Low Budget 7-Day Itinerary in Kona, Hawaii

Day 1: Arrival and Volcano Exploration

Kona, Hawaii on September 21, 2024

2:00 PM

Check-in at Volcano House

Upon arrival in Kona at 2:00 PM, head to Volcano House for check-in. Enjoy the unique experience of staying within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Drive from Kona Airport to Volcano House, approximately 2.5 hours.
Free (lodging pre-booked), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Explore Kilauea Iki Trail

Take a leisurely hike on the Kilauea Iki Trail to witness the volcanic landscapes up close as the sun sets.
Kilauea Iki Trail is a short drive from Volcano House.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Rim Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at The Rim Restaurant overlooking the Kilauea caldera, offering a unique dining experience.
Located within Volcano House.
$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Kona, Hawaii on September 22, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Volcano House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Volcano House before heading to the beach.
Within Volcano House.
$, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Drive to Hapuna Beach

Check out from Volcano House and drive to Hapuna Beach for a relaxing beach day.
Approximately 2 hours drive from Volcano House to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
Gas money, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Beach Relaxation

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful white sand beach at Hapuna Beach.
Within Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
Free, 4 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mai Grille

Head to Mai Grille for a casual dinner with a view of the ocean, offering a mix of Hawaiian and American cuisine.
Short drive from Hapuna Beach.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Waimea Valley

Kona, Hawaii on September 23, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before starting your day of exploration.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Waimea Valley

Drive to Waimea Valley to explore the lush landscapes, botanical gardens, and scenic views.
Around 30 minutes drive from Westin Hapuna Hotel to Waimea Valley.
Gas money, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Village Burger

Grab a tasty burger at Village Burger for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Located near Waimea Valley.
$, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Hike Waipio Valley Lookout

Take a scenic hike to Waipio Valley Lookout for panoramic views of the valley and coastline.
Short drive from Waimea Valley.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Red Water Cafe

Enjoy a dinner at Red Water Cafe, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
Back towards Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 4: Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park

Kona, Hawaii on September 24, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading for snorkeling adventures.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Drive to Kahalu'u Beach Park

Drive to Kahalu'u Beach Park for excellent snorkeling opportunities amidst colorful marine life.
Approximately 1-hour drive from Westin Hapuna Hotel.
Gas money, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach

Explore the underwater world, spot tropical fish, and maybe even some sea turtles while snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach.
Within Kahalu'u Beach Park.
$, 3 hours

4:00 PM

Relax on the Beach

After snorkeling, unwind on the beach and enjoy the sun and sand.
Within Kahalu'u Beach Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Umeke's

Head to Umeke's for a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional Hawaiian flavors.
Short drive from Kahalu'u Beach Park.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historic Day in Kailua-Kona

Kona, Hawaii on September 25, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Fuel up with a tasty breakfast at the hotel before heading to Kailua-Kona for a historic day.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Hulihee Palace

Explore the historical Hulihee Palace, a former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, showcasing artifacts and history.
Short drive from Westin Hapuna Hotel to Kailua-Kona.
$, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Kona Brewing Co.

Enjoy lunch at Kona Brewing Co. for a variety of local beers and pub-style dishes.
Located in Kailua-Kona.
$$, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Mokuaikaua Church

Visit the historic Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, for a glimpse into the island's past.
Near Kona Brewing Co.
$, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Shop at Ali'i Drive

Stroll along Ali'i Drive for some souvenir shopping and to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Kailua-Kona.
Walking distance from Mokuaikaua Church.
$, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Fish Hopper

End the day with a seafood dinner at Fish Hopper, offering oceanfront dining and a diverse menu.
Located along Ali'i Drive.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature Day at Akaka Falls State Park

Kona, Hawaii on September 26, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Akaka Falls State Park for a day in nature.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Akaka Falls

Explore the lush rainforest trails of Akaka Falls State Park and marvel at the stunning 442-foot waterfall.
Approximately 1.5-hour drive from Westin Hapuna Hotel to Akaka Falls State Park.
Gas money, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at What's Shakin'

Grab a quick and healthy lunch at What's Shakin', known for its fresh smoothies and local food.
Near Akaka Falls State Park.
$, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Hike to Waipio Valley Beach

Embark on a scenic hike to Waipio Valley Beach for a chance to enjoy the black sand beach and dramatic cliffs.
Short drive from Akaka Falls State Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kaleo's Bar and Grill

Head to Kaleo's Bar and Grill for a laid-back dinner with Hawaiian-inspired dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
Drive back towards Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation Day at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Kona, Hawaii on September 27, 2024

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Westin Hapuna Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and take the day to relax and unwind.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Poolside Relaxation

Spend the day relaxing by the pool, soaking up the Hawaiian sun, and enjoying the hotel's amenities.
Within Westin Hapuna Hotel.
Free, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Beach Time

Head to the beach for some beachcombing, swimming, or simply lounging on the sand.
Short walk from the hotel to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Meridia

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Meridia, the hotel's restaurant, offering a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine with ocean views.
Dinner at Westin Hapuna Hotel.
$$, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Departure

Check out from Westin Hapuna Hotel and head to Kona Airport for your departure.
Drive to Kona Airport, approximately 30 minutes away.
Free (if not returning the rental car), 1 hour
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