Hawaii: Oahu & Big Island Itinerary
Action filled 9-day Hawaiian vacation
Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an underwater world teeming with marine life—Hawaii is a snorkeler’s paradise, and my 10-day adventure through Oahu and the Big Island was all about exploring it without breaking the bank. From the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, where colorful fish dart through the reefs, to the thrilling currents of Electric Beach, Oahu offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Beyond the water, I hiked through lush rainforests, chased waterfalls, and explored volcanic landscapes—all while keeping my budget in check.
If you want to see my full detailed budget and how much we spent on this trip, see my “Hawaii Trip Budget” page. I recorded every purchase (down to the penny and sales tax!), so you can use it to budget for your own Hawaii trip, and figure out what you have room in your budget to add in addition, or what to take out of this itinerary to make it fit your budget
Day 1 – Arrival in Honolulu
Our flight landed in Honolulu at 8 PM, so our first evening was all about getting settled in for the adventures ahead.
Rental Car Pickup: After grabbing our bags, we picked up our rental car—essential for exploring Oahu at our own pace.
Walmart Stop: Before heading to our Airbnb, we made a quick stop at Walmart to pick up reef-safe sunscreen and breakfast essentials for the whole week. Since we aren’t big breakfast people, we grabbed coffee, cereal, milk, bananas, and berries—our usual go-to. This saved us both time and money, allowing us to splurge more on lunches and dinners while maximizing our early morning starts.
Check-In & Rest: With groceries in hand, we checked into our Airbnb, unpacked, and called it a night for an early start the next morning.
Day 2 – Exploring Honolulu
Stop 1: Diamond Head Hike (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
We booked the earliest entry time available to beat the heat and the crowds, though the trail was still fairly busy. The steep but short hike rewarded us with stunning panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean—well worth the effort! Keep in mind that reservations are needed and they fill up fast. The round trip hike took around 2 hours and included us sitting up at the top for a while taking in all the views and taking some pictures.
Trail: 1.6 miles round trip, moderate incline with stairs at the end.
Views: Stunning panoramic views of Waikiki & the Pacific Ocean.
Stop 2: International Marketplace & Aloha Tower Walkthrough (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~15 min
After diamond head, drove around 15 mins and re-parked our car closer to the international marketplace and Waikiki beach entrance areas. We then wandered through the International Marketplace, soaking in the atmosphere and checking out the shops. Then, we took a quick stroll through the Aloha Tower & Marketplace—while we didn’t buy anything, it was still a fun to window shop. Aloha Tower is more of a quick stop, more of a historic landmark than a shopping destination.
Stop 3: STIX ASIA Food Hall (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
Post-hike and Marketplace walk through, we were starving, so we headed to STIX ASIA Food Hall for a variety of options and close to where we already were. This was perfect since my fiancé and I love trying new foods, while my parents are a bit pickier—everyone got exactly what they wanted! In the food hall I got three different things pickled plum onigiri, seasoned kelp onigiri, and pork miso soup at Nanamusubi, and my family got various other items form other locations.
Stop 4: Waikiki Beach & Liliha Bakery Treats (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Walk Time: ~15 min from the food hall
We came prepared with swimsuits, towels, and goggles in the car, so after shopping, we changed and spent the afternoon at Waikiki Beach. The crystal-clear water was perfect for swimming and relaxing. On our way, we stopped at Liliha Bakery Waikiki and tried their famous Coco Puffs —and WOW, they were absolutely to die for!
Stop 5: Dinner at Marugame Udon (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Walk Time: ~15 min from the beach
After a full day of exploring, we were craving noodles, so we headed to Marugame Udon, that we had passed on the way to the beach. The fresh, hand-pulled udon noodles hit the spot and was a budget-friendly, delicious way to end the day.
Stop 6: Headed back to the Airbnb
After dinner we headed back to the Airbnb and watched the sun set. We had other plans of walking around the city, but jet lag had set in an we crawled our way back to the Airbnb.
Day 3 – Waterfall Hikes and Electric Beach Snorkeling
Stop 1: Manoa Falls Hike (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
Drive: ~15 minutes from Waikiki
We kicked off our morning with a hike to the stunning Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we were greeted by a group of chickens roaming around—an unexpected but very Hawaiian welcome!
Parking Tip: The lot is small and fills up fast, so arriving early is key. There’s also a parking fee (cash or card).
Trail Details: The 1.7-mile trail starts off deceptively easy on a paved walkway, but don’t let that fool you! As you get closer to the falls, the path gets steeper, muddier, and more uneven. The entire hike felt like we had stepped into Jurassic Park, surrounded by towering bamboo, ferns, and dripping vines.
Hiking Tips:
Wear sturdy shoes—we saw people attempting the muddy incline in flip-flops (spoiler: they slipped).
Bring bug spray! The mosquitoes were relentless in the shaded forest.
Go early for a quieter, more magical experience.
When we finally reached the falls, it was breathtaking—the water cascades down a sheer rock face, surrounded by dense greenery. While swimming is not allowed, it’s a picture-perfect spot to soak in the scenery before heading back down.
Stop 2: Punchbowl Crater (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Drive: ~15 to 20 mins from Manoa Falls
A quick detour brought us to Punchbowl Crater, a historic cemetery honoring fallen U.S. soldiers. Set within an ancient volcanic crater, the site is both beautiful and solemn, with peaceful walking paths and panoramic views of Honolulu from the top. If you love history or just want a quiet, reflective stop, this is a great place to pay your respects while admiring the beauty of the island.
Stop 3: Lunch at Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Drive: 10 minutes.
Time for some authentic Hawaiian comfort food! Helena’s is a James Beard Award-winning hole-in-the-wall that serves up local favorites in a casual setting.
What We Ordered:
Kalua Pig – Slow-roasted, smoky, and tender.
Pipikaula Short Ribs – A must-try! Like Hawaiian-style beef jerky, but incredibly juicy.
Laulau – Pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection.
Lomi Salmon – A refreshing tomato and salmon salad.
Poi – A traditional, slightly sour taro paste (an acquired taste, but worth trying!).
Tip: It’s cash-only, so bring some bills!
Stop 4: Snorkeling at Electric Beach (1:30 PM - 3:45 PM)
Drive: 35–40 minutes to West Oahu.
At lunch, a local recommended for great snorkeling we go to Electric Beach. So we changed our plans from a beach day at Kalama Beach Park to Electric beach. She did warn us the currents are strong and it was only for strong swimmers, us being from Florida and avid snorkelers we decided to go for it! And wow—it turned out to be one of the BEST snorkel spots of our trip!
We saw Hawaiian monk seals (!!), many sea turtles, thousands of fish and lots of coral!
Important: This spot is only for strong swimmers. You have to swim through a narrow channel with waves, which can be intimidating. My fiancé and I went out, but my parents decided to stay in the shallower areas and relax on the beach instead.
Snorkeling Tips:
Only go if you're a confident swimmer—there are no lifeguards. My fiancé and I swam out, but my parents stayed near shore since they weren’t comfortable with the waves.
Bring fins to help navigate the current.
Stop 5: Back to Airbnb to Shower & Change (4:15 PM - 6:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~40 minutes back to Waikiki
We headed back to our Airbnb to shower, change, and relax before dinner.
Stop 6: Dinner & Evening Stroll on Kalakaua Avenue (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
Kalakaua Avenue is the main strip of Waikiki, lined with palm trees, high-end shops, street performers, and ocean views. We decided to walk from our hotel down Kalakaua Avenue window shopping, watching the sun set, and wander to find a dinner spot that looked good—and ended up at Monkeypod Kitchen.
Monkeypod Kitchen is a casual but upscale Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Our favorites were the Mai Tais with liliko‘i foam, fresh fish, and the truffle fries.
Stop 7: Dessert at Lahaina Shave Ice (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
We passed the Lahaina Shave Ice shop on our walk back to our Airbnb and we couldn’t say no. We go two different desserts to split with the four of us and both were amazing! Of the two we tried (Coconut and Matcha) we all four thought the coconut was the best!
Day 4: Exploring East Oahu – Snorkeling, Scenic Views & A Garden Dinner
Stop 1: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Drive Time: ~40 minutes from Honolulu (we drove there during rush hour)
Our third day in Oahu started early with an 8 AM snorkeling reservation at Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park. This iconic snorkeling spot is known for its crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Thankfully, we had made reservations in advance, as entry is limited to preserve the ecosystem. The bay itself was stunning, a curved paradise framed by volcanic cliffs, but the early morning wake-up call was worth it for the best visibility and fewer crowds in the water. We saw hundreds of species of fish and coral throughout the park. It also was a perfect blend of clear waters, vibrant wildlife, and calm conditions for both of my parents to calmly snorkel the whole park. This was a magical snorkeling experience for all four of us and I would 100% do it again when we go back! This activity is a must do!
Tips for Visiting Hanauma Bay
Reservations Required & Fill Up Fast – You must make a reservation in advance at Hanauma Bay’s official website. Slots fill up quickly, sometimes within minutes of opening, so plan ahead. Reservations open two days in advance at 7 AM HST, so set a reminder!
Arrive Early for Parking – Even if you have a reservation, parking is limited and fills up fast. The lot can close by mid-morning, so getting an early time slot (like 7-8 AM) is ideal to secure a spot and enjoy calmer, clearer water before the crowds arrive.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only – Hanauma Bay is a protected marine area, meaning traditional sunscreens with harmful chemicals are not allowed. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (zinc- or mineral-based) to help protect the delicate coral ecosystem.
Respect the Wildlife & Leave No Trace – This is a no-touch, no-feed zone for marine life. Avoid stepping on coral, take all your trash with you, and be mindful of the fragile ecosystem to keep Hanauma Bay beautiful for future visitors.
Stop 2: Lunch at Paradise Poke Hawaii (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Drive time: 5 mins from Hanauma bay
An excellent staple of Hawaii is the fresh poke! This was a great affordable lunch stop we saw on the way to the Bay in the morning and had to circle back to try it,
Stop 3: Makapu’u Tide Pools and Lighthouse Trail (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)
Drive time: 15 minutes
After snorkeling, we hit the road for a self-guided drive along the breathtaking East Oahu coastline. Our first stop was the Makapu’u Tide Pools and Lighthouse Trail. The lighthouse trail was a moderate hike with rewarding panoramic views of the Pacific, and from the lookout, we could see Rabbit Island in the distance. We also ventured down to the tide pools—though getting there required some careful climbing, the crystal-clear pools made it worth the effort. You could see tons of little fish and crabs int he tidepools!
Stop 4: Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline (2:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
Drive time: 5 minutes + plus stopping to look at views
From there, we took in the scenery along the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline, making spontaneous stops to admire the rugged coastline and endless ocean views.
Stop 5: Koko Crater Botanical Garden (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Drive time: 10 minutes
Next on the list was a potential visit to Koko Crater Botanical Garden. This hidden gem is nestled inside the crater of an extinct volcano, featuring unique plants and an impressive plumeria grove.
Stop 6: Halona Blowhole and “From Here to Eternity” Beach (4:15 PM - 4:30 PM)
Drive time: 10 minutes
We continued along the coast to the Halona Blowhole and “From Here to Eternity” Beach. The blowhole put on a show as waves crashed into the lava rock, sending water high into the air. Just nearby, the small, secluded beach made famous by the classic movie. We did not go down to the beach, but were able to get a birds eye view from the cliff.
Stop 7: Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens (5:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
Drive time: 35 minutes
For dinner, we headed to Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe. Since they don’t take reservations, we arrived at around 5:00 PM to put our names in. While we waited, we explored the lush botanical gardens behind the restaurant, which felt like stepping into a tropical paradise, complete with towering mountains, koi ponds, and dense greenery. When our table was ready, we enjoyed a meal with an incredible sunset backdrop—definitely one of the most scenic dining experiences of the trip. The food was also next level.
Final drive back to Honolulu: 40 minutes
Day 5: Exploring North Shore – Hiking, waterfalls & cliff jumping
Stop 1: Green World Coffee Farm (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
Drive time: Around 1 hour from Honolulu
After about an hour’s drive, we arrived at Green World Coffee Farm, a charming local spot with free coffee samples and a cozy atmosphere. We wandered through the small coffee orchard, sipped on rich Hawaiian roasts, and grabbed a bag of their signature blend to take home. We also found a crested day gecko that was super friendly and jumped on us (see the pic below!).
Stop 2: Dole Plantation (9:45 AM - 10:30 AM)
Drive time: Around 15 mins
Next up, we drove 15 minutes to the Dole Plantation, where we indulged in a refreshing Dole Whip—because pineapple soft serve at 9 AM is totally acceptable on vacation. We also couldn’t resist snagging some candied pineapple to snack on later. While we skipped the maze and train tour, but the gift shop was fun to browse.
Stop 3: Waimea Valley and Falls (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Drive time: Around 20 mins
A short 20-minute drive brought us to the lush Waimea Valley, where we took a leisurely hike through a botanical garden. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail led us to the stunning Waimea Falls, where we cooled off with a quick swim beneath the cascading water.
Fun fact: this place was the filming spot for a ton of blockbuster films like The Hunger Games and Jumanji!
Tip: The waterfall was super refreshing after the hike, but a little rocky, if you have sensitive feet I recommend bringing water shoes.
Stop 4: Waimea Bay Beach (1:15 PM - 3:30 PM)
Drive time: Around 5 min down the road
Just five minutes down the road, we reached Waimea Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and iconic cliff-jumping spot. The summer waves were calm, so we took turns jumping off the 30-foot rock into the water. Afterward, we grabbed our snorkels and explored the shoreline, spotting colorful fish hiding in the rock formations. This snorkel spot didn’t have much coral, but had lots of fish and the water was crystal clear and super easy for both of my parents to get in and snorkel comfortably!
Stop 5: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Drive time: Around 15 mins
All that swimming worked up an appetite, so we made our way to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Hale‘iwa. Their famous garlic shrimp plate lived up to the hype—perfectly seasoned, buttery, and delicious.
Stop 6: Matsumoto Shave Ice (4:45 PM - 5:30 PM)
Drive time: Around 5 mins
For dessert, we headed over to Matsumoto Shave Ice, a North Shore staple. We ordered a classic shave ice with condensed milk and mochi on top—sweet, refreshing, and the ideal treat to cool down in the afternoon heat.
Stop 7: Strolling Hale‘iwa’s Shops & Galleries (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
We spent the next hour wandering along Kamehameha Hwy, popping into local shops and art galleries. The mix of surf boutiques, handmade jewelry stores, and Hawaiian artwork made for a fun, laid-back shopping experience.
Stop 8: Drive Back to Honolulu (1-hour drive)
With full bellies, we hopped back in the car for the hour-long drive to our Honolulu Airbnb.
Day 6: From Oahu’s turtles to Manta Rays on the Big Island
Stop 0: Checking Out & Heading to the Marina (8:00 AM)
We said goodbye to our Honolulu Airbnb and made our way to the marina for our morning catamaran tour to Turtle Canyon.
Stop 1: Catamaran Ride & Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
The catamaran ride itself was the highlight—calm waters, beautiful views of Waikiki, and a relaxing atmosphere. However, Turtle Canyon was very crowded, and the snorkeling wasn’t the best compared to other spots we’d visited. If I could do it again, I’d skip this tour in favor of a full beach day or hiking. That said, lunch was provided on board, which was a nice perk.
Stop 2: Magic Island Beach & Park (12:30 - 2:30)
Drive time: Around 10 mins
With a few hours before our evening flight, we drove 10 minutes to Magic Island Beach & Park for a final swim in Oahu’s waters. This spot had clear, calm waters, making it easy to float and relax. It was the perfect way to unwind before our hop over to the Big Island.
Stop 3: Heading to the Airport (Flight at 5:00)
Drive time: Around 15 mins
After drying off and packing up, we made the 15-minute drive to the airport for our 5:00 PM flight to the Big Island.
Stop 4: Arriving on the Big Island & picking up our Car rental (6:00 PM)
After a quick flight, we landed on the Big Island, picked up our rental car, and drove straight to our new Airbnb to drop off our bags and get ready for dinner and manta ray snorkeling at Mauna Kea Resort.
Stop 5: Dinner and Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM)
Drive time: Around 45 mins
After freshening up, we took a 45-minute drive to Mauna Kea Resort for one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip—night snorkeling with manta rays.
We first grabbed dinner at the resort and watched the sun set on the resort's private beach. When our snorkel tour time rolled around we met up with the tour guide who educated us on safety, manta ray conservation, and fitted us with snorkel gear.
Swimming in the ocean at night was surreal, but once we saw the majestic, graceful manta rays gliding beneath us, any nerves disappeared. It was truly magical to watch them swoop and spin so close. For those not comfortable swimming at night, like my parents, Manta Ray Point offered a great viewpoint to watch the action from above. This to-do had been on my bucket list for a long time and it 100% lived up to my expectations. The snorkel tour guide also had a GoPro and took amazing videos of us with the manta rays! I also loved this tour because it was a small group and allowed for a much more intimate experience.
Stop 6: Back to the Airbnb (10:00 PM)
Drive time: Around 45 mins
After an amazing night snorkel, we made the 45-minute drive back to our Airbnb, exhausted but absolutely in awe of what we had just experienced.
Day 7: Big Island Adventure – Waterfalls, Caves & an Erupting Volcano!
Stop 1: Breakfast at Kona Coffee & Tea (7:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
We kicked off our big adventure day with a quick stop at a Kona Coffee & Tea for some fresh-brewed Kona coffee and breakfast before hitting the road. We had to try at least one Kona coffee since Kona coffee is considered special due to its unique growing conditions on the volcanic slopes of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Stop 2: Boiling Pots Waterfalls (9:30 AM - 9:45 AM)
Drive Time: around 1.5 hour
Although the drive to Boiling pots seems long, we actually pulled off the road at a few stops along the way to check out the surroundings and changin altitude! At one point we pulled over because we were inside a cloud!
Our first stop was Boiling Pots, a series of cascades connected by pools that appear to "boil" when the water is high. The view was stunning, and the morning mist added to the moody rainforest vibe.
Stop 3: Rainbow Falls (10:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Drive Time: around 5 mins
Next we arrived at Rainbow Falls, one of Hilo’s most famous waterfalls. This was a quick and easy stop, but absolutely worth it!
Stop 4: Kaumana Caves (10:30 AM -11:30 AM)
Drive Time: around 10-15 mins
Another 10-minute drive led us to Kaumana Caves, a massive lava tube created by Mauna Loa’s eruptions. We climbed down into the dark, eerie lava tubes, exploring the jagged rock formations. It felt like stepping into another world.
Stop 5: Lunch in Hilo (12:00 PM -1:00 PM)
Drive Time: around 10-15 mins
By noon, we were ready for lunch, so we drove into Hilo (10 minutes away) and grabbed a bite at a local café. We made sure to leave the area by 1:00 PM to stay on schedule.
Stop 6: Volcanoes National Park (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Drive Time: around 45-60 mins
The next, highly anticipated spot, was Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, where we arrived just in time to witness Kīlauea begin erupting—an absolutely surreal and unexpected moment! We were able to watch the start and continuous eruption of the September 10th 2023 eruption! AND we had a front-row seat before crowds flooded in. We watched in awe for 45 minutes before it got too packed and decided to keep exploring the rest of the park .
After watching the eruption, we spent the afternoon exploring:
Thurston Lava Tube
Steam Vents & Steaming Bluff Trail
Sulphur Banks Trail (this trail was very smelly as expected!)
Devastation Trail
Kīlauea Iki Overlook & Short Walk
Stop 7: Dinner at The Rim in the National Park (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
We had reservations at The Rim, and lucked out immensely because we were able to eat dinner and continue to watch the volcano erupt!
The food was great, but the views were what we couldn’t stop talking about!
Stop 8: Drive Back to the Airbnb (45 min drive)
Day 8: A Perfect Beach-Hopping Day
Stop 1: Sunrise at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (6:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
We started our day early with a trip to the iconic Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Arriving just after sunrise, we had the beach almost entirely to ourselves, which made for a peaceful and surreal experience. The contrast of the jet-black volcanic sand against the deep blue ocean was breathtaking, and we even spotted a few Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) resting on the shore.
Stop 2: Breakfast at a Local Coffee Shop (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
Drive time: ~15-20 mins
After our morning walk, we drove about 15 minutes to a local coffee shop for a relaxed breakfast. Nothing beats fresh-brewed Kona coffee, tropical fruit, and a light breakfast before a full beach day.
Stop 3: Snorkeling & Relaxing at Kahalu’u Beach Park (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Drive time: ~45 mins
A 45-minute drive took us to Kahalu’u Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. The clear, shallow waters and abundant reefs made it super easy to snorkel, even for beginners. We spotted vibrant tropical fish and a few more sea turtles, which made the experience even more special. When we weren’t in the water, we relaxed under the palm trees, soaking up the laid-back island vibes.
Stop 4: Lunch at L&L Hawai‘ian Barbecue (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
Drive time: ~10 mins
After working up an appetite, we grabbed lunch at a casual Hawaiian BBQ restaurant just a 10-minute drive away. Fresh fish tacos and poke bowls were the perfect midday meal before heading to our final beach stop.
Stop 5: Ke‘Ei Beach – A Secluded Beach for Our Final Sunset (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Drive time: ~15 mins
Our last beach of the day was Ke‘Ei Beach, a hidden gem just a 15-minute drive away. This spot felt much more off-the-beaten-path, with a peaceful, untouched shoreline. We spent the afternoon lounging in the sun, swimming in the warm waters, and just enjoying our final hours in Hawaii.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, reality set in—we’d soon be leaving this island paradise. But for now, we soaked up every last bit of Hawaiian sunshine, feeling grateful for an amazing trip.
Hawaii Day 9: A Relaxed Farewell to the Big Island
With our long 18-hour flight home ahead, we planned a laid-back, food-focused final day—no hiking, no swimming, just good eats and unique local experiences. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip without feeling rushed or exhausted before heading to the airport.
Stop 1: Breakfast at a Local Coffee Shop (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
Drive time: ~10 mins
We started our last morning in Hawaii the way we had so many others on the big island—with a great cup of Kona coffee. We lingered a little longer than usual taking in the Big Island's relaxed morning vibe one last time.
Stop 2: Puna Chocolate Company's Big Chocolate Island (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
Drive time: ~30 mins
Just 20-30 minutes away, we stopped at Puna Chocolate Company to dive into the world of Hawaiian-grown cacao. We learned about the bean-to-bar process and sampled some of their rich, locally made chocolates—each one bursting with unique tropical flavors. It was a fun and delicious stop!
Stop 3: Kona Brewing Co. Tour (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Drive time: ~15 mins
A 15-minute drive took us to Kona Brewing Co., where we went on a brewery tour to learn about their famous island-inspired beers. The best part? Tastings of their freshest craft brews, including some limited-edition flavors you can’t find on the mainland. The atmosphere was laid-back, and it was the perfect way to start our final day.
Stop 4: Lunch at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
Drive time: ~10 mins
For our final Hawaiian meal, we went all out with a poke flight at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. The variety of fresh, flavorful poke was incredible, and it felt like the ultimate way to say goodbye to the island’s amazing seafood.
Stop 5: Kona Sea Salt Tour & Tastings (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Drive time: ~15 mins
Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop at the Kona Sea Salt farm, just 15 minutes away. This unique tour took us through the process of harvesting salt from deep ocean waters, and we got to sample different types of Hawaiian sea salt—each with its own distinct flavor profile. It was a surprisingly cool experience and a great way to pick up a small foodie souvenir.
Stop 6: Airport & Flight Home (5:30 PM)
Drive time: ~20 mins
After a final scenic drive along the coast, we made our way to the airport to start our long journey home.
