10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary – Big Island, Hawaii (December 2026)

Day 1: Arrival & Kona Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Kona International Airport, pick up your rental car, and check in to your ocean‑front resort in Kailua‑Kona. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely walk along Aliʻi Drive to soak up the tropical atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the historic downtown, visiting the beautifully restored Hulihe‘e Palace and browsing local art galleries. Grab a fresh poke bowl for lunch at a waterfront café.

Evening: Dine at Jackie’s Bay View while watching the sunset over Magic Sands Beach. End the night with a romantic stroll along the shoreline.

Day 2: Coffee Country & South Kona

Morning: Drive to the lush coffee region of Kona Coffee Living History Farm for a guided tour and tasting of world‑renowned Kona coffee.

Afternoon: Head to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and enjoy the serene ocean views.

Evening: Return to Kona for dinner at Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill and a relaxed evening at your resort’s private beach cabana.

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – East Rift

Morning: Depart early for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stopping at the Kīlauea Visitor Center for safety briefings.

Afternoon: Walk the Crater Rim Trail to witness steaming vents and the iconic Steam Vents. Grab a quick bite at the park’s Volcano House café.

Evening: Experience a sunset at the Halema‘uma‘u Crater and, if conditions allow, join a ranger‑led stargazing program.

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park – West Rift & Lava Tubes

Morning: Hike the Devastation Trail to see the rebirth of a forest after the 1959 eruption.

Afternoon: Explore the fascinating Thurston Lava Tube and later visit the Jaggar Museum for interactive exhibits on volcanology.

Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at the historic Volcano House Restaurant, overlooking the glowing crater rim.

Day 5: Hilo & Waterfalls

Morning: Drive to Hilo and stroll through the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market for fresh fruit and local crafts.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Rainbow Falls and the nearby Pele’s Hawaiian Farms for a light lunch and garden tour.

Evening: Relax at your Hilo hotel, enjoying a sunset walk along Lyman Beach and a quiet dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 6: Akaka Falls & Waipio Valley

Morning: Head north to the lush Akaka Falls State Park and take the short loop trail to view both Akaka and Kahū Falls.

Afternoon: Continue to the dramatic Waipio Valley Lookout; for the adventurous, book a guided horseback ride down into the valley.

Evening: Return to Hilo for a romantic dinner at Cafe Pesto, then enjoy a moonlit walk along the riverfront.

Day 7: Mauna Kea Summit & Star Gazing

Morning: Take it easy with a leisurely breakfast and a visit to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to acclimate.

Afternoon: Join a certified guide for a sunset ascent to the Mauna Kea Summit, stopping at the observatory for panoramic views.

Evening: Experience world‑class stargazing through powerful telescopes, then head back to your lodge for a late‑night snack.

Day 8: South Point & Green Sand Beach

Morning: Drive to the extreme southern tip of the island at South Point (Ka Lae), the southernmost point in the United States.

Afternoon: Hike (or take a shuttle) to the rare Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, where the emerald‑colored sands create a unique photo backdrop.

Evening: Return to Kona for a sunset dinner at Seafood Bar & Grill and a leisurely nightcap at the resort’s infinity pool.

Day 9: Beach Day & Snorkeling

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning at Kahaluʻu Beach Park, known for its calm waters and abundant sea turtles.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided snorkeling tour to the vibrant coral reefs of Kealakekua Bay, visiting the historic Captain Cook Monument.

Evening: Celebrate your honeymoon with a private beachfront dinner at Huggo’s, complete with a live Hawaiian music performance.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the balcony, followed by a final dip in the resort pool.

Afternoon: Pack your souvenirs, check out, and drive to Kona International Airport for your flight home, carrying cherished memories of the Big Island.

Evening: Arrival back home, with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kona International Airport – 1 hour – $0 (arrival/departure)
• Kona Coffee Living History Farm – 2 hours – $25 per person
• Hulihe‘e Palace – 1.5 hours – $12 per adult
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park – 3 hours – $20 per vehicle
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entry – 1 day – $30 per vehicle
• Crater Rim Trail & Steam Vents – 2 hours – included in park fee
• Halema‘uma‘u Crater sunset – 1 hour – included in park fee
• Thurston Lava Tube – 1 hour – included in park fee
• Jaggar Museum – 1 hour – included in park fee
• Volcano House Restaurant dinner – 2 hours – $80 for two
• Hilo Farmers Market – 2 hours – $30 for snacks & souvenirs
• Rainbow Falls – 30 minutes – free
• Pele’s Hawaiian Farms – 1 hour – $15 per person
• Akaka Falls State Park – 1.5 hours – $5 per vehicle
• Waipio Valley Lookout (guided horseback) – 3 hours – $150 per person
• Mauna Kea Summit guided tour – 5 hours – $200 per person (incl. transportation)
• South Point (Ka Lae) – 1 hour – free
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (shuttle) – 4 hours – $100 per vehicle
• Kahaluʻu Beach Park – 3 hours – free
• Kealakekua Bay snorkeling tour – 4 hours – $180 per person (incl. gear)
• Captain Cook Monument (boat ride) – 2 hours – $70 per person
• Huggo’s private dinner – 2 hours – $250 for two
• Rental car (10 days) – – $600 total
• Resort accommodation (10 nights) – – $3,200 total
• Miscellaneous meals & drinks – – $500 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $7,292

Tips

To extend your stay, consider adding an extra night in Hilo to explore the lush rainforests of the Puna district or a day‑trip to the remote Pololu Valley for breathtaking cliffside views. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by skipping the museum visits in Volcanoes National Park and focusing on the main crater and lava tube, then head straight to Hilo for a condensed waterfall tour.