Hawaii Island] Hawaii Island Travel Guide! Model courses for travel to the Big Island of Hawaii! 5 Days/3 Nights, 6 Days/4 Nights

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island is known as the "Big Island" and is visited by many nature-loving tourists.

Famous tourist attractions include beautiful scenic areas with jungle-like canyons and cliffs that will impress you with their panoramic views from the observation deck.

The Big Island name is also used for the gourmet delights and souvenirs you will enjoy on your trip.

If you travel to Hawaii with the Big Island in mind, you will understand why it is called so.

The largest of the Hawaiian Islands is the Big Island of Hawaii, and it is no exaggeration to say that the islanders live their lives with this in mind.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The island of Hawaii is rich in natural beauty, and among these, the volcanoes are the island's most representative tourist resource. Hawaii Island is made up of five volcanoes, some of which are active.

Since Hawaii Island has been dealing with volcanoes for a long time, we have been studying the mechanism of eruptions and aiming for safe volcano tourism.

Also, did you know that in terms of weather, we have a special climate not found anywhere else in the Hawaiian Islands? To name just a few, snow is observed at higher elevations, and there are also areas of high rainfall.

Agriculture thrives on the volcanoes and climate, and you will be able to enjoy fresh Hawaiian Island gourmet food during your stay. The Big Island of Hawaii is a place where you can experience such great nature with all your senses.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The number of tourists visiting the Big Island of Hawaii is increasing every year because of its many power spots and natural wonders.

Many package tours proposed by Japanese travel agencies and tours from Oahu are also available, making the island an easy place to make travel plans.

Direct flights are convenient if you are traveling only to Hawaii Island, while regular flights from Oahu are recommended if you want to visit other islands.

Direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii can be made from Narita and Haneda airports to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (Kona International Airport) on the Big Island of Hawaii.

If you are planning to visit Hawaii Island from Oahu, you can take a scheduled flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport) on Oahu.

Regular flights from Oahu arrive and depart every hour or so, and the flight time is about one hour.

You can choose to arrive at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (Kona International Airport) or Hilo International Airport, so choose the airport according to the tourist destination you wish to visit.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

While wilderness and power spots are popular in Hawaii Island tourism, there are many other attractions as well.

Here you can experience something amazing and out of the ordinary in the resort town of Hawaii. Learn more about the island of Hawaii and how to make the most of your trip.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The island of Hawaii is rich in natural beauty, but it has also experienced disasters in the past due to its great natural beauty. However, the valleys that have been used by royalty as sacred places since ancient times have been spared from disaster damage.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there are places where you can feel the blessings of nature that would be lost if human hands were to develop the island.

You will be impressed by the unforgettable scenery as you experience the untouched magnificence of nature with your whole body.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018, but volcanic activity has now calmed down.

The volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii are active volcanoes that can be visited with little danger because they are Hawaiian-style eruptions of silty magma flowing gently.

Although the volcano is safe for sightseeing, visitors should check eruption information before visiting. There are also a variety of tours that allow visitors to experience the powerful volcano in an even more powerful way.

Helicopter or boat tours to observe the volcanoes are a great way to experience the breath of the earth.

Volcano trekking tours are also recommended as an efficient way to explore important spots.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii has both resort-like beaches and scenic beaches. Resort beaches offer white sand and blue waters for swimming and surfing.

Beaches as scenic spots are popular for their black sand and sea turtles that appear due to the volcano.

Near the beach, which is typical of resorts, there are also shopping and dining facilities.

These different beaches offer different ways to enjoy the area, so you can choose the beach that best fits your travel plans.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Since the island of Hawaii is also a resort destination, it offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options.

The Kohala Coast area, Mauna Kea Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Hualalai Resort, and other resorts attract many tourists.

In addition to the shopping mall, there is a morning market called the Farmer's Market on limited days of the week, where you can enjoy shopping typical of the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are also many restaurants with spectacular views and Hawaiian cuisine, many of which use ingredients from the Big Island of Hawaii.

Since cattle ranching and agriculture are thriving, many restaurants offer dishes made with fresh ingredients.

There are also Japanese restaurants that offer fine cuisine based on Japanese food and Japanese chefs, so you will be able to enjoy gourmet food that suits the Japanese palate.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii is also a great place to visit if you like to travel to experience culture and visit historical sites.

There are many tourist attractions where visitors can learn about ancient and dynastic Hawaii, and some places offer headsets with Japanese-speaking guides.

While simply viewing the sights is fine, a deeper knowledge of Hawaii's past history will make your tour of the island even more impressive.

There is also a "luau," an entertainment show that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Please take advantage of this fun way to experience Hawaiian Island entertainment such as hula, fire dancing, Hawaiian music, Polynesian cuisine, and more.

Reservations are required for the popular luau, so make your reservations as soon as you decide on your trip.

 

Plan your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Enjoy to the fullest!

The island of Hawaii is about the same size as Gifu Prefecture.

Tourist attractions are located all over the island, so plan well and enjoy sightseeing on the Big Island of Hawaii efficiently.

If you are visiting Hawaii Island from Oahu, there are two airports to choose from: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (Kona International Airport) and Hilo International Airport.

Selecting an airport based on factors such as accessibility to the tourist attractions you wish to visit will reduce time loss.

There is so much to see and do on the Big Island of Hawaii, so it is best to start with the places you want to visit first. Make sure to plan your Hawaii Island tour well in advance to make the most of your time on the Big Island.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Here are some of the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii. There are several sightseeing spots on this large island, so let's make a plan to visit them efficiently.

These are the places where you can experience the sights that are unique to the Big Island of Hawaii and the special sightseeing that can be experienced only here, so please use them as a reference for your trip.

 

Kilauea Volcano

An active volcano located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is designated as a World Heritage Site, many tourists visit the Big Island of Hawaii to see Kilauea Volcano.

The elevation is 1247 meters and there are many attractions around the volcano, each with its own name.

Typical examples are Halemaumau Crater and Chain of Craters Road, which are walking and touring spots.

It is an active volcano that has erupted 45 times during the 20th century and is still active today. There are various tours and experiences that allow visitors to observe the powerful volcano.

 

Recommendations

There are many trekking trails and tours for sightseeing of Kilauea Volcano, and many different ways to enjoy the area.

There are tours where visitors can enjoy lava hiking and lava bathing, and helicopter tours to observe the crater with great intensity, which have become popular tours.

Individual travelers are advised to learn about the volcano at the visitor center before exploring the trekking trails.

This is because some areas are off-limits depending on the day's eruption information, and such information is also provided at the visitor center.

The trekking course is well-maintained, but there are footholds strewn with lava stones, which can be dangerous depending on the weather and conditions, so it is recommended to visit with shoes.

Sightseeing spots where you can observe active volcanoes are recommended as they are a valuable experience.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 50 minutes by rental car or cab. From Kona International Airport, it takes more than 2 hours and 30 minutes, so it is better to access from Hilo International Airport.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is 4205 meters above sea level, but many tourists visit because they can drive to the top.

The starry sky and sunrise from the top are so beautiful that words are hard to find. Because of its easy accessibility and stable weather conditions near the summit, observatories have been set up all over the world.

Because of the high elevation, snowfall may be observed, and this is one of the cooler areas of the Big Island of Hawaii, so it is best to wear clothing that can withstand the cooler temperatures.

The Visitor Center, located near 2000 meters above sea level, is a stopover for anyone visiting Manaukea.
Allow your body to acclimate at this location for two hours to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.

 

Recommendations

We recommend the spectacular views from the summit of Mauna Kea at different times of the day. During the day, you will feel the power of the vast nature as you observe the alpine flora and admire the spectacular view.

The rare silversword grows wild at the base of Mauna Kea, so look for it when you visit.

At night, you can stargaze and then wait for the sunrise and experience the mystical sunrise. If you are lucky, you may even see the sunrise from the sea of clouds, making for a wonderful and moving memory.

The road to Mauna Kea is a very challenging road to drive.

Even experienced drivers should be cautious when driving at night because of the winding roads, so it is best to visit by tour at night.

Some tours offer rental of cold-weather gear in case of sudden cold weather at high altitudes.

Many guided tours for stargazing are also available, and the schedule is designed to prevent altitude sickness, so you can enjoy the tour with peace of mind.

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, it is 1 hour and 30 minutes by rental car or cab. From Hilo International Airport, it is 1 hour and 10 minutes by rental car or cab.

It is an easily accessible tourist destination from either airport.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls (Rainbow Falls) is a waterfall with a drop of about 24 meters on the Waikulu River that flows through Hilo City. The volume of water flowing through the falls is large and the basin is deep, so when the wind blows, sunlight reflects off the falls and a rainbow appears.

The recommended time for the rainbow to appear is said to be between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., so it is best to visit for sightseeing during this time.

In addition, the path from the parking lot to Rainbow Falls is well-maintained, making it a place where wheelchair users can enjoy sightseeing.

 

Recommendations

The cave below the Rainbow Falls waterfall basin is said to be home to Hina, the moon goddess. The place has a mystical atmosphere, so it is no wonder that the Hawaiian mythological goddess is legendary.

There are also ponds around Rainbow Falls called "Pae Pae Falls" and "Boiling Pot," so a plan to explore these three places is recommended.

Boiling pots are so called because the water flowing into the pond appears to be bobbing and boiling due to the water flow.

There are also tropical fruit trees and large banyan trees native to the Rainbow Falls area, so visitors will be able to enjoy the forests of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Access

It is 15 minutes from Hilo International Airport by rental car or cab. It is a great place to visit if you are visiting the town of Hilo.

 

Akaka Falls

The waterfall has a drop of 134 meters and is located in Akaka Falls State Park.

This waterfall is also the name of a famous Hawaiian song, and is a place where visitors can observe the rainforest while touring the trekking trails.

The park is also home to the Kafka Falls, so visitors can enjoy two waterfalls in the park. There is a legend about Akaka Falls, which tells of the tragic love between a warrior called Akaka and his wife.

It is a popular tourist spot and is often included in tours.

 

Recommendations

Akaka State Park has an 800-meter trekking trail that circles the park; it can be explored in about 30 minutes, so it takes relatively little time to sightsee.

We will walk through the rainforest while observing ferns, hibiscus and other plants, and then visit Kafka Falls and Akaka Falls in turn.

Akaka Falls is a popular photo spot because rainbows often form over the falls.

Visitors will feel refreshed as they can feel the roar of the water falling into the basin and the clear air with their whole body.

Around the park, there is the town of Honom with its galleries and cafes, so be sure to stop by.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 30 minutes by rental car or cab.

 

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

The Punaluu Black Sand Beach, which has a beach so black that it is not often seen, is also called "Black Sand Beach.

Located in the Kau district of the Big Island of Hawaii, this beach is famous for its volcanic origins.

This beach is beautiful as a scenic spot, but it is also a popular place for sea turtles to appear. Turtle species such as green turtles and hawksbill turtles dry their shells on the beach.

At this location, the beach is not suitable for snorkeling or swimming due to the rocky, underwater freshwater springs and low water temperature.

 

Recommendations

Most of the beaches we see are white sand, so you would find it unusual to see pure black sand.

It is said that black sand is a compound formed when lava rocks are scraped by waves and become sand or when magma and water collide.

The contrast between the blue sky and black sand beaches is unique to the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii.

If sea turtles appear there, you can see even more impressive scenery, so please visit.
Marine shoes are also useful as the area has many rocky areas.

Be aware that there are lifeguards who will warn you if you get too close to sea turtles. If you wish to take a commemorative photo with a sea turtle, keep 2-3 meters away from the turtle.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 1 hour and 10 minutes by rental car or cab. From Kona International Airport, it is 1 hour and 50 minutes by rental car or cab.

 

hero

Hilo is the largest and most populous town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the center of politics and education, and is an important center of the island of Hawaii.

In the past, the town had a history of sugar cane fields and many Japanese immigrated to work there, and many Japanese Americans still live there.

In Hilo City, you will feel the connection to Japan with the Okazu Shop and Liliuokalani Park, which has a Japanese garden.

It is also famous as a place where many cultural and historical events are held. One example of an event is the world's largest hula festival, which attracts many tourists.

 

Recommendations

Studies on tsunamis have been conducted in Hilo, which has been hit by major tsunamis in the past.

There are many materials related to tsunamis, and there is also a "Tsunami Museum," so sightseeing to learn about the history of the area is also recommended.

Downtown Hilo also features century-old buildings with trendy galleries and restaurants.

You may choose Hilo as your base for sightseeing because of its proximity to the airport, where you can enjoy historical sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

We also recommend that you visit the sights where you can feel the relationship with Japan.

 

Access

It takes 8 minutes from Hilo International Airport to downtown Hilo by rental car or cab.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a popular sacred tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Located in the Hamakua district, it is called the Valley of the Kings, where the bones of royalty are buried in the cliffs.
Although the site was damaged by a large tsunami and flood, it is a mystical place where not a single person was killed, and is popular as a power spot.

The spectacular view from the observation deck and walks in the canyon are popular tourist attractions, and many people will visit on tours. Also, the weather here is changeable, so rain gear or a coat of clothing is a must.

Even if it rains, you can see a great rainbow after the rain, which makes for a wonderful sight. It is a historically important spot where visitors can enjoy both historical sightseeing and spectacular scenery.

 

Recommendations

The view from the Waipio Valley Lookout will be spectacular because of the spectacular oceanfront and canyon terrain.

It is said that visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere no matter how many times they visit, as the view differs depending on the weather.

The canyon can be explored by 4WD vehicle or on foot, but rental cars are not allowed in the canyon, so individual visitors will have to explore on foot.

Walking on foot is quite steep and difficult, even for experienced hikers, so it is best to visit on a tour. Horseback riding experiences are also available, allowing visitors to explore the sacred valley on horseback.

Also located deep in the valley are Hilawe Falls and Hakalave Falls, two of the largest twin waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii. These are sacred waterfalls with legends of the Big Island of Hawaii, so although the journey is long, it is worth the visit.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 1 hour and 10 minutes by rental car or cab. From Kona International Airport, it is 1 hour and 20 minutes by rental car or cab.

It would be an easily accessible tourist destination from either airport.

 

Model itineraries for travel to the Big Island of Hawaii

We have created a recommended model course for a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii to help you make the most of your trip.

It will be useful to make your own travel plans based on this one, as you can make various arrangements for sightseeing, shopping, dining, etc.

 

3 nights 5 days course ①.

On the day you arrive on Hawaii Island from Japan, you may want to rent a car and drive around or enjoy shopping and dining around your hotel.

It is recommended that you apply for a rental car from Japan to facilitate the process. For accommodations, you can choose a resort in the Waikoloa area for easy sightseeing.

On the second day, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site designated for volcano sightseeing. You can experience trekking and tours at this volcano where you can feel the mystery of the earth.

If you head to "Mauna Kea" in the middle of the night, you can experience stargazing and sunrise. Mauna Kea is home to observatories from around the world, so you can enjoy the star-filled sky and the sunrise over the sea of clouds.

If driving at night is stressful or you are not prepared with warm clothing, taking a tour is a good option.

On the third day, we will have a little late brunch and visit "Waipio Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view from the observation deck and a horseback riding experience, and enjoy the sacred scenery of the Big Island of Hawaii.

On the way back, you can stop by the nearby Parker Ranch to buy a unique souvenir about the paniolo (cowboy) culture and related topics.

There is also the Parker Ranch Center, where you can enjoy a good hamburger.

On the fourth day, we eat a delicious Hawaiian morning meal and get ready for our flight back to Japan at noon.

On the fifth day, you arrive in Japan.

 

4 nights 6 days course ①.

On Day 1, we will arrive on the Big Island of Hawaii, rent a car, and drive to the Waikoloa area.

Check in at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, where you will be staying.

Join us at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for an entertainment dinner show where you can experience a traditional "luau" beginning in the evening.

Hawaiian music, hula, and fire dancing can be enjoyed, and there is a Polynesian buffet.

On the second day, enjoy snorkeling and swimming at the beach, as there are many beautiful beaches in Waikoloa. The famous "Hapuna Beach" is a resort-like beach with good water quality.

In the afternoon after lunch, visit the "Punaluu Black Sand Beach" and tour the black sand beach.

If you are lucky, you can even see sea turtles on this beach, and there is a long-established bakery, Punaluu Bake Shop, nearby, perfect for an evening meal or snack.

On the third day, we will visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls for a light trekking. A forest bath in the tropical rainforest will refresh your body and mind.

In the afternoon, we will visit "Waipio Valley" to enjoy the spectacular view of the cliffs and canyon from the observation deck.

On the fourth day, since this is the last day you will be able to relax, you should spend the entire day sightseeing the volcanoes. We will enjoy the sights at the classic "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park".

In the evening, head to "Mauna Kea" for sunset and stargazing. Watch the sunset in the open and visit the visitor center at the base of Mauna Kea.

Even if you do not go to the top of the mountain, you can appreciate the beautiful starry sky from this place, which is recommended for those who are worried about altitude sickness.

On the fifth day, prepare to go home and buy souvenirs at souvenir stores.

And on the sixth day, you will arrive in Japan.

 

4 nights 6 days course (2)

On Day 1, upon arrival on the Big Island of Hawaii, we will rent a car and head to our accommodations in the Waikoloa area.

It is recommended that you finish shopping for souvenirs and other items on the first day so that you will not be in a hurry to buy them on the last day.

On the second day, we will experience snorkeling in the morning at "Kealakekua Bay" where the water is crystal clear.

You can sign up for boat snorkeling, where you can swim with dolphins and sea turtles for a fantastic experience.

At "Captain Cook" near Kealakekua Bay, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a spectacular view from its elevated location.

Drive your rental car to Kailua-Kona, where you can go shopping in the town of Kona and do some historical sightseeing at the "Hulihee Palace".

On the third day, you will visit the World Heritage Site of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for volcano sightseeing. We recommend taking a volcano hiking or lava bath tour so that you can selectively see the highlights of the park.

After enjoying the volcano, you can stop by the town of Hilo to explore the history of the Big Island of Hawaii at Liliuokalani Park, which has a Japanese garden, and the Tsunami Museum.

At night, head to "Mauna Kea" for stargazing.

On the fourth day, we will visit the sacred power spot Waipio Valley for spectacular views and the "Valley of the Kings" of Hawaiian royalty.

Some helicopter excursion plans also land at "Kaluahine Falls" in Waipio Valley, so you may want to use the tour to visit this location, which has been used as a movie location.

In the afternoon, why not visit Pololu Valley or Parker Ranch?

On the fifth day, we prepare early for our return trip home and slowly make our way to Hilo International Airport.

On the 6th day, you will arrive in Japan.

 

Activity experiences are also popular on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a wide variety of activities.

Snorkeling, kayaking, lava rock hiking, whale watching (in winter), helicopter excursions, cruising, fishing, horseback riding, and many other activities are available to make the destination more enjoyable.

Many activities are available in Japanese, so you will be able to participate with peace of mind. Activities are recommended to enjoy the ocean and mountains of the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest.

 

Three recommended tours of the Big Island of Hawaii

On the Big Island of Hawaii, take a tour for efficient sightseeing. Experienced local staff will be reassuring, so you can sightsee without getting lost even if you don't know the area well.

We have selected three of the best tours on the Big Island of Hawaii for you to consider for your trip.

 

Mauna Kea Stargazing & Island Sightseeing Tour

This tour takes you to the main sightseeing spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, and at night you can go stargazing at "Mauna Kea". This tour is perfect for those who want to save time as they can enjoy sightseeing on the Big Island in one day.

We will visit tourist attractions such as Aura's Cave, Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Statue of King Kamehameha the Great, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

You can also stop by Big Island Candy, Tex's Drive-In, and other snack spots to buy souvenirs.

At night, end the day by observing the star-filled sky at the base of Mauna Kea (2,100 meters above sea level).

 

Hawaii Island Spiritual Tours

This tour takes you to the energetic power spots of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The tour begins with a meditation at the "South Spot," the southernmost point in the U.S. This is the place to prepare your body and mind for a full day of touring the power spots.

We will visit Black Sand Beach, Kilauea Volcano, Hilo town, Akaka Falls, and Waipio Valley as power spots.

Tour guides will help you meditate and search for auras so you can have a mystical experience at a power spot.

 

Waipio Valley Off-Road Tour Waterfall Swimming!

This tour offers an exhilarating off-road experience in the Waipio Valley on a 4WD.

This popular tour takes you to the famous waterfalls of the Big Island of Hawaii, where you can enjoy a full day of waterfall swimming and tasting tropical fruits.

This tour includes Hiirawe Falls, Waipio Valley Observation Deck, Akaka Falls (waterfall swimming), and Tropical Fruit Farm, offering spectacular views and activities.

Waterfall basin swimming can be changed to kayaking, so if you want to kayak, please apply for it when you apply for the tour.

This is an active tour of the canyon and will be an adventurous experience.

 

summary

How was it? We introduced a model course for the Big Island of Hawaii.

What we have introduced is a basic model course, so we recommend that you use this article to plan your own model course.

There are many places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii, so please plan well and enjoy your trip.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.