If you’re on a cruise ship or just short on time, there are many things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here are tips on what to Do on Big Island Hawaii in One Day. Follow this one-day Hawaii Big Island Itinerary out of Hilo for a day of varied sites from a waterfall to lava to black sand beach.
Pick-Up Your Rental Car
There are several car rental offices around Hilo. There are many cars available at the airport, but renting from one of the offices in town may save money as there are no airport taxes added. Make sure you check the return rules – not all offices allow after hour returns.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is just a little bit west of Hilo town, and an easy drive. The best chance to see a rainbow at Rainbow Falls is around 10 am to 11 am in the morning. Parking at Rainbow Falls State Park is free.
Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park changed drastically in 2018. The crater sunk in, becoming so large it is now reclassified as a caldera. The Jaggar Museum is closed and has little chance of reopening at it’s current location. You can still go to the visitor center, see the caldera from afar, and see some of the earlier lava flows. Check at the visitor center for the latest conditions and road closures.
Akatsuka Orchid Farm
The Akatsuka Orchid Farm is a living museum of orchids. There’s a great gift shop and you can buy orchids and have them shipped to the mainland.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor’s Center
You can visit the factory for macadamia nuts – the toughest nut to crack. The gift shop contains macadamia in multiple forms – sweet and savory. The prices are quite reasonable compared to Walmart and much cheaper than buying at specialty shops. The café sells huge macadamia nut ice cream cones for $6 or so. This post contains affiliate links. This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you.
Richardson’s Beach
Richardson’s Beach is a public black sand beach about 5 miles south of Hilo. There is some snorkeling right off the beach. Take your Snorkel Set
How Much Time Needed to Complete this What to Do on Big Island in One Day Itinerary?
To do the Big Island itinerary above, you should plan around 5-6 hours, and more if you want to make more stops or spend extensive time at any of the stops.
How Much Money Can You Save vs. a Hawaii Big Island Tour?
Hawaii Big Island Tours from Hilo are moderately expensive. The tours I could find ranged from $85 and more per person. You can do this self-guided tour of the Big Island for much less. My rental car cost $35 and $10 for gas. Entry to Volcanoes National Park was free with my America the Beautiful pass, and all other attractions were free.
Get your Hawaiian Shirt before you go!
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