Episode Details

How Many Days Do You Really Need on the Big Island?

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a Big Island trip who's underestimating drive times and considering splitting time between Kona and Hilo (or basing entirely in one resort area and day-tripping to the other side).

What you'll learn: Why the Big Island needs more time than people expect, specific drive times between Kona, Hilo, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recommended trip lengths, and how to split nights between Kona and Hilo based on trip style and budget.

Places discussed:

• Kona
• Waikoloa
• Hilo
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Waipio Valley
• Waimea

Activities discussed:

• Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Taking the shuttle into Waipio Valley (hiking in is no longer allowed; the shuttle is the only practical way in)
• Chasing waterfalls near Hilo
• Renting a car

Marcie's recommendations:

• Drive times: Kona to Hilo is about 1.5–2 hours via Saddle Road, or closer to 3 hours via the southern route past the volcano
• Kona to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is about 2–2.5 hours
• Hilo to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is only about 45 minutes — a key reason to base near Hilo if the park is a priority
• If the Big Island is your only stop: aim for 7–10 days
• If island hopping: 5–7 days works, but be intentional about which side gets more nights
• If you only have 3–4 days: pick one region and let the other go, rather than trying to touch both
• For Kona vs. Hilo split: lean toward more nights in Hilo if you're outdoorsy or budget-conscious (closer to the volcano and Waipio, generally lower rates); lean toward more nights in Kona if a classic resort experience (pools, beach chairs, oceanfront luau) matters more to your group
• For a full week, Marcie typically recommends around 4 nights Kona / 3 nights Hilo, adjusting based on what the family prioritizes
• A rental car is not optional on the Big Island — rideshare doesn't reliably work outside Kona or Hilo town, and isn't practical for long point-to-point drives even within them
• Book your rental car early, especially for Kona pickup, since rates and availability shift fast
• Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for consistently better rates than booking direct
• If doing a split stay between Kona and Hilo, double-check for one-way drop-off fees

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes:

• Planning Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visit: Everything You Need to Know— Ep 53
• Where I Eat on the Big Island— Ep 136
• Best Areas to Stay on the Big Island— Ep 74
• How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island— Ep 51

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link) — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Resources
• Hawaii Travel Consultation — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Travel Consultant
• $50 Itinerary Audit — hawaiitravelwithkids.com under Hawaii Itinerary Review

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacati