overlook<\/strong> and obey all hazard signs. Seeing molten lava glowing against the night sky is an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

Note<\/strong>: The entrance fee per vehicle is $30, and if you enter the park at night, you\u2019ll have to pay again in the morning unless you have a National Parks Pass.<\/p>\n

\"Red

An evening with Pele. (Photo Credit: Michael Brandt)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where to Stay Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n