Day Adventure Ideas Below

The Big Island is very big and these ideas can take all day.  Google map everything so you understand the time it could take to drive there, and don't forget to factor in traffic. Traffic times are same as mainland times.

You're welcome to hire me to drive you on any of these adventures or you can make up your own. I drive a Honda Insight on the Big Island and I am in Kauai once a month. I drive a Rav4 in Kauai.

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VOLCANOES PARK

Call to learn about the Volcano National Park 8089856000.
Go to this website to learn about the park and view live webcams https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
It is a 2 hour drive south from Kailua Kona town. The earlier you start the better, and it's a beautiful drive. If you can stay one night somewhere in Volcano it is worth it because there is a lot of hikes you can explore and at night the stars are wonderful!
The Coffee Shack is a great place to have breakfast because the food is amazing and the view is fantastic! 
You will see Royal Kona Coffee off the HWY after The Coffee Shack, you can’t miss their flags flying, they have lots of fun FREE coffee to samples if you just want to try different coffee.
The Volcano House Hotel is right next to the crater, and there are also nice A frame cabins to camp in the park in as well. 
South Point is on the way to the volcano national park. If you want to make time to stop by it can be very, very windy there. It is the southerner most place in the U.S.
Punaluʻu Bakehsop is a favorite to stop at on the way to volcano. 
The Volcano Visitor Center has short documentary movies, just turn left right when you drive into volcano park, and you'll see it.
Great places to visit in volcano
Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Lookout
Thurston Lava Tube
Kīlauea Iki Hike
Enjoy your day! 

POLOLŪ VALLEY HIKE

POLOLŪ VALLEY is 1 hour and 22 minutes north of Kailua Kona, and is an amazing hike! It's steepest at the beginning of the hike and obviously when you come back it's steepest when you're almost back to your car so be prepared. 
It's always best to leave as early as possible because wind and weather can come in more in the afternoon. 
You can stop in Hawi town for breakfast it is closest to the valley, it's a really cute town!
Hapuna Beach is on the way if you want to stop for a nice sunset after your hike.
Manta Ray restaurant is near Hapuna Beach and you have a great chance to see manta rays there in the evening. If they are there, you could see people snorkeling with them, so bring your snorkeling gear if you want to swim with them, and please try not to touch them as that will help keep them safe. Thank you
Lava Lava Beach Club is another great restaurant where you can watch the sunset and possibly see turtles on the beach if you go for a walk. They are protected by law so please keep your distance. Thank you 
Enjoy your hiking day!

EXPLORING WATERFALLS

If you drive the north side of the island it is very beautiful and you can stop in Waimea for a huge breakfast at Hawaiian Style Cafe  because their meals are AWESOME! Sharing is a great idea and they only accept cash. 
 Aka Falls 442' feet waterfall on the north side of the island and is a state park. 
You can also enjoy the beautiful Old Mamalahoa Hwy and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is on it as well.  
Rainbow Falls also known as Wailuku River is in Hilo and has a fun small trail that leads to big Banyan Trees.
Lucy's Mexican is my favorite restaurant in Hilo town. There are a lot of really nice restaurants there to have dinner. 
Drive back through Saddle Road and you'll find a rest stop in between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa because it's a long drive, and it's a beautiful spot with a fun playground. 
Waiki'i Road is Old Saddle Road and is a fun road to travel if you have time. The beautiful Hawaiian Pueo day owl can sometimes be seen on this road. 
Enjoy the drive!
 

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is also known as The City of Refugee and is a historical state park that has a self guided tour you can hear from your cellphone. It is worth going to because it will show you what Hawaiian life was like back in their day, and bring your snorkeling gear and flotation too, because it’s next to a great snorkeling spot called 2 Step.
Be careful if there are big waves because it's best to stay safe. Also, keep an eye and ear out for boats. There’s not much boat traffic there but it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the water.
Bring water and food because there are not shops there, and there isn't much shade so don't forget the mineral based sunscreen.
If you see dolphins it is against the law to swim to them. If they swim to you make sure to let them do what they want and don't harass them or touch them because you could get a big fine when you get out. Just enjoy the attention they want to give by giving them their space. 
 Big Island Bees is a few miles away and has fun honey samples of their AMAZING flavored HONEY!
The historical Painted Church is in this are as well.