October 27, 2026
7-Day Big Island Itinerary: Four Nights in Kona, Three on the Hilo Side
Our day-by-day week on the Big Island: four nights on the sunny Kona side, three on the green Hilo side, with the tours that fit each day.
Big Island planning guides
Longer reads for planning the trip: what to do, which side to stay on, when to come, and what the brochures leave out.
October 27, 2026
Best Time to Visit the Big Island: Month by Month, From Locals
Whales, mantas, rain on each side, Maunakea snow, Merrie Monarch and prices, month by month, plus which tours to book when.
October 27, 2026
Kona vs Hilo: Which Side of the Big Island Should You Stay On?
Sunny Kona or green Hilo? A side-by-side table, real drive times, which tours suit each base, and the split stay we recommend.
October 27, 2026
Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: The Complete Guide
How the Kona manta ray night snorkel works, snorkel versus dive, what to bring, kids and seasickness, and when to go.
October 27, 2026
17 Best Things to Do on the Big Island (A Local's 2026 Guide)
All 17 of our top Big Island tours in ranked order, plus the free stops, the Kona side versus the Hilo side, and a quick-picks table.
October 27, 2026
Waipiʻo Valley Guide: Current Access, the Lookout and Nearby Waterfalls
What the Waipiʻo road closure means for your trip, how to reach the lookout, the Hāmākua waterfalls nearby, and why the valley matters.