5 Day Itinerary Flying into Hilo

Q: Is 5 days enough for Big Island Hawaii?

Whatever you reason, lots of travelers choose to spend just 5 days on the Big Island of Hawaii . Even though it’s a much larger area (with slower driving) than you might expect, you’ll cover a lot of ground with this Big Island itinerary for 5 days

If you’re visiting Big Island with just 5 days and flying in Hilo, here’s a suggested itinerary for each day. Remember, you can always adjust it to suit your preferences.

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival and Hilo Exploration

Morning:

9:00 AM - Arrive at Hilo International Airport and pick up rental car.
11:00 AM - Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum.

Afternoon:

1:00 PM - Lunch at a local café in downtown Hilo.
3:00 PM - Check into your accommodation.

Evening:

6:00 PM - Dinner in Hilo.
8:00 PM - Stroll through Liliuokalani Gardens.

Day 2

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park

Morning:

8:00 AM - Breakfast.
9:00 AM - Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Afternoon:

12:00 PM - Picnic lunch in the park.
1:00 PM - Explore Thurston Lava Tube and Kilauea Caldera.

Evening:

5:00 PM - Visit the Jaggar Museum.
7:00 PM - Dinner in Volcano Village.

Day 3

Day 3: Waterfalls and Hilo Attractions

Morning:

8:00 AM - Drive to Akaka Falls State Park.
10:00 AM - Explore Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls.

Afternoon:

12:00 PM - Lunch in Hilo.
2:00 PM - Visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Evening:

6:00 PM - Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
8:00 PM - Relax at Coconut Island or head home.

Day 4

Day 4: Puna Coast Exploration

Morning:

9:00 AM - Drive to the Puna district.
10:30 AM - Explore Ahalanui Park and its thermal pond.

Afternoon:

12:30 PM - Lunch in Pahoa.
2:00 PM - Visit the Kapoho Tide Pools (if accessible).

Evening:

6:00 PM - Dinner in Pahoa town.
8:00 PM - Enjoy stargazing at Isaac Hale Beach Park.

Day 5

Day 5: Beach Day and Departure

Morning:

9:00 AM - Relax at Richardson Beach Park.
11:00 AM - Check out of your accommodation.

Afternoon:

12:00 PM - Lunch in Hilo.
2:00 PM - Visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.

Evening:

5:00 PM - Return to Hilo International Airport for departure.

Remember that this is just a suggested itinerary, and you can adjust it based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your time on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5 days enough for Big Island Hawaii?

Whatever you reason, lots of travelers choose to spend just 5 days on the Big Island of Hawaii. Even though it’s a much larger area (with slower driving) than you might expect, you’ll cover a lot of ground with this Big Island itinerary for 5 days

What is the #1 thing to do Big Island Hawaii?

Beaches. The Beaches are one of the main attractions of the Big Island and are great for being lazy, snorkeling, surfing or anything you want really. Here you can find world-class white sand beaches, but also black sand beaches and even a green sand beach!

How should I plan my transportation for this itinerary?

Depending on your destination, you may need a combination of transportation methods such as walking, public transportation, or rental cars. Research ahead and consider purchasing any necessary tickets or passes in advance to save time.