7 Day Hawaiian Adventure: The Big Island and Kauai (Volcanos and Manta Rays)

Have you ever thought about travelling to Hawaii? There are 8 main islands in the state of Hawaii and doing research to find which island(s) would be most suitable for you can seem overwhelming, so I am here to help you decide by pulling together information from my experience visiting 2 islands. Here’s a detailed itinerary that will help you explore the best of both islands in just one week!

In this blog post I will be covering topics such as…

• The Islands
• Activities / Parks / Hiking Trails
• Food / Drinks
• Stays / Rental Vehicles

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Day 1: Arrival on The Big Island

Where I Stayed: The Koi House

After landing on the Big Island at the Kailua-Kona Airport (KOA), I headed straight to my accommodation to settle in. For the first two days of our trip, we opted for no rental vehicle so we could explore the island by foot which is really intimate, and it also saved us money! We had a rental vehicle on days 3-7. We strolled around Kailua-Kona, soaking in the ocean views, getting a feel for the local vibe, going to the local markets and shops we found and eating at the restaurants.

Must-Do on Day 1:

• Visit the sea salt farm when you arrive on the island for a foot soak.
• Visit Kailua-Kona for local shops, cafes, fruit market. I recommend walking around the main downtown area as its a great way to stretch after long travel times!
• Sunset at Magic Sands Beach or Honl’s Beach for a perfect introduction to Hawaii’s stunning coastline.
• Grab dinner and/or drinks at Papa Kona Restaurant and Bar. The Volcano Fries are one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!

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Day 2: Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Night

Before we get to the Manta Rays (a huge highlight of the trip), we spent the day snorkelling on our own and visiting various beaches. If you plan on snorkelling, make sure you have thick watershoes and something to help you float if you need it. There are many sharp sea urchins, and it’s important to keep your feet up so you avoid damaging the reef.

This was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my trip! At night, I joined a Manta Ray Snorkel Tour off the coast of Kailua-Kona. These majestic creatures glide gracefully beneath you as they feed on plankton, illuminated by the light from our boats. It’s a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never forget.

Pro Tip: You are allowed to bring a waterproof phone/camera with you if you hold it close to your chest (to avoid touching Manta Rays) however it is really tricky to hold on to the raft with one hand and keep your body straight, especially if there are waves. I’d personally recommend not bringing a camera in the water with you if you are new to snorkelling or ocean swimming, but do what you think is most suitable!

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Day 3: Flight to Kauai

After 2 days on the Big Island, I flew to Kauai, the Garden Isle. Kauai is known for its lush landscapes (where Jurassic Park was filmed) and stunning beaches. After checking in to my accommodation, I immediately made my way to Outrigger Resort which would also be a great place for families to visit as the pool and beaches here are incredible for all ages!

What to do in Kauai:

• Visit Hanapepe – the town that inspired Lilo and Stitch! It also has a bookstore there that is the western most bookstore in the U.S.
• Visit Poipu Beach Park – family friendly and sea turtles come up on the sand in the afternoon to sleep. Keep your distance but soak in how cute they are!
• Helicopter Tour – we did not do this because it is a pricier activity but everyone we talked to who did it said it was worth the money. Tour locations on the island you can only get to by aircraft, including many famous Jurassic Park filming locations.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins!
• Visit Kauai Coffee Company – the largest coffee estate in the U.S. – do a self guided tour for free around their farm and drink some delicious samples

Fun Fact: Kauai has chickens/roosters EVERYWHERE thanks to natural disasters in the 1970’s destroying coops. There is no part of this island where you will not find them. If you are found feeding them you will get a fine.

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Day 4: Na Pali Coast Hike

This was easily one of my favourite days of the entire trip. If you’re an avid hiker, the Na Pali Coast is a must-do and needs to be bumped up to the top of your bucket list. The Awa’awapuhi Trail, which is one of the most famous hikes in Hawaii, is a challenging 9km trail takes you through lush valleys, rugged cliffs and pristine coastline views. The views here are simply out of this world.

Tip: Start early, pack plenty of water, and be prepared for the rugged terrain. Be especially careful if there was any rain here recently as it gets quite muddy. Note that there is a paid fee to enter Koke’s State Park but it also is valid for visiting the other state parks on the same day.

After this hike, drive back into Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacficic”) and to Kauai’s south shore. There are a lot of great trails and roadside stops to explore here, do as many as you can! It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here are some stop recommendations I have:

• Waimea Canyon Lookout to view the 10 mile stretch of vibrant red soil and green valleys. There are several lookouts along the way.
• Waimea Canyon Trail Recs: Waimea Canyon Trail (5.7km), Cliff Trail (0.5km)
• Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout
• Iliau Nature Loop Trail (0.5km) – This is a must do hike because you can see very rare plants here that are an endemic to Hawaii

In the afternoon, I explored Kauai’s South Shore, stopping at the Spouting Horn—a natural wonder where seawater shoots out of a rock formation. This is also a great time to visit Hanapepe, find local restaurants and stay on the beach until sunset.

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Day 5: Back to The Big Island

On Day 5, I ventured out to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is a must-see if you’re on the Big Island, it actually is now my favourite National Park I have ever been to. I hiked through the Kīlauea Iki Crater and checked out the active Kīlauea Volcano. It was incredible to witness the raw power of nature. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of lava at the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater!

The lava tube is also a great place to visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

Head to Volcano House for a meal with a view of the crater. The restaurant offers great local dishes, and the setting is unforgettable! We had brunch here and it was super delicious and featured a private chef to make eggs for us, the rest of the food was a buffet.

Tip: Be sure to stop by the Jagger Museum for some educational insight about the volcanoes and local wildlife. This park is very unique in that it is a rainforest and has a desert all in one. The park is open day and night, and a day pass is valid for one week.

Stay: Hawaii Island Resort (which also has Macadamia trees and Guava trees)

If you have spare time, be sure to go to the Green Sand Beach. This is one of the few in the world!

Evening Activity:

Head to Mauna Kea Visitor Center (if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle only) to watch the sunset and stay to see the stars. This is a must!!

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Day 6: Hilo Area

On the last full day, I explored a new area of the island I had not yet been. I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, then spent the rest of the morning at Akaka Falls State Park, where I saw one of the most impressive waterfalls I’ve ever seen. This park gets crowded so arrive early!

What To Do Around Hilo on way back to Kona:

• Kaumana Caves
• Vanilla Farm / Dragon Fruit Farm (whatever is in season during your visit)
• Pololu Valley Lookout
• Waipi’o Valley Lookout

Stay: Either Kona Royal Resort or Hilton Waikoloa Village, depending on how far you want to drive from Hilo.

Day 7: Fly Home

Before you go, maybe spend the morning snorkelling (weather permitting) or going to a restaurant you really enjoyed. Here are some food recommendations we loved while visiting!:

• Iced Ube Latte
• Fresh Fruit (try some new fruit and fruit you like at home – bananas, avocados, papaya, lychee, soursop, durian, rambutan, guava, coconut)
• Poke Bowls
• Acai Bowls
• Fish Tacos
• Laulau
• Pizza with pear on it (sounds crazy but just trust me)

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Final Tips for Your Hawaiian Adventure:

• Car Rental: Both the Big Island and Kauai are best explored by car, so make sure to rent one as soon before you arrive. Turo is really popular on the island but there are also local car rental places.
• Respect Nature: Hawaii’s natural environment is incredibly diverse and delicate. Make sure to leave no trace during your hikes, beach days, and any outdoor adventures.
• Pack Light, But Be Prepared: The weather can be unpredictable, especially on Kauai, so pack layers and bring waterproof gear just in case. The rain usually doesn’t last long, but it can rain super hard and it depends what side of the islands you’re on.
• You Are On An Island: Things can be expensive, especially gas, food and lodging. Be sure to pay for things in advance and have a generous budget how you’re travelling and what you’re consuming. There are also Targets and Walmarts on the island if you want to buy some groceries so you don’t have to pay to eat out for every meal.
• Keep Eyes Peeled for Wildlife: Wildlife is all over. The first day we got to the island, we saw whales, eels, crabs, various fish, birds and geckos. Educate yourself on some of the animals before your trip (like their wild pigs). We loved learning about Nēne and we even got to see them twice!!

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Hawaii should be your next travel destination.

Seven days in Hawaii is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of both The Big Island and Kauai. From volcanoes and manta rays to pristine beaches and incredible hikes, each island offers a unique experience. I left feeling more connected to nature and rejuvenated in a way only Hawaii can provide. I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own Hawaiian adventure and makes your trip just as memorable as mine!

Until next time,

Keep on trekkin’ 🥾

Katie