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Itinerary

Welcome to Hawaiʻi, the Big Island: the land of fire, ocean, and stars. This journey will take you across a landscape where ancient lava fields meet turquoise bays, sea turtles rest on black-sand shores, and the night sky burns with brilliant constellations. Get ready to explore sacred Hawaiian sites, hike through volcanic craters, taste pure Kona coffee at its source, swim with manta rays at night, paddle in traditional outrigger canoes, and witness the otherworldly summit of Mauna Kea.

Our adventure begins in Kona, and each day brings something new: standing at the southernmost point of the US, trekking through Volcanoes National Park, or unwinding on some of Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful beaches. We’ll dive into Hawaiian history, paniolo (cowboy) culture, pristine reefs teeming with tropical fish, and a stargazing experience that feels truly beyond this world.

This is a trip of lava, ocean, and sky: a journey shaped by nature, culture, and moments that stay with you long after the island sunsets fade.

A map showing a circular tour itinerary around an island, with the start and end point at Kailua-Kona.
Six colorful surfboards mounted in a row on a wall, spelling out the word ALOHA.

Arrival in Kona & first Hawaiian sunset

You’ve been dreaming of Hawaiʻi for so long, and today the adventure will finally begin! After arriving in Kailua-Kona, you’ll head to our accommodation to settle in and unwind from the journey. Those landing early will have time to visit Magic Sands Beach for a first dip or wander through Kona’s oceanfront cafés and boutiques.

In the afternoon, we’ll gather for our welcome meeting to go over the trip together. Afterwards, we’ll drive south to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred sanctuary where ancient Hawaiians once sought refuge. Set against lava rock shores and palm trees, it will be the perfect place to introduce Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage and set the tone for our journey.

A palm tree stands on a rocky beach as waves wash ashore under a cloudy, dramatic sunset.

Green sand, wild cliffs & world-famous coffee

This morning, we’ll head south toward Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the entire US. Here, rugged cliffs meet the open Pacific, creating dramatic views and the perfect backdrop for windswept photos. We’ll then continue to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach to hike a scenic 9 km trail (or an optional 4WD shuttle to save energy).

In the afternoon, we’ll drive into the cool highlands of Kona for a coffee farm tour, discovering how 100% Kona coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted. Tastings, aromatic roasting rooms, and fresh mountain air will make this visit unforgettable.

After sunset, we’ll have the option to join a manta ray night snorkel, floating above moonlit waters as graceful manta rays glide beneath us, one of Hawaii’s most enchanting experiences.

Molten lava pours from volcanic cliffs into the churning ocean, generating large clouds of steam and smoke at dusk.

Inside the land of lava

We’ll start early and cross the island to reach Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a landscape shaped by powerful forces of creation. We’ll explore Crater Rim Drive, stop by the Steam Vents, walk across the hardened lava lake of the Kīlauea Iki Trail, and descend through the lush interior of the Thurston Lava Tube.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue along the dramatic Chain of Craters Road, descending toward the coast where sea arches, lava formations, and ancient petroglyphs await. On our way back toward Kona, we’ll stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, often home to resting sea turtles, a serene and iconic Big Island moment.

A group of people in traditional clothing performs a ritual dance around a large bonfire on the sand at night.

Cowboy culture & world-class beaches

This morning, we’ll head north into the cooler uplands of Waimea, home to the historic Parker Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States. Here, we’ll learn about Hawai‘i’s paniolo (cowboy) heritage and the ranching traditions that shaped this unique region.

Later, we’ll make our way to the stunning Kohala Coast, where we’ll relax at one of the island’s top beaches. We’ll choose between Hapuna Beach, known for its long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, or Mauna Kea Beach, a beautiful crescent-shaped bay with excellent snorkelling.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau, complete with an imu ceremony, local dishes, hula performances, and live music, a celebration of culture and community!

A vast, starry night sky with the Milky Way galaxy visible above a silhouetted house illuminated by red light.

Water Adventures & Mauna Kea Stargazing

We’ll begin our morning on the water, learning basic outrigger canoe paddling techniques as we glide along the Kona coast. Afterwards, we’ll snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, one of Hawaiʻi’s most vibrant marine sanctuaries, home to colourful reefs, tropical fish, and occasionally spinner dolphins.

In the afternoon, we’ll have time to relax before preparing for one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of the trip: Mauna Kea stargazing. As we ascend toward the summit region, the temperatures will cool and the sky will open. Sunset will paint the volcano in warm colours, and once darkness falls, telescopes will reveal planets, nebulae, and countless stars, a view unmatched anywhere else in the world.

A white lifeguard tower sits on a sandy beach among tall palm trees, with a red ATV parked nearby under a clear blue sky.

Aloha & Goodbyes

Our Hawaiian adventure will come to an end today, and after breakfast we’ll say our goodbyes before heading our separate ways. Those with later flights will be free to continue exploring, perhaps at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, Akaka Falls, or Rainbow Falls for one last dose of Big Island nature.

A hui hou, until we meet again!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified
  • Gas/petrol, parking, toll fees 

  • All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Tradditional Lū'au Dinner Party - approx. USD130

  • Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour - approx. USD300

  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel - approx. USD130

  • Kona Coffee Farm - approx. USD50

  • Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling - approx. USD 100

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • All accommodations in shared rooms at hotels/apartments

  • Car rental with unlimited mileage

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalKailua-Kona (KOA)
ReturnKailua-Kona (KOA)
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WeRoadX

This is a WeRoadX

A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.

This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About United States of America

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$ 2,726
Book with $ 0
Free trip change
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