Explore Big Island at your own pace. Whether you have a weekend or two weeks, here are several curated routes we've put together for you to use as a guideline to you plan your trip! Check out our "
Where to Camp" page for more details on campgrounds
Weekend Westside Trip (2 Nights)
Best for: Quick getaways, minimal driving, beach time, exploring Kailua Kona, Manta Dives
Night 1: Ho'okena Beach Park, relaxed beach camping with great snorkeling
Night 2: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees”, close to airport and Kona
4-Day Westside Explorer
Best for: Short trip with variety, beaches, snorkeling, history
Night 1: Kīholo State Park Reserve (weekends only)
Night 2: Spencer Beach Park
Night 3: Kapa'a Beach Park
Night 4: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees”, wrap up your trip close to the airport.
5-Day Volcano & Kaʻū Trip
Best for: National Park lovers, scenic drives, lava fields
Night 1: Nāmakanipaio Campground
Night 2: Nāmakanipaio Campground
Night 3: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park, Turtles, rugged coast
Night 4: Whittington Beach Park, Quiet & remote
Night 5: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees”, wrap up your trip close to the airport.
7-Day Island Loop
Best for: A full-circle adventure
Night 1: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees”
Night 2: Spencer Beach Park
Night 3: Kapa'a Beach Park
Night 4: Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park
Night 5: Hotel or Hipcamp in Hilo
Night 6: Nāmakanipaio Campground
Night 7: Ho'okena Beach Park
10-Day All-Island Immersion
Best for: Balanced adventure with time to settle in each zone
Nights 1-2: Kohanaiki or Kīholo
Night 3: Spencer Beach Park
Night 4: Kapaʻa Beach Park
Night 5: Laupāhoehoe Point
Night 6: Hotel or Hipcamp in Hilo
Nights 7-8: Nāmakanipaio Campground
Night 9: Punaluʻu or Whittington Beach Park
Night 10: Ho'okena Beach Park
14-Day The Full Experince
Best for: Getting the most of what the island has to offer
Nights 1-3: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees” and/or Kīholo State Park Reserve
Relax, snorkel, and settle into the island at these west side beach parks. Close to the airport, easy access to amenities and activities in Kona; great spot to start your adventure.
Night 4: Spencer ('Ōhai'ula) Beach Park
Beach camping with calm waters and great sunset views. Convenient facilities nearby.
Night 5: Kapa'a Beach Park
A scenic spot along the North Kohala coast, quiet and less trafficked. Cool tidepool exploration. Probably the best part of the island to view humpback whales from the coast.
Night 6: Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park
From Kapa'a, drive through Hawi for a hike down into Pololu valley. Head to Waimea to restock and off to Laupāhoehoe to explore the nearby Hamakua coast.
Night 7: Keanakolu Ranger & Bunkhouse Cabins
Head back to Waimea and drive down Mana Road, one of the most scenic area's in the world. Head up to the forest reserve for a rustic cabin night. Cool temperatures, remote setting, and rolling green hills.
Night 8: Hotel in Hilo
Along Mana Road is the Dr. David Douglas Memorial Site, a very nice little hike to an amazing slice of the island. Mana Road will end near Mauna Kea, catching the sunrise here in recommended! Head to Hilo, restock supplies, enjoy the amazing food and local culture.
Night 9: Hipcamp in Pāhoa
Unique stays near Puna district. Explore lava fields, warm ponds, and lush rainforest landscapes.
Nights 10-11: Nāmakanipaio Campground (Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park)
Camp among the eucalyptus trees while exploring the park's trails, lava tubes, and volcanic craters.
Night 12: Punalu'u Black-Sand Beach Park or Whittington (Honu‘apo) Beach Park
Camp near the ocean, watch for sea turtles, and explore the rugged Ka'ū coastline.
Night 13: Ho'okena Beach Park
Laid-back camping on the beach, known for great snorkeling and dolphin sightings.
Night 14: Kohanaiki “Pine Trees” Beach Park
Return west to be near the airport and enjoy one last beach day before departure.
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