Big Island 2.5-Day Adventure Including Mauna Kea Observatory Visit

Day 1: Hilo Exploration

Hilo, HI on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ken's House of Pancakes

Start your day with hearty Hawaiian-style pancakes and local breakfast favorites at this well-loved Hilo diner.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Liliuokalani Gardens

A peaceful Japanese-style garden perfect for a morning stroll amidst beautiful ponds, bridges, and tropical flora.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Hilo Farmers Market

Explore local vendors selling fresh tropical fruits, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs; ideal for light snacks or gifts.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Pesto

Enjoy fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients in a lively atmosphere downtown Hilo.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hilo Bay and Coconut Island

Take a relaxing walk along the bayfront and over the footbridge to Coconut Island, with excellent views and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Imiloa Astronomy Center

Discover Hawaiian culture and astronomy through interactive exhibits and planetarium shows (check show times for planetarium).
USD25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hilo Bay Café

Dine on innovative Pacific Rim cuisine with waterfront views, perfect for winding down your first day in Hilo.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Volcanoes & Mauna Kea

Big Island, HI on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Moon and Turtle

Enjoy artisanal pastries, creative breakfast dishes, and excellent coffee in downtown Hilo before heading out.
USD20, 1h

8:45am

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Explore steaming craters, lava tubes, and volcanic landscapes; visitor center opens at 9:00 AM, offering maps and exhibits to start your journey.
USD30 per vehicle, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Volcano House Restaurant

Dine with stunning views of the Kīlauea caldera inside the park featuring Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
USD35, 1h

1:15pm

Drive to Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

Head towards Mauna Kea's mid-level Visitor Information Station (about 1h 15min drive) to acclimate before the summit trip.
Fuel cost approx USD15, 1h30m

3:00pm

Rest and acclimate at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

Important acclimatization stop at 9,200 ft elevation to prepare for summit visit; available exhibits and short walks.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Mauna Kea Summit Visit and Sunset Tour

Join a guided tour or self-drive (4WD required) to the summit at 13,796 ft to watch the stunning sunset and observe the famous observatories.
USD150 for tours, free if self-driving with 4WD, 3h

7:30pm

Night Sky Stargazing at Mauna Kea

After sunset, enjoy spectacular stargazing from the summit or visitor station with telescopes and clear skies.
Included in tour or free at Visitor Station, 1h

8:30pm

Return to Hilo

Drive back to Hilo through beautiful starry highways; expect about 1h 45m drive.
Fuel cost approx USD15, 1h45m
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Day 3: Kona Morning

Kona, HI on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hilo Bay Café

Grab a quick and delicious breakfast before departing Hilo early for Kona on your final day.
USD20, 45m

7:15am

Drive from Hilo to Kona

Enjoy the scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Hilo to Kona, taking in coastal and mountainous views.
Fuel cost approx USD20, 2h

9:30am

Coffee Farm Tour near Kona

Visit a renowned Kona coffee farm to learn about coffee production and sample fresh Kona coffee.
USD15, 1h

11:00am

Quick Lunch at Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill

Enjoy fresh poke bowls and island seafood favorites for a tasty and casual lunch before heading to the airport.
USD25, 45m

12:00pm

Kona Airport Departure

Arrive early at Kona International Airport for your afternoon flight, allowing time to return rental car and check in.
Variable, ---
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