Nestled at the base of Mauna Loa, Hawai’i's largest volcano, Hilo is a unique and captivating region. Discover cascading rivers over lava rock, fields adorned with sweet potatoes and wild orchids and ever-changing black sand beaches along the coast. At the heart of it all, you'll find Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, ideally situated on the shores of Hilo Bay. Whether you're a visitor from the mainland or a local exploring the Big Island, Whitney’s five-day itinerary helps you uncover the magic of the region.
KICK THINGS OFF WITH SOME ADRENALINE
Rise from your ocean view room early, thanks to a few hours of convenient jet lag from the mainland to a glimpse of Mauna Loa peeking above the clouds. Coffee is served strong in the lobby. Grab a cup to go and walk around the property, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and early morning paddleboarders enjoying the quiet beginnings of another glorious day in Hawai’i. Then, fuel up with an avocado toast or aloha buffet before departing for the day’s plans: riding an ATV. You’ll spend the day zooming through figure-eight patterns on muddy terrain and enjoying an authentic Hawaiian barbecue and snacks like freshly cracked macadamia nuts. Wash it all down (and rinse the mud off) with a cold one and a dip in another private waterfall, a staple of any adventure on the “wet side” of the island!
PADDLEBOARD COCONUT ISLAND AND EXPLORE HILO
Slow things down on day two with a morning spent in the ocean. KapohoKine Retail Store rents snorkels and stand up-paddleboards poolside at the Grand Naniloa, and their helpful staff will have you doing laps around nearby Coconut Island in no time. In almost all weather, Hilo Bay is tranquil and still — perfect for first-time paddlers hoping to perfect their stroke.
NEXT, BORROW A SNORKEL SETUP FROM THE FRONT DESK AND HEAD TO CARLSMITH BEACH PARK, a favorite spot for resident sea turtles. It won’t take you long to jump flippers-first into the aquamarine water and explore the shoreline teeming with fish.
YOU’LL BE READY FOR TASTE OF HILO AFTER YOUR AQUATIC ADVENTURES
Kula Shave Ice serves organic masterpieces like the “Tropical Vibes” shave ice with strawberry, matcha, and mochi bites as well as cold brew coffee, smoothies, and acai bowls.
RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET IS THE WORLD-FAMOUS HILO FARMERS MARKET (OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK),
where you can pick up local fruit delicacies like white pineapple and apple bananas. You might also consider swinging by the Pacific Tsunami Museum to learn more about Hilo’s exciting, although sobering, past. That afternoon, enjoy an afternoon relaxing at the pool of the Grand Naniloa, Hilo Mai Tai and beach read in hand.
ROAD TRIP NORTH TO WAIPI’O VALLEY
The following day, enjoy a journey north to Waipi’o Valley.
A verdant valley hemmed in by nearly 2,000-foot cliffs, the area is reminiscent of Kaua’i’s famous Na Pali Coast and is of considerable cultural importance to Hawai‘i(this is where many Hawaiian Ali’i, or kings, resided up until the fifteenth century).
BUT TODAY’S ADVENTURE IS ALL IN THE JOURNEY.
ON YOUR WAY TO WAIPI’O VALLEY FROM THE GRAND NANILOA, DON’T MISS THE TURNOFF FOR ONOMEA BAY SCENIC DRIVE.
This 4-mile stretch of road meanders in and out of a tropical junglescape, offering incredible ocean views throughout—perfect for driving with the top down. We recommend fueling up with a papaya smoothie from the Low Store where the resident cat, Pickles, makes for a friendly mid road-trip reprieve. Then, it’s back in the rental. ‘Akaka Falls State Park is a mere 13 minutes away and a wonderful place to stretch your legs. A half-mile paved hiking loop takes you to an overlook where your photos will make it seem as if you viewed the staggering 442-foot falls from a helicopter.
IT’S TIME FOR MORE SNACKS AS YOU CONTINUE ON.
Enjoy a malasada—a Portuguese donut filled with delectable flavors like guava and coconut—at the famous Tex Drive In. Once again properly nourished, you’ll be ready to descend into Waipi’o Valley on foot (4x4 vehicles welcome too).
THE HALF-MILE LONG ROAD HAS A GRADE OF 25 PERCENT AND IS THE STEEPEST ROAD OF ITS LENGTH IN THE UNITED STATES.
Every step becomes worth it when you arrive at sea level. (Pro tip: we recommend zigzagging to alleviate next-day soreness!) A gorgeous black sand beach, and on most days a few of the valley’s resident wild horses greet you. Dig your toes into the sand and soak it all in, or hike further to one of many waterfalls before ascending the road back to your car. One of the BBQ Kilauea burgers from Hula Hulas will pair nicely with a local Hawaiian lager after a full day adventuring on the Hilo side of the island!
GET TO KNOW THE POWER OF HAWAI’I'S VOLCANOES
On day four, you have a few options to experience the power of Mother Nature on the Big Island. Visit Volcanoes National Park or stay coastal, where just an hour from the Grand Naniloa you can see the incredible aftermath of the historic 2018 eruption at Isaac Hale Beach Park. Here, a brand-new black sand beach called Pohoiki was created almost overnight. Then, journey along one of Hawai’i's most scenic drives on Kalapana Kapoho Road to Hot Foot Photography, where a volcano-obsessed man named Gary will provide background on different flow events and regale you with tales of losing his home to lava only to rebuild in the exact same spot. For those looking for a midday bite, stop by Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market. Even if the market isn’t on, the grocery store here stocks great picnic options, including cold beer. When it’s time to return to Hilo, make sure you have updated driving directions—lava still blocks many of the local roadways in this area!
JOURNEY SOUTH TO REMOTE BEACHES
(OR GO CHASING WATERFALLS)
All too soon, it’s time to depart for home. But there are plenty of things to do before your red eye flight! Those flying out of Kona might enjoy checking out the southern side of the island, where picture-perfect Papakōlea Green Sand Beach awaits. One of only four beaches with green sand in the world, this remote destination requires an intrepid traveler who knows how to handle the 4x4 in their rental car, but the reward is worth the trouble! Sound out of your comfort zone? Make a pit-stop at Punalu‘u Beach instead. Another incredibly scenic black sand beach, Punalu‘u looks like it’s straight out of a postcard and has the same vibe that you’ve come to know and love of Hilo. For those departing directly out of Hilo, spend your morning visiting the nearby waterfalls you might have missed earlier in your stay. Rainbow Falls is a favorite, but those in search of a real undertaking might seek out a local spot that requires some wayfinding and a healthy sense of adventure. We’ve given you enough clues...this is one last Hilo discovery you have to make on your own!
