Last-Minute Trip to the Big Island: Use This Plan
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You’ve got a trip fast approaching, and you haven’t planned much of anything. Don’t panic, we’ve got you! Whether you are starting from scratch or just need your activities and experiences actually planned out — we’ll help you get things done for a last-minute trip to the Big Island!
Using this list is like reading the Cliff Notes version of the book and still getting an A+ on the test. Let’s get you to an A+ vacation.
Here’s your quick plan for a last-minute trip to the Big Island.
Hi! I’m Erica,
Co-founder of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. I’ve lived on Maui and Oahu and travel the islands regularly with my husband Jordan and our kids, Henry and Edith. From planning unforgettable island-hopping adventures to paddling out on my SUP during whale season, I know what it takes to craft the perfect Hawaii vacation.
Need a place to stay? Book this.
If you’re going for a primarily beach vacation, you’re going to want to stay on the Kona side of the island. This is the leeward side of the island, meaning you get more sun, generally calmer ocean conditions, and less rain.
The windward side of the island is great for waterfalls, adventure, and hiking in Volcanoes National Park, but I wouldn’t spend my whole vacation there if you’re dreaming of the beach.
We usually stay in either Kona or on the Kohala Coast and take a day trip or a night over to the Hilo side.
Stay in Kona if you like more walkability, retro charm, and the option to find some less expensive vacation rental and hotel options.
Stay on the Kohala Coast if you like sprawling resorts, bigger beaches, and a newer, often more luxurious vibe.
- Mauna Lani Resort – my favorite resort on the Kohala Coast!
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel – the best beach
- Westin Hapuna Beach
Our Where to Stay database has some great options — both hotels and vacation rentals — for your stay.
Big Island Activities to Book
During a spring break trip, we were on Kauai, and we met a family who had booked nothing ahead of time. They were so disappointed that all the tours they wanted to do were sold out!
You absolutely do not have to fill your trip with tours and activities. But if there is something you want to do, book it now.
These are our go-to tour and activity recommendations for a last-minute trip to the Big Island.
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling. This is the bucket-list experience on the Big Island. Floating in the dark ocean while graceful manta rays glide beneath you is absolutely magical – but it books up fast. Small group tours from Manta Village offer the most intimate experience, while the other provides excellent guides and equipment.
We’ve done them and love them both:
Book now: small group tour or larger tour
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm Tour: Want to taste Kona coffee at the source? This boutique farm tour takes you through the entire process from bean to cup. It’s a relaxing morning activity that gives you insight into one of Hawaii’s most famous exports. Plus, the views are stunning.
Book now: Heavenly Hawaiian Tour
Swimming at Kulaniapia Falls: Take a dip in this stunning 120-foot private waterfall on the Hilo side. It’s a hidden gem. While you will probably be driving over here to view all the waterfalls on the windward side, this is a private waterfall you can swim in.
Book now: Kulaniapia Falls
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: This marine sanctuary has some of the clearest water and best snorkeling on the island. Captain Cook Monument, dolphin sightings, and vibrant coral reefs await. We loved this tour because it was on a great catamaran, but there is an adventurous raft tour as well
Book now: Kona Snorkel Tour
Volcanoes National Park Tour: You don’t need a guide to show you around Volcanoes National Park, but you sure do learn a lot more when you hire one.
Here are the favorite group and private tours of Volcanoes National Park:
- Private tour of Volcanoes National Park with our buddy Joel!
- Big Island Volcano Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting (group)
- Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour
Visit the official Volcanoes NPS website for details and see our Tips for Hawaii’s National Parks. We also share a full guide to Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
If you want all of our activity recommendations, here’s our full activity database.
You are all set for a last-minute trip to the Big Island! Have fun and message us with how it went!
Itinerary for a Last-Minute Trip to Hawaii
We don’t you want us to repeat our lessons learned from traveling to Hawaii. Grab our itinerary, and your planning will be over.
You will not regret the answer to Is a Hawaii Itinerary Worth the Money?
Don’t get overwhelmed with the details on a last-minute trip to the Island of Hawaii! Being in the warm embrace of the island is all you need on your vacation!
I hope I can assist with your last-minute bookings. If you’re looking for full days out and all the details for a Hawaii vacation, then see our Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary! You can’t go wrong with our itinerary!
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