It's a big island, there's lots to see and do for a Hawaii first timer. It has the most variety of landscapes, great hidden beaches, and a laid back vibe.

Hawaii, USA

Hawaii, the BIG Island, for first timers

This guide comprises different topics such as:
• Restaurant recommendations
• Hotel recommendations
• Most spectacular hiking trails
• Snorkel spots
• Must-Do activities
• Manta ray snorkeling 
• 5-day example itinerary


Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Oʻahu, Hawaii, USA

A Full Big Island (Hawaii) Guide

Explore this map, I made as the ultimate Hawaii guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information. 

I see all my Guide Maps as perpetual works in progress and will do my best to add to and update them as my knowledge expands.

Use my Klook promo: ACKUGARTE for 10% off for new users and 3% off for returning users.

Honolulu, HI, USA

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Hilo, HI, USA

Kona, HI, USA

Hawaii Ultimate Guide Map +275 Places

Visiting the Big Island on your next trip to Hawai'i? Kona is a stunning but more rustic than other islands and is beautiful island. Flights between islands are super cheap which makes it easy to island hop which we TOTALLY advise. 

This board includes how to find the best places to stay, how to plan your trip flow, along with STAY, EAT and EXPLORE recommendations.

Kona, HI Weekender

Aloha! Let’s discover the Big Island, Hawaii! 

This island is perfect for exploring off the beaten path and discovering the some of the best of what Hawaii has to offer. 

In this guide I feature the best places to stay, eat and play.

The Big island has endless outdoor activities & adventures and is waiting to be discovered! 🌴

The Best of the Big Island | Hawaii 

⏳ Duration: 5 Days
🎒 Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers & hiking enthusiasts
🥾 Difficulty: Mix of easy walks & longer hikes
📍 Covers: Volcanic craters, lava tubes, green & black sand beaches, waterfalls, coastal cliffs, ancient Hawaiian history, and breathtaking summit views


🔥 Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll see active volcanic landscapes, steam vents, and lava tubes.

🏝️ Hike to hidden beaches, including the green sands of Papakōlea and the secluded white sands of Makalawena.

🏔️ Summit Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak, and watch an unforgettable sunset above the clouds.

🌊 Visit dramatic coastal valleys, like Waipi‘o and Pololū, with lush rainforests and black sand beaches.

🪨 Discover ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs and sacred historical sites along your journey.

📍 Tip: This itinerary is fast-paced and packed with adventure—start early each day, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water! 🚗🥾🔥

Historic Puna Trailhead, Beach Road, Keaau, HI, USA

Puna Trail, Hilo, HI, USA

Makalawena Beach, Hawaii 19, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA

🏔️ The Ultimate Hiking Itinerary for Big Island – 5 Days of Adventure!

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

How to get there:
✅ 🚶‍♂️ Hiking – 5 km (3 miles) from the parking lot along a dusty, rough trail. No shade at all! 🌞
✅ 🚙 Local shuttle ride – $20 per person round trip.

Downsides: Vehicles are in poor condition, the ride is extremely bumpy, and you may have limited time at the beach depending on the driver.

Experience: The ride is on an open truck bed, with little to no safety features. Not for the faint-hearted!

⚠ Important:

The final descent to the beach requires climbing down metal stairs attached to the cliff.
Not recommended for those with balance or knee issues.

1 of only 4 in the world, this green sand beach provides hiking trails, scenic bay views & swimming.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

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About Papakōlea Green Sand Beach