Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island), United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to May, September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Beach, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Big Island Circle: Hawaiʻi's Volcanoes, Coast and Ranch Country

Q: How long is the Big Island Circle: Hawaiʻi's Volcanoes, Coast and Ranch Country route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

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The route · 7 stops

4 overnight bases · 3 stops on the way

Kailua-Kona

2 nights

The sunny west-coast hub and the start and finish of the loop. Take two nights to settle in: snorkel the calm Kona coast, tour a coffee farm in the hills above town, and book the after-dark manta ray snorkel. A short drive south reaches Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Kealakekua Bay.The sunny west-coast hub and the start and finish of the loop. Take two nights to settle in: snorkel the calm Kona coast, tour a coffee farm in the hills above town, and book the after-dark manta ray snorkel. A short drive south reaches Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Kealakekua Bay.

Recommendations

On the way

Punaluʻu and South Point
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The island's wild southern corner. Punaluʻu is the most accessible black-sand beach, where green sea turtles often bask onshore. Detour to Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the United States, and, with a 4WD or a short walk, the olive-green sand of Papakōlea. It breaks the drive to the volcano.Worth a stop on the drive: The island's wild southern corner. Punaluʻu is the most accessible black-sand beach, where green sea turtles often bask onshore. Detour to Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the United States, and, with a 4WD or a short walk, the olive-green sand of Papakōlea. It breaks the drive to the volcano.
Recommendations

On to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

2 nights

Hawaiʻi's headline sight and an active reminder of how the island was built. Base two nights in Volcano Village: the Kīlauea caldera and Halemaʻumaʻu overlook, the Nāhuku lava tube, the Kīlauea Iki crater-floor hike, and Chain of Craters Road down to the sea. After dark, check for the glow over the crater.Hawaiʻi's headline sight and an active reminder of how the island was built. Base two nights in Volcano Village: the Kīlauea caldera and Halemaʻumaʻu overlook, the Nāhuku lava tube, the Kīlauea Iki crater-floor hike, and Chain of Craters Road down to the sea. After dark, check for the glow over the crater.

Recommendations

On to Hilo

Hilo

2 nights

The lush, rainy heart of the windward coast, and a working Hawaiian town rather than a resort. Spend two nights here: Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Park and Coconut Island, the Saturday farmers market and downtown galleries. It is also the easiest base for an evening drive up Saddle Road to the Mauna Kea visitor station.The lush, rainy heart of the windward coast, and a working Hawaiian town rather than a resort. Spend two nights here: Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Park and Coconut Island, the Saturday farmers market and downtown galleries. It is also the easiest base for an evening drive up Saddle Road to the Mauna Kea visitor station.

Recommendations

On the way

Hāmākua Coast and Waipiʻo Valley
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The green, sea-cliff coast north of Hilo, threaded by an old sugar road. Stop at ʻAkaka Falls, a 442-foot cascade reached on a short rainforest loop, then continue to the Waipiʻo Valley overlook, the 'Valley of the Kings'. Old plantation towns such as Honokaʻa make a quiet stop on the coast road.Worth a stop on the drive: The green, sea-cliff coast north of Hilo, threaded by an old sugar road. Stop at ʻAkaka Falls, a 442-foot cascade reached on a short rainforest loop, then continue to the Waipiʻo Valley overlook, the 'Valley of the Kings'. Old plantation towns such as Honokaʻa make a quiet stop on the coast road.
Recommendations

On to Waimea

Waimea

1 night

Cool, green ranch country in the saddle between the island's big volcanoes, and home to Parker Ranch and Hawaiʻi's paniolo (cowboy) heritage. A relaxed one-night stop with the island's best upcountry dining. Day-trip north to Hawi and the Pololū Valley lookout before the loop closes back to Kona.Cool, green ranch country in the saddle between the island's big volcanoes, and home to Parker Ranch and Hawaiʻi's paniolo (cowboy) heritage. A relaxed one-night stop with the island's best upcountry dining. Day-trip north to Hawi and the Pololū Valley lookout before the loop closes back to Kona.

Recommendations

On the way

Kailua-Kona
Quick stop
Close the loop back on the Kona coast. The final leg drops from Waimea down the dry Kohala slope, with time for a last beach or a sunset before you fly out. Return the car at Kona airport, just north of town.Close the loop back on the Kona coast. The final leg drops from Waimea down the dry Kohala slope, with time for a last beach or a sunset before you fly out. Return the car at Kona airport, just north of town.
Recommendations

Big Island Circle: Hawaiʻi's Volcanoes, Coast and Ranch Country