Hawaii Travel Guide: A Super Practical 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island is way more fun than Oahu! Just follow this itinerary, and you’ll have an incredibly deep experience without any extra planning!
3-Day Big Island Itinerary
DAY 1｜Oahu ✈️ Hilo, Big Island → Sunset & Stargazing at Mauna Kea
- Arrive at Hilo Airport by noon
- Stock up + rest → Drive up or join a tour
- Summit Mauna Kea (4,205m)
- Watch breathtaking sunset + Milky Way
DAY 2｜Black Sand Beach + Volcanoes National Park + Manta Ray Night Dive
- Depart → Black Sand Beach (spot sea turtles)
- Rainbow Falls photo stop
- Volcanoes National Park: Kīlauea Crater, lava tubes, etc.
- Head to Kona in the afternoon
- Join a Manta Ray night dive in the evening
DAY 3｜Explore Kona Town or Add Snorkeling → Return to Oahu
Attractions & Tips
Mauna Kea Stargazing
- Not recommended to drive to the summit—join a tour for safety (altitude sickness + night driving + 4WD required)
- Temps near 0°C at night—bring warm layers + closed-toe shoes
Volcanoes National Park
- Don’t miss the Crater Rim Drive
- Wait until dark to photograph the glowing lava
Manta Ray Night Dive
- No swimming skills needed—guides assist, hold onto a float board
- Manta rays glide just centimeters away—thrilling and romantic!
Accommodation Tips
- Night 1: Stay in Hilo (close to Black Sand Beach + Volcano Park)
- Night 2: Stay along Kona coast (convenient for night dive + return)
✅ Hotel Recommendations:
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (great value)
- Royal Kona Resort (stunning ocean views)
Transportation Tips
- Rent a car! Big Island attractions are spread out with no public transit
- Route: Fly into Hilo → Depart from Kona (or reverse)
- Book in advance on Turo or Hertz
- Google Maps works well—download offline maps
Must-Try Food
- Umekes Fish Market (famous poke bowls)
- Punaluʻu Bake Shop (ultra-soft donuts near the volcano)
- Kona Brewing Co. (oceanfront dining + craft beer)
- Hilo Farmers Market (cheap tropical fruits + local eats)
Travel Tips
- ✅ Use reef-safe sunscreen
- ✅ Pack a down jacket + thick pants for mountain temps
- ✅ Book Manta Ray dive 3-5 days ahead
- ✅ Volcano Park pass allows multiple entries for 7 days
If you don’t want to drive, plan, or stress—I highly recommend this:
✔️ 3-Day Big Island In-Depth Tour (Tour ID: 710215)
- Private transport + Chinese-speaking guide
- Includes: Mauna Kea stargazing, Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beach, Rainbow Falls, Manta Ray night dive
- Well-paced, with accommodations + meals arranged—pure relaxation!
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