Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into ITO, drive to Big Island
1 h 27 min drive40 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- ITO
Airport drive- 1 h 27 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 5–7 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard cars suit most paved highways. Check rental policies before attempting the unpaved summit access road of Mauna Kea.
Your route
ITO
Hilo International Airport
Big Island
About 1 h 27 min · 40 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to ITO
Compare fares into Hilo International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at ITO
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Big Island. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at ITO
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Big Island
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Hawaii National and State Park Booking Requirements
Hā‘ena State Park is on Kauaʻi, not the Big Island; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park generally uses a standard entry fee without pre-booked time slots. Backcountry camping and certain guided programs require separate permits through the NPS or DLNR systems. Systems are subject to change; verify current requirements on official agency websites before arrival.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – November
Your route
Day 1 · Volcanic Landscapes of Kīlauea
Kīlauea Iki Trail → Chain of Craters Road
Day 2 · Waterfalls and Tropical Valleys
‘Akaka Falls State Park → Rainbow Falls
Day 3 · West Coast Shores and Culture
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park → Kealakekua Bay
Viator
Tours & experiences near Big Island
Explore guided activities around Big Island. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Big Island
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Big Island?
Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from ITO to Big Island?
Roughly 1 h 27 min (about 40 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Big Island?
Hā‘ena State Park is on Kauaʻi, not the Big Island; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park generally uses a standard entry fee without pre-booked time slots. Backcountry camping and certain guided programs require separate permits through the NPS or DLNR systems. Systems are subject to change; verify current requirements on official agency websites before arrival.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Big Island
