There’s something about the Big Island that feels different the moment you arrive. Maybe it’s the way the air smells like salt and plumeria, or how the landscape shifts from black lava fields to lush jungle in a single drive. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, wander a little farther, and lean into the unexpected.

On this trip, we stayed at the beautiful Royal Kona Resort, and it ended up being the perfect home base for our island adventures.

Where We Stayed: Oceanfront Bliss at Royal Kona Resort

One of the most unique features of the Royal Kona Resort is it’s private saltwater lagoon, where you can snorkel just steps from your room. It felt like having a hidden little ocean sanctuary all to ourselves, mornings started with coffee by the water, and afternoons drifted into effortless swims alongside tropical fish.

It’s relaxed, scenic, and perfectly located for exploring the Kona side of the island. See my post on the resort here.

Rent the Jeep — Trust Me on This

If there’s one thing I’d recommend without hesitation, it’s renting a Jeep. I always rent with National Car Rental to earn free rental days!

The Big Island is wild, rugged, and beautifully untamed in parts, and many of its most magical spots aren’t easily accessible without one. Having a Jeep gave us the freedom to:

Explore remote beaches
Navigate rocky and unpaved roads
Chase waterfalls without worrying about the drive

It turned the trip from a vacation into an adventure!

A Visit to the Iconic Black Sand Beach

Seeing Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach in person almost feels surreal. The contrast of jet-black sand against bright turquoise water is something you don’t quite forget. There are only 20 black sand beaches on our planet!

We spent time just walking slowly, watching sea turtles bask in the sun, and letting the moment stretch a little longer than planned. See my post on it here.

The Dreamy (and Worth-It) Journey to Green Sand Beach

Getting to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is an adventure in itself! This was an epic ride in the Jeep and hike down to the beach!

A Jeep is absolutely necessary to reach the trailhead, and from there, it’s a bit of a hike down to the beach. But once you arrive, it feels like you’ve discovered a secret world! Think olive-green sand, dramatic cliffs, and waves crashing in the distance.

It’s one of those places that makes you pause and think, how is this even real?

Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Night

This was, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.

Floating in the ocean under the stars while giant manta rays glide gracefully beneath you is something that stays with you forever. If you do one “bucket list” activity here, make it this!

Look for tours around Kona offering night manta ray snorkeling—it’s equal parts peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Waterfalls, Coffee, and Hidden Gems

The Big Island is full of little surprises, and some of our favorite moments came from simply exploring.

Waterfalls: A visit to Akaka Falls State Park is a must. The lush greenery and towering falls feel straight out of a movie.
Coffee Farm: Touring a local Kona coffee farm gave us a deeper appreciation for every cup. The flavors, the views, the slow pace—it all just fits.
Seahorse Farm: Visiting Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm was such a unique experience. Getting to learn about and see these delicate creatures up close felt incredibly special.

Other Must-See Spots on the Big Island

If you have extra time, don’t miss:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for otherworldly landscapes and active volcanic history
Mauna Kea Summit for sunset and stargazing that feels almost unreal
Waipiʻo Valley for sweeping views and dramatic cliffs

✨ Tips & Tricks for Your Trip

Plan for drive time: The island is bigger than you think—give yourself space to explore without rushing
Pack layers: You’ll go from hot beaches to cooler elevations quickly
Book experiences early: Especially manta ray snorkeling and popular tours
Start early: You’ll beat crowds and have more peaceful moments
Stay flexible: Some of the best experiences come from unplanned stops

Final Thoughts

The Big Island isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling.

It’s early mornings by the ocean, long scenic drives with no real destination, and those quiet moments where you realize you’ve stumbled into somewhere truly special.

If you let it, this island will slow you down, surprise you, and stay with you long after you leave.

And honestly… I’m already daydreaming about going back.

Big Island Hawaii Itinerary