We took an amazing week-long trip to Hawaii's Big Island back in 2005. This island is huge—you could fit all the other Hawaiian islands inside it—and it's got every type of landscape you can imagine.

Getting Around

We rented a car and drove around the entire island. The Big Island is massive, and having our own car meant we could stop whenever we wanted. The drives between spots can be long, but the scenery makes it worth it.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Waikoloa Marriott on the Kohala Coast. The resort sits right on the beach with beautiful grounds. The west side location gave us easy access to beaches and both the northern and southern parts of the island.

Volcanoes National Park

We took a tour to explore Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea's summit area was fascinating, with numerous steam vents and craters. We walked through the Thurston Lava Tube, which felt like stepping into another world. Chain of Craters Road was another highlight—we drove it all the way down to where old lava flows meet the ocean. We also checked out the Devastation Trail and walked across the barren landscape created by past eruptions. The park is huge, and each section shows you something different about how volcanoes work and how they've shaped the island.

The Volcano hiking was one of our highlights. We hiked through recent lava flows and explored areas that erupted just a few years earlier. Walking across the hardened black lava while our guide explained how it all formed was surreal. You're literally standing on some of the youngest land on Earth. Wear good hiking shoes—the terrain is rough—but seeing the steam vents and understanding how the volcano shapes the island was an unforgettable experience.

Stargazing at Mauna Kea

The Mauna Kea Summit and Stars tour was incredible. We drove up to nearly 14,000 feet to watch the sunset from the summit. The sunset was stunning, with clouds rolling below us and the mountain's shadow stretching across the landscape. But the real magic was after dark. The stars were unbelievable—we saw the Milky Way so clearly. Our guide pointed out constellations and planets through telescopes. Bring warm clothes though—it gets cold up there, even in Hawaii.

Helicopter Tour

We splurged on the Big Island Helicopter Tour, and it was worth every penny. Flying over active lava flows, waterfalls, and the dramatic coastline showed us just how diverse this island is. We saw Kilauea volcano from above and hovered near waterfalls you can only reach by air. It's pricey, but the views are unbeatable.

Exploring Hilo

We spent a day in Hilo on the east side. It's completely different from the dry Kona coast—Hilo gets tons of rain, so everything is lush and green. We wandered through the farmers’ market, checked out Rainbow Falls, and explored the historic downtown.

Meeting Local Artisans

One of the more memorable experiences was meeting some native Hawaiians who were demonstrating traditional weaving. Watching them work with lauhala (pandanus leaves) and create baskets and mats was fascinating.

Other Spots We Hit

Ka Lae (South Point) was a cool stop—it's the southernmost point in the United States. The drive down there takes you through open ranch land, and then you're standing at the literal edge of the country. The cliffs are dramatic, the water is incredibly blue.

Waipio Valley up north is stunning—a deep valley with black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. The lookout point has incredible views.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is where we saw sea turtles basking on the black sand.

Hapuna Beach is gorgeous—white sand, clear water, perfect for swimming.

The Luau

Our resort hosted a luau one evening, so we went. The Marriott's luau had traditional Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and fire performances, plus the imu ceremony where they unearth the kalua pig that's been cooking underground all day. The food was a big spread of Hawaiian dishes.

Final Thoughts

The Big Island doesn't have the resort scene of Maui or the urban vibe of Oahu, and that's what makes it special. It's raw and dramatic—literally, given the active volcanoes. Between the lava fields, rainforests, beaches, and those starry skies, it felt like we visited five different islands in one trip.

Give yourself at least a week. The distances are bigger than you'd think, and there's so much to see.

Big Island (Hawaii) Trip: Volcanoes, Stars, and Everything In Between