Day 1: Kona — Pu’uhonua O H?naunau — South Point (Ka Lae) — Punalu'u Beach — Hilo
Departing from Kona by van, it’s off to Pu’uhonua O H?naunau National Historical Park to explore a Polynesian refugee village perched on dark lava cliffs. Continue along the Big Island’s west side to South Point, where you’ll embark on a 4.5-mile (7-km) round-trip hike to Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach), one of the few beaches of its kind in the world where the sand is a rare greenish hue.
Watch for endangered green sea turtles basking on the black sand at Punalu'u Beach Park, and at dusk, set foot on an optional hike along stark lava flows. Please note: If the lava is flowing outside the park an additional guide service must be used which may incur additional fees (starting at $100 USD per passenger). Therefore the hike at the end of the first day is considered optional.
Drive to Hilo on the island’s west side and arrive at your hotel in the evening.
Overnight: 3-star Hotel Hilo Hawaiian or similar in Hilo
Day 2: Hilo — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Mauna Kea — Kona
On your second day, venture to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness a display of more than 70 million years of volcanic activity. Hit a hiking trail through the dramatic volcanic landscape past massive craters, sulfurous smoke vents, and rare flora and fauna. Visit the Kilauea Iki Crater and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a 500-year-old lava cave.
In the evening, head to the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii. Here sits one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation, the Mauna Kea Observatory, where you can peek through telescopes at the immense night sky.
Head back to Kona at night to conclude your 2-day Big Island tour.
