Let's Go Hawaii Travel Planner - Kona + Hilo & Hamakua Coast Itinerary

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You are here: Big Island > Travel Planner > Itineraries > Kona + Hamakua

Travel Itinerary:
Kona + Hilo in 2 Days

Kua Bay Beach, Kohala Coast

Day 1 takes you north to Kua Bay Beach Park, one of the prettiest on the island, and Hapuna Beach State Park, known as one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Then your drive takes you through the town of Waimea and to the Hilo area attractions. Day 2 takes you north of Hilo to all the attractions of the scenic Hamakua Coast and then eventually back to Kona.

Kona / Kohala Coast (day 1)
Event Time	Elapsed Time	Activity Description
START	0:00	Depart area hotel
0:30	0:30	Pick up plate lunch or sandwich to-go
0:45	1:15	Drive north to Kua Bay Beach Park
2:00	3:15	Spend time swimming, sunbathing, relaxing at Kua Bay
0:15	3:30	Continue north to Hapuna Beach State Park.
2:00	5:30	Spend time swimming, sunbathing, relaxing at the famous Hapuna Beach
0:30	6:00	Drive east up the mountain to Waimea town
1:30	7:30	Continue east to Hilo town
0:30	8:00	Drive to Rainbow Falls State Park at the edge of Hilo town and view the falls
0:30	9:00	Drive down scenic Banyan Drive and see Queen Liliuokalani Gardens
		Check into Hilo area hotel

Hilo / Hamakua Coast to Kona (day 2)
Event Time	Elapsed Time	Activity Description
START	0:00	Depart Hilo area hotel
0:30	0:30	Pick up plate lunch or sandwich to-go
0:30	1:00	Drive north to scenic drive detour at Onomea Bay along the Hamakua Coast
2:45	3:45	Visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens and Onomea Bay Trail
0:30	4:15	Stop at "What's Shakin" Smoothee stand near the Botanical Gardens for refreshments
0:30	4:45	Continue north to Akaka Falls State Park
0:45	5:30	Hike short trail-loop and view Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls
0:30	6:00	Continue driving north to the Waipio Valley Overlook
0:30	6:30	Enjoy the view from the overlook
0:30	7:00	Continue up the mountain to Waimea
1:00	8:00	Drive from Waimea, descending down to Kona

For more help in planning your trip, check out our articles below:

Travel Planning Articles
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Vacations for Families Best family beaches, activities for youngsters, infants, teens	Big Island Transportation How to get there, plan your driving
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Sample Travel Itineraries Suggested itineraries, 1-2 day, 1 week	Top 5 Attractions (You Might Miss) You'll never hear about these...
Island Activities Guide Guide to the activities & tours	Packing for your Trip Big Island scenery & weather is diverse
Tips for Traveling with Kids Packing and flying with kids	Big Island Wedding Planner How to plan your wedding in Hawaii
Island Hopping Visit more than one Hawaiian island

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Where to Stay Three different parts of the island to stay - which is best?	Bargain or 5 Star Hotel Stay at a resort or a bargain hotel
Vacation Rentals Big Island Vacation rentals are a deal	Discount Big Island Hotels Check out the latest rates

Shopping in Hawaii
Big Island Shopping Guide Guide to the shopping destinations	Hawaii Souvenirs The best souvenirs to buy in Hawaii

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Gear for your Trip Get outfitted with the right gear	GPS Points of Interest (POI) GPS Coordinates for Points of Interest

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