Hawaii Island circle

The Big Island has black lava fields, rainforest waterfalls, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks on a single road. Kilauea's park, Punalu'u black-sand beach and Akaka Falls are highlights. It suits visitors with a few days.

The stops

1. Start

   Kailua-Kona

2. Historic

   Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

   Place of refuge historical park

3. Viewpoint

   Ka Lae (South Point)

   Southernmost point in the US

4. Beach

   Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

   Green turtles on black sand; don't touch

5. Park · Overnight

   Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

   Crater rim drive and lava tubes

6. Viewpoint

   Rainbow Falls, Hilo

   Waterfall close to town

7. Hike

   Akaka Falls

   Short loop to a 135 m falls

8. Viewpoint

   Waipio Valley Lookout

   View only; road down is restricted

9. Viewpoint

   Pololu Valley Lookout

   View over a green sea-cliff valley

10. Historic

    Pu'ukohola Heiau

    National historic site by the sea

11. Beach

    Hapuna Beach

    White sand state park

12. Back to the start

    Kailua-Kona

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Volcano

  Kilauea Military Camp · Namakanipaio Campground

• Night 2

  Hilo

  Hilo motels

• Night 3

  Waimea

  Waimea inns

When to go

Year round; Hilo side is wet

On the road

Volcano activity can close parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Weather on Saddle Road can be foggy. Waipio Valley road is restricted.