The Big Island of Hawaii Itinerary

We decided on a whim to make a return trip to The Big Island with our little guy in tow in just another month! We're more than thrilled about the trip, and are planning a bit of a different trip than last time for sure!

If you recall our first trip to The Big Island in 2010, Mark had torn his Achilles tendon a mere 3 days before we left. We were in Hawaii for 12 days and managed (somehow) to make it to 3 islands: Oahu, Kaua'i and The Big Island. It was good, but insane! We drove more than we intended to and spent most of our "relaxing" time tending to Mark's poor sore (swollen) leg.

This time around, while we still have a bit of a schedule, we're keeping it a tad more low-key with plenty of time each day to adjust to the needs of our little guy.

Day 1: Fly from Minneapolis to Kona, Hawaii

Catch our flight from MSP to KOA via PHX
Pick up rental car and drive to the Jacaranda Inn in Waimea/Kamuela

Settle into the Anthurium Suite:

Find supper at Red Water Cafe then relax for the evening (It'll feel like 7pm our time)

Expect Cashel to be exhausted by 4pm

Day 2: Waipio Lookout/Hike, Pololu Lookout/Hike

Find some yummy Malasadas for breakfast in Honoka'a at Tex's Drive-in

Explore/Hike the Waipio Lookout

Swing by Real Fresh Cooking to pick up a sample of their sauces
Drive back to Jacaranda Inn for naptime for Cashel
Drive to Hawi and find some yummy lunch at Bamboo Restaurant (specifically this:).

Drive to Pololu Lookout to explore/hike

Spend the rest of the day relaxing wherever we feel like going or resting at the inn.
Find supper in Waimea at Merriman's

Expect Cashel to be exhausted by 4pm and ready to wake up around 2-3am

Day 3: Akaka Falls, World Botanical Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Hilo

Check out of hotel and drive toward Hilo

Akaka Falls

Return so we can all hike down to the viewing area - VERY cool!

World Botanical Gardens

Didn't see the first time we went here. $15 per adult, Cashel would be free.
Website

Rainbow Falls

Near Hilo. Supposed to be pretty cool.

Drive to Keaau and check into accomodations (0'0 House).

Day 4: Hilo Farmers' Market and Rainforest Zoo

Hilo Farmers' Market

Hit up the farmers' market in Hilo on Saturday morning to stock up on fruit and such (open 6am-4pm)

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Later that afternoon
FREE Admission!
Tiger Feeding at 3:30pm
Petting Zoo from 1:30-2:30pm every day
Website

Kaumana Caves

Only if we have time and are looking for something extra to do.
Website

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

"The Kalapana viewing site is located at the end of Highway 130 in Puna. The hike can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours depending on current conditions and demarcations so please be prepared with sturdy footwear, proper attire, sunscreen, a flashlight as well as food and plenty of water. The viewing area is normally open daily from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., with the last car permitted into the parking area at 8 p.m. There is no cell phone coverage in the viewing area." Source

Punalu'u

Drive on to Punalu'u to Sea Mountain (95-788 Ninole Loop Road Punalu'u, HI 96777)

Day 6: Punalu'u (Black Sand) Beach, Punalu'u Bake Shop, Papakolea (Green Sand) Beach

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Find more Malasadas at Punalu'u Bake Shop for breakfast, then enjoy breakfast while exploring the beach.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

It's about an hour or so drive from Punalu'u and then about a 2-mile hike each way, although they say it's an easy hike. Recommendation is to pack a lunch and enjoy some time on the beach.
Papakolea Website

Drive back to Punalu'u to Sea Mountain for the night
Stop on the way back in Naalehu for supper, as there aren't any restaurants in Punalu'u OR make something at the condo (would have to plan ahead)

Day 7: Greenwell Farms, Flying Home

Visit Greenwell Farms for a Coffee tasting and to get some Peaberry coffee...bringing lots of it home!
Have a relaxing drive up to Kona, stopping along the way wherever we decide to - hopefully with some beach time, maybe some snorkeling? :)
Return rental car by 9pm
Flight leaves at 10:45pm

Day 8: Flying Home to Minneapolis

Flight arrives at MSP at 1:48pm

Other Attractions (if time):

Ola'a Forrest Reserve