How Would You Spend 4 Days on the Big Island of Hawaii?
The Big Island is teeming with activities from stunning nature hikes, beachside relaxation and delicious local fare. If you only have a short amount of time to spend on our beautiful island, it may be difficult to choose how to spend your vacation. Luckily, we’ve created a 4-day Big Island itinerary to help you maximize your Hawaii getaway. Read on to explore some of the must-see destinations you’ll want to visit when you stay with us at our Volcano bed and breakfast.
Big Island Itinerary Day 1: Discover Volcanic Wonders
Begin your Big Island itinerary with a day of exploration at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located only a short drive away from our bed and breakfast. This stop on your Big Island itinerary will treat you to stunning volcanic attractions like the Kilauea Caldera and the Thurston Lava Tube — an ancient lava cave surrounded by greenery. Continue through the park trails to admire the highlight of the park, the two active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Break for lunch at The Rim, a restaurant located within the park offering elevated cuisine and a view of the Kilauea Caldera. Afterwards, continue your exploration of Hawaii’s natural wonders with a scenic drive down Chain of Craters Road. It’s a beautiful trip that will take you past numerous craters, lava channels, and impressive cliffs.
Return to Volcano in the evening for dinner at Ohelo Café. You’ll enjoy everything from entrees crafted with fresh-caught fish to crispy wood-fired pizzas. After eating your fill, return to the tranquil surroundings of Volcano Village Lodge to prepare for your next big day in Hawaii.
Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Cultural Heritage & Outdoor Adventure
Fill your second day on the Big Island exploring Hawaii’s rich cultural traditions and outdoor attractions. Volcano Art Center illustrates many of the island’s artistic traditions with local artist showcases and a unique outdoor space where art and nature intersect. Browse the indoor gallery to see rotating exhibitions of fiber art, paintings, and more before taking a walk through the Niaulani Sculpture Garden to see contemporary sculptures intermingling with the rainforest surroundings.
For lunch, dig into hearty soups and garden-fresh salads in the natural setting of Café Ono. The local café, set on a remarkable garden estate, offers a rotating selection of vegetarian cuisine crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.
Continue your outdoor excursions with an afternoon at the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Walk through the greenhouse to see colorful cattleya orchids and other unique plants at one of the Big Island’s oldest nurseries. Afterwards, close out your day with an outdoor picnic at the Jaggar Museum Overlook where you’ll be able to dine while enjoying the view of a live volcano crater below.
Day 3: Embrace Natural Beauty & Relaxation
The third day of our Big Island itinerary begins is planned with birdwatching enthusiasts in mind. Start the day with a short stroll down the Kipukapuaulu Trail — a short, 1.2-mile day hike that offers the opportunity to see unique avian species like the kalij pheasant. If you’re interested in viewing even more volcanic features, take a hike down the Devastation Trail or Byron Ledge Trail, both of which offer views of structures including cinder cones, craters and eruption sites. Once you’re ready for a bite to eat, stop off at Hawaiian Style Café in Hilo for some Hawaiian comfort food like loco moco or da tita mok, a dish of fried rice topped with gravy, meat and eggs.
In the afternoon, soak in the sun at one of the Big Island’s best beaches. From the snorkeling with marine life at Kahulu’u Beach Park to walking along the dark sands of Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, there are plenty of ways to enjoy explore the Big Island coast. Catch a wave at Honoli’I Beach Park, a spot known for unparalleled waves and beautiful coastal views, or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
Follow up your beach trip with a visit to Hilo’s Lyman Museum and Mission House. The local history museum offers a fascinating insight into the island’s history with a wealth of artifacts, remarkable mineral collections and a gallery of colorful photography. You’ll be able to tour the historic Mission House and explore what Hawaiian life was like over a century ago through historic photographs and other special collections.
Wind down with a meal of delicious Japanese fare at Miyo’s Restaurant in Hilo. Each dish, from tempura to noodle soups, is made with locally-sourced fish and produce for a fresh flavor that is uniquely Hawaiian.
Big Island Itinerary Day 4: Unwind & Reflect
End your final day on the Big Island with a little rest and relaxation as you soak in the surroundings and reflect on your Hawaiian adventure. Wake up slowly with a luxurious in-room massage or rise and walk the serene grounds of our Volcano bed and breakfast. If you’re craving a little more adventure on the last day of your Big Island itinerary, make the trip to the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo to marvel at majestic tigers or visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center to pick up a souvenir bag of the island treat.
Come lunch time, head back to Volcano and grab a bite to eat at Eagle’s Lighthouse Café, a small sandwich shop offering soups, quiches, homemade bread and more. Close out your meal with a freshly-baked cookie as you linger on the patio enjoying the last bit of your island getaway.
While Hawaii has so much to offer, you’ll experience some of the most memorable attractions with this four-day Big Island itinerary. From snorkeling through colorful reefs to relaxing in rainforest cafes, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your time in Hawaii. Book your stay at Volcano Village Lodge to experience our full itinerary or customize your own filled with your list of must-see island attractions.