8-Day Hawaii Itinerary – Big Island to Oahu (Days 1-4)
Planning a trip to Hawaii and not sure how to split your time between islands? This 8-day Hawaii itinerary covers the Big Island and Oahu with a perfectly balanced route that includes volcanoes, black sand beaches, scenic drives, hikes, and iconic island experiences. It’s designed specifically for first-time visitors who want to see the best of Hawaii without rushing.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day plan for Days 1–4 of your Hawaii trip, focusing on the Big Island and the transition to Oahu. This itinerary includes driving routes, must-see attractions, realistic timing, and practical travel tips to help you plan efficiently and avoid common mistakes.
Day 1: Big Island – Kona Arrival & Scenic Drive
We landed at Kona International Airport in the afternoon and picked up our rental car to begin our Big Island road trip. Day 1 was kept intentionally light, giving us time to adjust after travel while still enjoying the island’s scenery. The 2 hour drive toward Volcano Inn was an experience in itself!
As the sun began to set, the landscape changed yet again, with soft mist rolling in and the sky glowing in shades of orange and pink. It was the kind of drive that makes you want to pull over just to take it all in.
Check-In & Dinner at Volcano Inn
By evening, we arrived at Volcano Inn, a quiet and cozy spot surrounded by greenery and just minutes from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The warm welcome and peaceful setting made it the perfect place to unwind after a travel day. One of the best parts of staying here was the homemade breakfast the next morning! Fresh banana bread and papaya boats prepared by the owner, a simple but memorable touch.
Day 2: Explore Volcanoes National Park – Best Hikes & Views
Day 2 is all about Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of the Big Island’s most incredible natural attractions. This park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, short scenic hikes, lookout points, and some truly unforgettable stops along Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road.
Volcanoes National Park Highlights:
Volcano National Park Sign:
Snap a photo at the entrance to this world-renowned park, where you’ll begin your adventure.
Halema‘uma‘u Crater Overlook:
The Halema‘uma‘u Crater Overlook is one of the park’s most iconic stops, offering striking views into the vast Kīlauea Caldera. On clear days you can see steam rising from deep inside the crater, and at night the glow is unforgettable if conditions allow.
The contrast of the barren, scorched landscape against the vibrant greenery surrounding the area is nothing short of stunning. If you’re lucky enough to visit at night, the glowing red lava deep within the crater creates an unforgettable spectacle that lights up the dark sky. Depending on current conditions, you might see steam or glow at dusk from the crater. Always check park alerts before your visit. This is truly a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamic forces that continue to shape the island.
Sulphur Banks – Geothermal Steam Trails:
Although the sulfur vents were closed during our visit in December, the Sulphur Banks are a fascinating geothermal site. The ground here releases sulfuric gases, creating a unique, almost mystical atmosphere. This area is named for the sulfuric smell in the air, and it’s a testament to the island’s volcanic activity.
Volcano House:
A historic hotel offering incredible views of Kīlauea Caldera, the Volcano House is an excellent place to stop and take in the scenery. You can also grab a bite to eat while overlooking the active crater.
Kīlauea Iki Crater Hike:
This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop takes you across the Kīlauea Iki Crater, where you’ll walk on a hardened lava surface, surrounded by lush rainforest. As one of the most active volcanoes in the world, this hike offers a truly unique experience. You can also visit Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), an illuminated cave-like tunnel that was formed by molten lava.
Chain of Craters Road:
Drive along this scenic route, taking in the spectacular vistas and stopping at lookouts like Luamanu Crater, Pauahi Crater, Mauna Ulu Lookout, and the Holai Sea Arch.
Hōlei Sea Arch:
At the end of Chain of Craters Road, take a short walk to see the impressive Hōlei Sea Arch. This striking natural formation, standing 90 feet tall, is a beautiful reminder of the power of volcanic forces that shape the island.
Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach:
The black sand at this beach, formed from volcanic lava, was soft and warm underfoot. We spent some time relaxing, watching green sea turtles bask in the sun, and listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
Punaluʻu Bake Shop:
Stop by this charming bakery, the southernmost in the United States, for their famous malasadas—delicious, freshly fried Portuguese donuts. It’s the perfect snack to fuel your next adventure.
Day 3: Kona Coffee Tour + Beach Time + Fly to Oahu
Day 3 is a relaxed transition day, giving you time to enjoy the Kona side of the Big Island before flying to Oahu. It’s perfect for a Kona coffee stop, a final beach visit, and a smooth inter-island flight without feeling rushed.
Breakfast at Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
We kicked off the morning at Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar, right by the beach in Kona. Their macadamia nut pancakes were light, fluffy, and full of local flavor — the perfect start to a day of exploring before our flight.
The relaxed ocean views and local breakfast classics make this café a great first stop if you’re on the Big Island for only a short time.
Greenwell Kona Coffee Farm Tour:
Next, we visited the Greenwell Kona Coffee Farm Tour, nestled in the heart of Kona’s prime coffee region. The free hour-long tour walked us through the plantation, from seed to cup with passionate guides explaining how Kona coffee goes from bean to brew.
Tasting a fresh cup right at the farm — smooth, aromatic, and impossible to forget — was easily one of the highlights of the morning.
We learned about every step of the coffee-making process. From planting and harvesting to roasting the perfect beans, the guides covered it all. Their passion shone through as they shared fascinating insights into the history of Kona coffee and the farm’s legacy. The tour was both informative and enjoyable.
Magic Sands Beach & Kohanaiki Beach Park:
After the coffee tour, we squeezed in some beach time to relax before our afternoon flight. The turquoise waters were perfect for a swim, and we spent some time lounging in the sun, soaking in the laid-back vibe of Kona.
If Magic Sands Beach feels crowded, head to Kohanaiki Beach Park, also known as Pine Tree Surfing Beach. This less-visited spot is perfect for watching surfers or simply relaxing by the shore. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a great place to soak up the sun.
When it’s time to head to the airport, give yourself plenty of buffer. Kona is relaxed but rental return and security can take longer than expected. Flights from Kona to Honolulu are short (about 45 minutes), so it’s an easy transition between islands.
Flight to Oahu:
We caught our flight to Honolulu and landed ready for new adventures in Oahu. After touching down, we grabbed dinner at Big Kahuna’s Pizza — a relaxed, hearty meal that hit the spot. Then it was off to Prince Waikiki for the evening, where the ocean views and chic atmosphere were the perfect start to our Oahu stay.
Bonus Day Idea: Snorkeling with Manta Rays & Mauna Kea Hike
If you have an additional day on the Big Island, there are two unforgettable experiences that are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Day 4: Oahu Adventures – Diamond Head Hike & Pearl Harbor
Day 4 is all about two of Oahu’s must-see highlights: the iconic Diamond Head Hike and the historic Pearl Harbor. This combination gives you adventure, scenic views, and a dose of history, making it a well-rounded day on the island.
Diamond Head Hike:
We woke up early to hike Diamond Head, Oahu’s iconic volcanic crater overlooking Honolulu. This moderately challenging 2-hour hike is one of Oahu’s most famous activities, and for good reason. The trail winds its way up the crater, offering a rewarding journey with panoramic views that span Waikiki Beach, the city’s skyline, and the vast Pacific Ocean. Reaching the summit just as the sun began to rise was absolutely breathtaking. With the golden hues casting a magical glow over the landscape. Getting there early not only ensured we avoided the crowds but also allowed us to experience the beauty of the sunrise in peace.
Breakfast at Sunrise Shack:
After the hike, treat yourself to a delicious acai bowl at Sunrise Shack, located just a short drive from Diamond Head. This popular spot serves acai bowls topped with tropical fruit, granola, and macadamia nut butter. Perfect for a healthy and refreshing post-hike meal.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial:
Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was a profoundly moving experience. The serenity of the waters, combined with the powerful history of the site, left a lasting impact on us. We spent time exploring the exhibits, which provided deep insight into the attack on Pearl Harbor and the resilience of those who lived through it.
Lunch in Chinatown & Dinner at Marugame Udon:
For lunch, we explored Honolulu’s vibrant Chinatown. It’s a bustling area filled with lively markets and authentic eateries. We enjoyed a taste of both local and international flavors. Later, we headed to Marugame Udon at the Honolulu International Market Place for dinner. Known for its freshly made udon noodles, the restaurant serves these noodles with a variety of flavorful broths and toppings. While the line at Marugame Udon was long, it moved surprisingly fast, and the wait was well worth it. The fresh, handmade noodles paired with rich, savory broths made for a comforting and satisfying end to the day.
Ready to continue the adventure?
Head over to Part 2: Oahu Adventures (Days 5-8) to discover the best of Oahu, from Kualoa Ranch to the North Shore!
