Five days on the Big Island is enough time to go from steaming volcanic craters to black sand beaches, with a little Kona coffee in between. This big island itinerary covers the highlights without the rush, whether you're basing yourself in Kona, Hilo, or splitting the difference.
Day 1: Kona Coast & Coffee Country
Start in Kailua-Kona. Wander the seawall, snorkel at Kahaluʻu Beach Park, and head up into the hills above town to tour a working Kona coffee farm — this is the only place in the U.S. where coffee is commercially grown.
Day 2-3: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and spend two days exploring Kīlauea's crater rim, walking through a lava tube, and hiking the Kīlauea Iki trail across a hardened lava lake. Check current eruption status before you go — Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and conditions change fast.
Day 4: Hilo & the Windward Side
Head to Hilo for waterfalls (Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are both easy stops), the farmers market, and a lush, green contrast to the lava fields you just left. If you have energy left, drive up toward Mauna Kea for stargazing — the summit area has some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Day 5: South Point & Black Sand Beaches
On your way back toward Kona, detour to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach for a chance to spot honu (sea turtles) resting on the shore, then stop by South Point (Ka Lae), the southernmost point in the United States.
Wherever your Big Island trip takes you, you'll want something to remember it by — browse our Big Island Collection for tees inspired by Kīlauea, Mauna Kea, and the volcano country that makes this island unlike anywhere else.
Bring the islands home: Explore our Big Island Collection — original designs from our Native Hawaiian–owned studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Here are a few of the newest additions:
Mauna Kea Stargazing Tee — inspired by the clearest night skies on the island.
Volcanoes National Park Tee — for the day you stood on the crater rim.
Kīlauea Volcano Tee — Pele's fire, wearable.