9 days in Big Island Itinerary

One of the island of Hawaii's major towns, Hilo contains a mix of Asian and Polynesian cultures and is known for its proximity to a national park encompassing two active volcanoes.

Take a break from the city and head to Liliuokalani Gardens and Richardson Beach Park. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Laupahoehoe Beach Park and Reeds Bay Beach Park. And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Akaka Falls State Park, take in the exciting artwork at Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery, see the interesting displays at Hawaii Plantation Museum, and enjoy the sand and surf at Carlsmith Beach Park.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Hilo driving holiday planner.

Columbus to Hilo is an approximately 14-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 5 hours traveling from Columbus to Hilo. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Columbus in June since evenings lows in Hilo dip to 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) early enough to travel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes have played an important role in shaping the Earth, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shows visitors the process in action.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Sun): hike along Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail, take in the exciting artwork at Volcano Art Center Gallery, then hike along Kilauea Iki Trailhead, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Devastation Trail. Here are some ideas for day two: visit Kalapana, then take in the dramatic natural features at Holei Sea Arch, then don't miss a visit to Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Pu'u Huluhulu trail.

To find reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trip itinerary maker tool.

Explore your travel options from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with the Route module. In June, plan for daily highs up to 83°F, and evening lows to 69°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel to Kailua-Kona.

Thanks to its favorable location near a mountain range blocking the northeasterly trade winds, Kailua-Kona gets little rainfall, allowing adventure seekers and nature lovers a chance to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Kailua Pier. We've included these beaches for you: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Magic Sands. Get out of town with these interesting Kailua-Kona side-trips: Puukohola National Historic Park (in Kawaihae), Ackerman Galleries (in Kapaau) and Kealakekua Bay (in Captain Cook). There's still lots to do: fulfill a lifelong dream with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, take an in-depth tour of H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, identify plant and animal life at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, and kick back and relax at Kahaluu Beach.

To see traveler tips, reviews, maps, and tourist information, go to the Kailua-Kona online trip itinerary planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Kailua-Kona. June in Kailua-Kona sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 74°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can fly back home.