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Big Island Hilo & Volcano Adventure Getaway

7 Days / 6 Nights | Rainforests, Lava Landscapes & Summit Stars

Raw nature in real time—this getaway plants you on Hawaiʻi Island’s wild east side, where waterfalls plunge into emerald gorges and molten history steams beneath your feet. Stay in laid‑back Hilo or a forested volcano lodge, then chase craters, stargaze atop 13,000‑foot Mauna Kea, and paddle calm bays—all with routes, permits, and insider tips handled for you.

Plan My Trip

Prices from $999.00 per person (not including airfare)**

What's Included

Round‑trip airfare to Hilo (ITO)
6 nights in a boutique Volcano lodge or Hilo B&B (your choice)
Rental car with unlimited miles (GPS routes provided)
Fully personalized daily itinerary + entry permits
GPS‑enabled directions for every route & activity
Dedicated Hawaiʻi‑based travel advisor support
Optional guided add‑ons for key excursions
All taxes, resort fees, and booking‑service fees included

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Akaka Falls Warm‑Up

Touch down in the greenest corner of Hawaiʻi and breathe rainforest air. After settling into your lodge, stretch your legs on a short stroll to thundering ʻAkaka Falls, then dine in Hilo town where local catch meets island produce.

Arrive Hilo Airport (ITO) & pick up rental car
Check‑in at Volcano lodge or Hilo B&B
Easy 0.4‑mile loop to ʻAkaka Falls lookout
Optional stop at Rainbow Falls on return
Dinner reservation in Hilo (advisor pre‑books)

Day 2 – Volcanoes National Park Immersion

Feel the earth breathe: steam vents hiss, lava tubes echo, and vast caldera floors invite gentle walks. Opt for a guided 4‑hour crater hike or follow our self‑drive audio tour at your own pace.

Early start for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Optional 4–5 hr guided crater‑trail hike
Stops: Kīlauea Iki, steam vents, Jaggar overlook
Visitor‑center exhibits & ranger chat
Picnic lunch with volcanic backdrop
Dinner suggestion in Volcano Village (farm‑to‑table)

Day 3 – Hamakua Coast Waterfall Quest

North of Hilo, every bend reveals a postcard: rainbow‑sprayed falls, cliff‑hugging hamlets, and orchid‑lined gardens. Wander the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden’s seaside boardwalk before lunch with a view.

Sunrise photo at Rainbow Falls
Scenic drive up Hamakua Coast
Walkthrough Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
ʻAkaka Falls revisit from alternate angle
Lunch at ocean‑view café
Honoli‘i Beach quick stop (surfer watch)

Day 4 – Leisure & Mauna Kea Summit Stargazing

Morning freedom: browse Hilo Farmers Market or nap beneath a mango tree. Late afternoon, ascend Mauna Kea above the clouds for sunset gold and a telescope tour through the Milky Way—cold‑weather parkas provided.

Free morning (advisor suggestions supplied)
Lunch at local spot (e.g., Hawaiian Style Café)
4×4 or guided shuttle up Mauna Kea
Summit sunset & stargazing program
Return to lodge around 10 p.m.

Day 5 – Kaʻū & Punaluʻu Black‑Sand Beach

Drive south to coal‑black sands where honu often nap. Detour to the U.S.’s southernmost point or sip award‑winning Kaʻū coffee en route. Lava‑tube exploration optional.

Drive to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Optional detour: South Point sea cliffs
Visit Punaluʻu Bake Shop (malasadas) & Kaʻū Coffee Mill
Picnic lunch or local café

Day 6 – Hilo Bay Water Day

Choose your craft—kayak, SUP, or snorkel—and glide across calm Hilo Bay or Richardson’s tide pools spotting colorful reef fish. Afternoon wander Liliʻuokalani Gardens’ arched bridges before a final island‑style feast.

Pre‑arranged gear rental or guided paddle
Optional Coconut Island jump‑off rock
Visit Liliʻuokalani Japanese Gardens
Farewell dinner reservation in Hilo town

Day 7 – A Hui Hou, Hilo

Savor last coconut pancakes, grab mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen, then roll through banyan‑lined Banyan Drive back to ITO—rain‑kissed memories packed alongside Kona coffee beans.