The Ultimate 3-Day Weekend on Hawaiʻi Island

Hawaiʻi Island isn’t my usual go-to for island hopping, but when a friend who once called it home invited me along, I couldn’t resist the chance to see the place through his local perspective. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a quick staycation, here’s how to experience the best of the Big Island in just three days.

Day 1 — Follow the Hāmākua Coast to Pololū Valley

8:30 a.m. – Arrive at Hilo International Airport

Pick up a rental car just across from baggage claim and set off for a weekend of island exploration.

9 a.m. – Waterfall Adventures

Make a quick stop at Rainbow Falls and visit the sprawling banyan tree, then drive about 30 minutes to ʻAkaka Falls State Park. There, a short loop trail leads to a 442-foot waterfall .

READ MORE: Your Guide to ʻAkaka Falls State Park on Hawaiʻi Island

11 a.m. – Drive the Hāmākua Coast

This 50-mile route is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaiʻi, known for gushing waterfalls, lush valleys and rainforests, botanical gardens and sweeping ocean views.

Note: Waipiʻo Valley is temporarily closed; only Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is accessible.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch in Waimea

If you’re a foodie on a budget, stop at Merriman’s Big Island in Waimea for pūpū like beet salad or smoked taro hummus. And lunch-only entrées like the kālua pork sandwich and signature cheeseburger are reasonably priced too, both at $16.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants on Hawaiʻi Island

3 p.m. – Hike into Pololū Valley

Drive 45 minutes to Pololū Valley and traverse the short yet steep trail for panoramic views, a secluded black sand beach and an epic sunset.

7 p.m. – Dinner at The Fish & The Hog

Sit at the bar and talk story with the friendly staff over a cold beer or Island-inspired cocktail. Order slow-cooked barbecue and banana cream pie for a satisfying end to a full day.

Day 2 — Journey Across the Island from Summit to Sea

9 a.m. – Grab Breakfast to Go

The Hilo Farmers Market is open daily—with larger events on Wednesdays and Saturdays; it’s an ideal place to pick up fresh produce and other road-trip snacks. Nearby cafés also offer takeout-friendly items, like the breakfast sandwich at The Sippin Siren and smoothies from Sweet Cane Café.

10 a.m. – Drive Along Saddle Road

Cross the island via the scenic highway between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Hiking trails dot the route but only pull over if you’re prepared for full sun exposure.

Noon – Lunch at Rebel Kitchen

Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” this Kealakekua eatery dishes out soul food using local grass-fed beef, freshly caught ʻahi and seasonal produce.

Travel Tip: Don’t leave without trying the fiery lineup of hot sauces and pepperoni-garlic fries.

3 p.m. – Explore South Point & Papakōlea

Take in the dramatic ocean views at the southernmost point in the U.S., then head down to Papakōlea, one of the world’s only green sand beaches. Unless you have an all-terrain vehicle, walking is the safest option—most rental cars aren’t allowed on the rugged path.

Travel Tip: Allow plenty of time to get back before dark. Navigating at night is challenging and risky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route or inexperienced with off-roading.

7 p.m. – Stargaze in Total Darkness

The perfect window to enjoy the island’s famously dark skies is between sunset and moonrise, and some of the best spots from which to capture all things celestial are Mauna Kea and Kalapana. But anywhere with minimal light pollution will do.

Travel Tip: Bring a tripod and use long exposure for the best nighttime photography, even on your phone.

8 p.m. – Witness Kīlauea

If timed after dark, this stop is best during a full moon. Seeing Hawaiʻi’s most active volcano bathed in lunar light is nothing short of otherworldly and, if you’re lucky, you might even witness an eruption.

READ MORE: Our Tips for Travelers to Hilo to See Kīlauea

9:30 p.m. – Grocery Store Run

By the time you return to Hilo, most eateries will be closed. Pick up provisions at a local grocery shop like KTA Super Stores to satisfy any late-night cravings.

Day 3 — Explore the Heart of Historic Hilo

6:30 a.m. – Sunrise & Morning Swim

Carlsmith Beach Park is a magical lagoon with calm waters, turtles gliding through the shallows and an island just offshore that you can swim to. Stainless-steel railings line the slightly submerged concrete path into the ocean, making it easy to take a dip. Arrive early, and you might have the entire place to yourself.

10 a.m. – Explore Downtown Hilo

Rinse off, check out and wander around town. Browse the inventive menu at Nectar Café, the eclectic clothing at Perfect Harmony Boutique, mochi at Two Ladies Kitchen and locally sourced gifts at Nālani Farm Store—plus much more. Shops open around 10 a.m.

For breakfast, order a heaping plate of loco moco at Lincoln Grill or Café 100, two of the first restaurants to serve the iconic local dish.

1 p.m. – Happy Hour at The Hidden Nēnē

As the tagline says, “the upstairs world can wait” when you enter this underground speakeasy that features a cocktail program dripping with creativity. Two daily happy hours—noon to 2 p.m. and 68 p.m.—offer $10 cocktails and 20% off charcuterie boards during the early-bird special.

READ MORE: Sip in Secret at The Hidden Nēnē, Hilo’s Stylish Speakeasy

5 p.m. – Dinner at Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine

After romping around downtown, unwind at this open-air eatery that cooks up Island-inspired fare made with local ingredients. Standout dishes include the caprese salad with Hāmākua tomatoes; teriyaki flank steak; rib-eye smothered in blue cheese-brandy sauce and the Hilo Local Plate with kalbi ribs, kālua pork and mango-chile slaw. Cap it off with a liquid dessert like an espresso martini.

8 p.m. – Arrive at Hilo International Airport

Maximize your time by booking the 9 p.m. flight to Honolulu, which is the last plane to depart Hilo until morning.

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Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.