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I’d include Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach for waterfall views.

I love Hawaiʻi most when the trip leaves room to feel each island rather than racing through a checklist. Choose one or two strong bases, learn the stories behind the landscapes, and let beach time count as real travel—not empty space between sights.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is a palm-lined cove of jet-black volcanic sand creates one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most recognizable coastal stops, and green sea turtles often haul out here to rest. The best visit is slow and observational: walk the shoreline, study the contrast of lava sand and vegetation, and watch wildlife from outside every marked buffer rather than treating the beach as a guaranteed swim.

Allow about 45 minutes, with no admission or advance booking. Parking, picnic space, and restrooms make this an easy break on the Kaʻū route, but ocean entry is often rough and cold freshwater seeps can make conditions feel unusual; official visitor guidance says swimming is not ideal. Families should keep children close to shore and away from resting turtles.

TIP: Protect bare feet at midday because black sand heats quickly, and never remove sand, rocks, or natural material.

TIP: Bring water and sun protection, then check the live surf and posted wildlife boundaries before choosing where to sit.

Official website

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Volcanic landscapes, coffee country, reef cruises, and the rhythm of Hawaiʻi Island.

Big Island Adventure

Oʻahu and Maui, with Kauaʻi’s gardens and cliffs unfolding on longer island-hopping trips.

First-Time Island Hop

Gardens, Nā Pali cliffs, coastal towns, and unhurried beach time on Hawaiʻi’s Garden Isle.

Kauaʻi Nature Escape

Rainforest roads, dramatic coasts, golden beaches, and an unhurried side of Maui.

Maui Scenic Escape

City energy, sacred history, surf towns, and beach time on Hawaiʻi’s most varied island.

Oʻahu City & Surf

Hilo and Volcano make one practical east-side base: rainforest waterfalls, local markets, crater trails, lava tubes, and black-sand coast.

Hilo & Volcano

Flight between Oʻahu and Hilo / Volcano links Honolulu (HNL) with Hilo (ITO) in either direction. The flight itself is usually under an hour, but allow the normal domestic check-in, security and baggage time at both ends. There is no ordinary road or passenger-car ferry alternative between these islands.

Hilo is the east-side gateway for Hilo and Volcano; Kona is a different airport on the west side. Include checked bags and any sports equipment when comparing fares. The airport-to-hotel bus, taxi or rental-car collection is separate from this flight. Allow separately for the drive to your accommodation after collecting bags.

In the reverse direction, fly back to Honolulu and arrange onward transport on Oʻahu separately. Return any island rental car before departure; vehicles do not travel with you.

TIP: Leave a generous buffer when connecting from an international flight on separate tickets.

Flight to Hilo

Flight between Maui and Hilo & Volcano connects the islands in either direction. Use Kahului (OGG) on Maui and Hilo (ITO) on Hawaiʻi Island. Look for a nonstop departure on your date; a flight routed through Honolulu is a longer connecting journey and needs a different time allowance.

Hilo is the useful east-side gateway for Hilo and Volcano, while Kona airport is on the other side of Hawaiʻi Island. Kahului serves Maui’s main rental-car and road network. The drive to Volcano or Maui’s beach resorts remains a separate part of the day. Compare the full fare with checked bags and sports equipment included, and return your rental car before leaving the island. Arrange a separate rental car, taxi or other road transfer after arrival; the flight does not include hotel transport. Allow time for check-in, security, baggage collection and the drive at each end.

TIP: Reserve the inter-island journey before committing to timed activities on the arrival day. On separate tickets, leave a generous connection buffer and check both airlines’ baggage and missed-connection rules.

Flight alternatives

Flight between Kauaʻi and Hilo & Volcano connects the islands in either direction. Travel between Līhuʻe (LIH) and Hilo (ITO) with a connection at Honolulu (HNL). Book the two flight legs together where possible, and check the layover and baggage arrangements in both directions. Allow around three hours airport to airport for a suitable connection; some schedules take substantially longer.

Hilo gives access to the east side of Hawaiʻi Island and Volcano; it is not the same airport as Kona. Līhuʻe serves all of Kauaʻi, with additional driving to Poʻipū or the north shore. There is no scheduled passenger ferry for this island pair. Compare the full fare with checked bags and sports equipment included, and return your rental car before leaving the island. Arrange a separate rental car, taxi or other road transfer after arrival; the flight does not include hotel transport. Allow time for check-in, security, baggage collection and the drive at each end.

TIP: Reserve the inter-island journey before committing to timed activities on the arrival day. On separate tickets, leave a generous connection buffer and check both airlines’ baggage and missed-connection rules.

Flight to Hilo via Honolulu

Aarons Cottage is a small guesthouse near Hilo's eastern beach parks, offering a quieter residential alternative to a conventional hotel. It suits independent travelers who prioritize value, simple comforts and quick access to shoreline walks.

Rooms and shared garden spaces feel informal and home-like, with practical amenities that vary by unit. Hilo's airport, downtown and major waterfall routes are all a short drive away.

Choose Aarons Cottage for a modest base between active sightseeing days. Confirm the exact room facilities before arrival, and plan on using a car for most meals and excursions.

TIP: Check your unit's kitchen setup before buying groceries.

Aarons Cottage

Arnott's Lodge is a long-running traveler lodge near Hilo's eastern shoreline and Richardson-area beach parks. It offers a practical mix of private rooms, apartments and budget-minded lodging for guests who want space and easy driving access.

The leafy property has a relaxed, low-key atmosphere, with shared outdoor areas and room types suited to different group sizes. Downtown Hilo, airport access, waterfalls and Volcano day trips are straightforward by car.

Choose Arnott's for flexibility and value outside the downtown core. The setting is quiet and residential, so a rental car makes meals and sightseeing considerably easier.

TIP: Match your room type carefully because kitchens and bathrooms vary.

Arnott's Lodge

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is a full-service bayfront hotel with broad water views, a pool, and the convenience of a major brand. It suits travelers who want conventional amenities and quick airport access while using Hilo as a base for waterfalls and the volcano side of the island.

The best rooms look across Hilo Bay toward Maunakea; lower categories are more functional. Walk Liliʻuokalani Gardens at sunrise, then drive into town for stronger local dining.

TIP: Recent guest feedback is mixed, so weigh the bayfront setting and facilities against the current room condition shown for your exact category.

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel is a simple waterfront lodging option on Reeds Bay, close to Hilo's airport and Banyan Drive. It suits travelers seeking an economical base and open-water views without the services or polish of a full resort.

Studios are straightforward, and some include kitchen facilities that support longer or budget-conscious stays. The bayfront setting gives the property a distinctive sense of place, while downtown and major roads remain close by car.

Choose Reeds Bay for value and convenience on a brief Hilo stay. Room condition and outlook can vary, so review the category carefully and set expectations for an older, independent property.

TIP: Request an upper-floor bay view if stairs are manageable.

Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel

Howzit Hostels Hawaii is a sociable budget base in downtown Hilo, within easy reach of cafés, markets and the bayfront. It suits solo travelers and younger groups who value community, shared spaces and a central location more than hotel-style privacy.

Dorms and private rooms keep the setup simple, while communal areas and organized activities make it easy to meet other travelers. The downtown position works well before or after Volcano and waterfall excursions.

Choose Howzit for affordability and a lively atmosphere in Hilo. Shared facilities and social energy are part of the experience, so light sleepers and privacy-focused travelers should select room type carefully.

TIP: Bring earplugs and a small lock for shared-room stays.

Howzit Hostels Hawaii

Kīlauea Lodge is a cozy rainforest lodge where fireplaces, native gardens, and a notably good restaurant soften Volcano's cool, damp evenings. It feels personal and grounded—an excellent contrast to the island's sunny resort coast.

The park entrance is minutes away, so you can chase clear crater views early and return for a hot shower and unhurried dinner. Rooms vary in layout and are spread across garden buildings.

TIP: Reserve dinner with the room; the dining room is popular beyond hotel guests and Volcano has limited late-night alternatives.

Kīlauea Lodge

Kulanaokuaiki is a small walk-in tent campground off Hilina Pali Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with an open volcanic-upland setting and very limited services.

The campground provides vault toilets. There are no conventional showers at the pitches.

Bring all drinking and cooking water. There are no showers or water supply, pets are prohibited and campfires are not allowed; use an appropriate fueled camping stove. Fire risk can close the campground.

Kulanaokuaiki

Kulanaokuaiki is located off Hilina Pali Road at 3,200 feet (975 m), there are nine walk-in campsites with picnic tables. There is an accessible vault toilet; however, no water is available and campfires are not permitted. Use fueled camping stoves only. This campground is subject to closure when the area is dry and during times of high fire risk. No dogs or pets are allowed at this campground to protect endangered nēnē.

There is a self pay station at the campground

Per site

Nāmakanipaio is a grassy tent campground at about 4,000 feet in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with eucalyptus and ʻōhiʻa trees, shared picnic areas and a more sheltered setting than the park’s exposed volcanic slopes.

The campground provides flush toilets, a shared drinking-water supply. There are no conventional showers at the pitches.

Bring your own tent and warm, weatherproof sleeping equipment. The basic pitch does not include a cabin or rental tent. Fires are restricted to the designated barbecue pits and the maximum stay is seven days.

Nāmakanipaio

Nāmakanipaio Campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted in the barbeque pits only. Maximum stay is 7 days.

Temporary Closure

There is a self pay station at the campground. Park entrance fees also apply which are paid at the park entrance station or the after hours self pay station on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai.

Per tent site

SCP Hilo Hotel is simple rather than luxurious, but the pool courtyard and friendly social spaces make it more characterful than a standard airport-area stay.

Use it for Hilo markets, waterfalls, botanical gardens, and an easy first or last night near the airport. It also works as a practical base when Volcano accommodation is full.

TIP: Parking is limited and Banyan Drive can feel quiet after dark; plan dinners before kitchens close.

SCP Hilo Hotel

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is an intimate eco retreat wrapped around a privately accessible waterfall above Hilo. Water, bamboo, birds, and mist create the rare feeling of sleeping inside the landscape rather than beside a highway or resort lawn.

Guests can hike the grounds, swim when conditions permit, and add waterfall rappelling or a chef's dinner. The winding approach and remote setting are part of the experience, so arrive before dark and settle in.

TIP: Room types range from polished inn rooms to rustic cabins with shared facilities; read the exact bathroom and electricity details before booking.

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Volcano House is a historic national-park hotel perched on the rim of Kīlauea Caldera. Waking to crater weather and stepping straight onto park trails gives it a sense of occasion that no off-site hotel can reproduce.

Rooms are simple relative to the price; location is the luxury. Stay here to photograph changing light, join ranger programs, and explore before day-trippers arrive or after they leave.

TIP: Caldera-view rooms justify the premium, but fog is part of the landscape—book for access and atmosphere, not a guaranteed panorama.

Volcano House

Volcano Village Lodge is a small rainforest retreat in Volcano Village, a short drive from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Its secluded cottages and lush setting suit couples and quiet-trip travelers who want the forest to feel integral to the stay.

Individual lodges emphasize privacy, wood interiors and views into dense tropical vegetation. Breakfast and in-room comforts make early park starts and cool evenings feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Choose Volcano Village Lodge for atmosphere and proximity to the park rather than nightlife or broad resort amenities. Weather is cooler and wetter here than on the Kona Coast, especially after dark.

TIP: Pack a warm layer for cool rainforest mornings and evenings.