Hey everyone, get ready to dive into our Veterans Day adventure on the Big Island! We’re arriving in Kona, with most of us landing on a Friday at 1 PM and flying out the following Tuesday at 2 PM. One of our crew has a slightly different schedule, arriving Friday at 4 PM and departing Monday at 8 AM. We’re a bunch of hiking enthusiasts keen on some snorkeling, and we’re not afraid of early mornings. Our trip is packed, so let’s get right to it!
Friday: Kona Coast Exploration and Manta Rays
Our Big Island journey kicked off with a landing in Kona. After grabbing a quick lunch, we headed straight for the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. It was fascinating to walk around and soak in the history of this sacred site. We spent about two hours driving this first day, really easing into the island vibe. Later, we swung back to the airport to pick up our friend, and from there, it was a short drive to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. This spot was perfect for catching the sunset; the colors painted across the sky were absolutely breathtaking. As darkness fell, we grabbed dinner and then, with high anticipation, embarked on an evening manta ray snorkeling tour. This was an experience we had all been looking forward to, and it did not disappoint! The graceful giants gliding beneath us were an unforgettable sight. We decided to spend the night in Kona, which was a convenient base for our next early start.
Saturday: North Island Drive to Volcano Country
Our Saturday began before the sun even thought about rising. We were up and out, heading to Kahaluʻu Beach Park for a sunrise snorkel. The water was calm, and we saw so many colorful fish – a fantastic way to start the day. After drying off, we piled into the car for a scenic drive along the northern part of the island. This leg of the journey was about four and a half hours of driving, but the views made every minute worth it. We wanted to experience the lush greenery that contrasts so much with the lava fields, so we made sure to pass through areas like Kalopa. Our next stop was the majestic Akaka Falls State Park. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfall were incredible. Then, it was on to the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market, where we grabbed a delicious lunch, sampling some of the local produce. By late afternoon, we arrived at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. We immediately headed to the Kīlauea Iki Trail, marveling at the solidified lava lake, and explored a lava tube – it felt like stepping into another world. As evening approached, we drove along the old crater rim, hoping to catch a glimpse of lava and gaze at the stars. The park offered an incredible backdrop for both. We spent the night in a cozy place right in Volcano Village, ready for more volcanic adventures.
Sunday: Hilo’s Charms and Mauna Kea’s Majesty
Another early morning greeted us on Sunday. We drove to Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo for another sunrise snorkel. The distinct black sand beach and tide pools offered a different snorkeling experience, and we loved it. After our swim, we explored more of the Hilo area. Our first stop was the intriguing Kaumana Caves, a lava tube that we could walk into, a truly unique natural wonder. Then, we visited the beautiful Rainbow Falls, watching the mist create lovely arcs in the sunlight. We spent a bit more time soaking in the relaxed Hilo atmosphere, perhaps grabbing a snack or just enjoying the local life. The afternoon brought us to the majestic Mauna Kea. We drove up to the visitor information station for sunset and stargazing. The elevation jump is substantial, and while I wasn’t conditioned for a hike to the summit, the views from the visitor center were still absolutely spectacular, and the stars after dark were unlike anything I had ever seen. The clarity of the night sky at that altitude is truly humbling. We decided to spend another night in Volcano, allowing us to delve deeper into the national park on Monday morning.
Monday: South Point Excursion & Farewell
Monday started with another early wake-up in Volcano. We revisited Kīlauea for sunrise, making sure to hit any parts of the Chain of Craters Road we hadn’t explored on Saturday. The ever-changing landscape of the park truly warrants multiple visits. Our driving hours for this day were estimated at five and a half, given the significant ground we planned to cover. Our next destination was the famous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. The contrast of the black sand against the turquoise water was stunning, and we were even lucky enough to spot some sea turtles basking on the shore – always a highlight! From there, we ventured to South Point, the southernmost tip of the United States. The winds were strong, but the dramatic cliffs and azure waters were incredible. We then embarked on the hike to the Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea). This was a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike, and seeing the unique green sand was worth every step. If time had allowed, we would have explored the Kahuku area, known for its scenic trails. We then made a quick stop at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, also known as the Place of Refuge, another historically significant site that provided a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture. Our friend had an earlier flight, so we made our way back to Kona to drop them off at the airport. With a bit of extra time before sunset, we squeezed in another snorkel, cherishing our last opportunity to be in the warm ocean. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we had a backup plan for another manta ray snorkeling trip, just in case we hadn’t gotten enough of those magnificent creatures. We spent our final night in Kona, preparing for our departure.
Tuesday: Kona Coffee and Departure
Our final morning on the Big Island began with a sunrise and, you guessed it, another snorkel somewhere near Kona. We couldn’t get enough of the vibrant underwater world! We estimated about an hour of driving for our last day. If time permitted, we had hoped to hike the Makalawena or ʻŪlei Point Trail, known for its beauty. However, our main goal for the morning was a Kona coffee tour. We chose Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, learning about the coffee-making process from bean to cup and, of course, sampling some of the delicious brews. It was a perfect way to experience a different side of the island’s culture. After soaking in our last moments, it was time to head to the airport for our flight out, our minds filled with incredible memories of volcanoes, waterfalls, and underwater encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most challenging part of planning this trip?
The most challenging part was making sure we allotted enough time for driving between destinations. The Big Island is, well, big, and distances can be deceiving. We really had to be realistic about how much we could fit into each day while still enjoying the experience.
How did you manage to get so much hiking and snorkeling in?
Our secret was waking up before sunrise every single day. Seriously, those early mornings allowed us to beat the crowds, catch beautiful natural light, and maximize our time for activities. We weren’t interested in lounging around, so every hour was dedicated to exploring.
Any tips for planning a trip with different arrival and departure times for friends?
Communication is key! We used a shared document to outline everyone’s flights and planned activities. We also designated specific times for airport drop-offs and pickups and tried to group activities geographically to minimize inconvenience for the person with the different schedule.
What manta ray snorkeling tour did you use?
While we explored several options, we found that many local operators offer excellent manta ray snorkeling experiences. We looked for companies with good safety records and positive reviews regarding their respect for marine life. It’s best to research and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Was it worth staying in Volcano Village?
Absolutely! Staying in Volcano Village was fantastic. It allowed us to be right at the doorstep of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which meant we could easily access the trails and viewing areas for sunrise and sunset without a long drive. It really enhanced our experience of the park.
References
National Park Service. (n.d.). Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
Hawaiʻi State Parks. (n.d.). Akaka Falls State Park.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaiʻi County. (n.d.). Kaumana Caves.
Hawaiʻi State Parks. (n.d.). Rainbow Falls.
University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy. (n.d.). Maunakea Observatories.
Hawaiʻi Guide. (n.d.). Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. (n.d.). Official Website.
Ready for Your Own Big Island Adventure?
Our Veterans Day trip to the Big Island was an exhilarating whirlwind of natural wonders, cultural insights, and unforgettable adventures. From the fiery heart of a volcano to the tranquil depths of the ocean, every moment was packed with discovery. If our journey has sparked a desire in you to explore this incredible island, don’t wait! Start planning your own Big Island escape today. Embrace the early mornings, chase the sunsets, and dive into the unique experiences that await. Your adventure of a lifetime is just a booking away!
