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

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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

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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	�
Planning your Trip When to come, how long to stay, books �	Regions of the Big Island Geography and climate descriptions
Vacations for Families Best family beaches, activities for youngsters, infants, teens �	Big Island Transportation How to get there, plan your driving
Hawaiian Cruise Passengers Information about port calls in Hawaii �	Rent a 4-Wheel Drive SUV Off-roading on the Big Island
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	�

Accommodations Articles	�
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

Gear & Equipment Articles	�
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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