Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Big Island of Hawaii?

Q: Is 4 days enough time in Big Island of Hawaii?

Four days is usually not enough time to experience the adventure-filled island of Big Island of Hawaii, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the hiking, and the gorgeous scenery, as well as the Waipio Valley Overlook. You'll likely want more than four days, as many tourists set aside around 5-14 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Big Island of Hawaii?

Many visitors spend at least 5 or as many as 14 days in Big Island of Hawaii during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The island offers the chance to explore the underwater world, lounge on the beach, get out into nature, and take in the beautiful scenery.

The Big Island of Hawaii is an impressive and spectacularly stunning destination with iconic viewpoints and scenic overlooks. There are many hiking trails on the island, many of which are concentrated in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The island also has both luxury resorts and accommodations that appeal to a younger, more budget conscious crowd.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Big Island of Hawaii? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Big Island of Hawaii?

The very popular island of Big Island of Hawaii has many activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is probably not enough time on the adventure-filled island. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Big Island of Hawaii such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the hiking, and the gorgeous scenery. To thoroughly enjoy the whole island, you'll probably want more time, as most travelers schedule at least 5 or as many as 14 days here. Nevertheless, we have some nice suggestions for your visit below.

How to spend 3 days in Big Island of Hawaii

When visiting Big Island of Hawaii, you absolutely can't miss the Waipio Valley Overlook as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

Big Island of Hawaii is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Kilauea is the dramatic volcano that often offers a show to visitors. The island also has spectacular viewpoints like Waipi'o Valley Lookout, dramatic waterfalls, and picturesque bays.

Scuba diving and snorkeling around Big Island of Hawaii is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. There are a number of beautiful snorkeling spots where you'll see beautiful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. A bucket list experience is also diving or snorkeling with the manta rays, which will take your breath away.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. It can be challenging to find local restaurants that aren't catering to the tourist crowd, but when you do you'll be rewarded with great local dishes. Seafood, poke bowls, and shave ice are all popular.

The beautiful beaches await you in Big Island of Hawaii, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. This is a younger island than most in Hawaii, so the beaches are varied and diverse. You'll find white sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, and even green sand. There are also areas where the lava rock reaches the ocean. Hapuna Beach is a favorite as is Honl's Beach.

Is 4 days enough time in Big Island of Hawaii?

Four days is usually not enough time to experience the adventure-filled island of Big Island of Hawaii, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the hiking, and the gorgeous scenery, as well as the Waipio Valley Overlook. You'll likely want more than four days, as many tourists set aside around 5-14 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.

Waipi'o Valley, Hawai'i

How to spend 4 days in Big Island of Hawaii

If you have more than 4 days in Big Island of Hawaii, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Big Island of Hawaii sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The island is filled with miles of spectacular hiking trails. They'll take you to iconic waterfalls, world-renowned viewpoints, and through fields of lava rocks. Many people spend days hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there are also impressive hikes along the Kona Coast.

Is 5 days enough time in Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii is a small island that is extremely popular with tourists due to the many sights and attractions. So with five days, you'll probably feel rushed to see everything the island has to offer. You really need more time to explore the underwater world, lounge on the beach, get out into nature, and take in the beautiful scenery. Many visitors prefer to have at least 5 or as many as 14 days to fully enjoy the island. If you have five days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend 5 days in Big Island of Hawaii

Having 5 days in Big Island of Hawaii will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.

Shopping in Big Island of Hawaii is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many local artisan shops on the island, particular in Hilo, Historic Kailua Village and along the Kohala Coast. You'll find handmade quilts, wooden carved products, and handcrafted jewelry.

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If you're looking for more information about Big Island of Hawaii, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.