Experience the heart of Kona at this vibrant open-air market filled with local fruits, Kona coffee, handmade crafts, tropical flowers, and island-style souvenirs — a colorful and authentic start to your Big Island adventure.

Step into ancient Hawaiian history at this sacred coastal site once offering sanctuary to those seeking forgiveness. Explore royal grounds, wooden carvings, and peaceful ocean views that reflect the island’s deep cultural roots.

Take a delightful break at Paradise Meadows, a charming family-run coffee and macadamia nut farm near South Point — the southernmost spot in the United States! Wander among the trees, meet the friendly owners, and taste the island’s sweetest treasures: freshly roasted Kaʻū coffee, buttery macadamia nuts, local honey, and rich chocolate treats. Every flavor here is grown, harvested, and made with aloha. You can stroll through the garden, say hello to the farm animals, or simply enjoy the peaceful country atmosphere with ocean breezes and birdsong all around. It’s a perfect place to relax, recharge, and experience the real flavor of Hawaiʻi before continuing your island adventure.

Welcome to South Point — the southernmost tip of the entire United States! This dramatic coastal spot is where rugged cliffs meet the endless Pacific, with windblown grasses, turquoise waters, and a sense of wild freedom you’ll never forget. Watch the brave locals leap from the 40-foot cliffs into the deep blue below, or simply stand at the edge and feel the power of the trade winds. South Point is also rich in history — ancient Hawaiians once launched their fishing canoes from this very shore. Whether you’re here for photos, adventure, or quiet reflection, this breathtaking landmark captures the raw, untamed beauty of the Big Island.

Tucked away near South Point lies one of the rarest beaches on Earth — Papakōlea, Hawaiʻi’s famous Green Sand Beach. Its shimmering olive-green color comes from tiny crystals of a volcanic mineral called olivine, scattered across the shoreline like gems under the sun. The journey here is part of the adventure — a bumpy ride or scenic hike across windswept cliffs with panoramic ocean views. Once you arrive, the secluded bay and turquoise water feel almost otherworldly. Whether you dip your toes in the surf, snap unforgettable photos, or simply breathe in the salt air, Papakōlea offers one of the most unique and magical stops on the island.

Welcome to the southernmost bakery in the United States — the famous Punaluʻu Bake Shop! This cheerful oasis in Nā‘ālehu is known for its soft, sweet Hawaiian sweet bread, malasadas, and tropical pastries that melt in your mouth. Take a moment to relax under the shade of palm trees, sip a cup of local Kaʻū coffee, and sample freshly baked delights like guava or taro rolls. The bakery’s colorful gardens and gentle island music create a true aloha atmosphere. Whether you’re refueling for the road ahead or treating yourself to a tasty souvenir, this stop is a sweet highlight on your Big Island adventure.

Discover the striking beauty of Punaluʻu, Hawaiʻi’s most famous black sand beach. Formed by ancient lava flows meeting the sea, the jet-black shoreline sparkles in the sunlight and contrasts beautifully with turquoise waves and bright green palms. This beach is also a favorite resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles — you’ll often see them basking peacefully on the warm sand. Take time for photos, a short walk, or simply to enjoy the sound of the surf and the ocean breeze. Punaluʻu offers a perfect mix of nature, geology, and tranquility — a true Big Island must-see.

Step into one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes — Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to the legendary Kīlauea Volcano. Here you’ll witness the raw power of nature: steaming craters, ancient lava flows, lush rainforests, and vast volcanic vistas stretching to the ocean. Stop at scenic overlooks, walk through volcanic steam vents, and feel the warm earth beneath your feet. Depending on nature’s mood, you might even glimpse glowing lava in the distance! This park is a sacred place that reveals how the Hawaiian Islands were born and continue to evolve — a breathtaking highlight of your Big Island adventure.

Walk through a natural tunnel carved by flowing lava hundreds of years ago — a truly unforgettable experience inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by lush rainforest and giant ferns, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) offers a short, easy walk into the island’s volcanic heart. As you step inside, you’ll see smooth rock walls shaped by molten lava, cooled in place like a frozen river of fire. It’s cool, mysterious, and full of atmosphere — a glimpse into how the Big Island was formed. This stop perfectly combines adventure, nature, and wonder, making it a favorite for visitors of all ages.

Feel the magic of Hilo’s lush rainforest at Rainbow Falls — an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into a lava cave surrounded by tropical greenery. In the morning light, you might spot the colorful rainbows that give this waterfall its name. It’s an easy stop with breathtaking views, accessible paths, and plenty of photo opportunities. Listen to the roar of the water, breathe in the fresh misty air, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of one of Hawaiʻi’s most famous natural landmarks. A perfect place to connect with the island’s gentle, tropical spirit before continuing your adventure.

End your Big Island adventure beneath one of the clearest night skies in the world. As daylight fades along Saddle Road — the high mountain pass between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa — the stars begin to sparkle brighter than you’ve ever seen. Far from city lights, the Milky Way arches overhead in breathtaking clarity, and constellations seem close enough to touch. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment where the cool mountain air and silence of the lava fields make you feel truly connected to the universe. A perfect and unforgettable way to close your private island journey.