🇺🇸 Big Island, Hawaii: 5-Day Ultimate Guide 🏝️ (With Detailed Map!)

Just wrapped up my Alaska trip—now sharing my September adventure on the Big Island! Refer to P2 for the map & itinerary. ✈️ Flight Route LAX → Kona Airport Day 1-2: Kona (sunny! ☀️) Day 3-4: Hilo (unpredictable weather 🌧️) Day 5: Drive Hilo → Kona → Fly home 🏨 Accommodation 📍 Kona: Hilton Waikoloa Village HUGE resort—divided into 3 zones: Kings’ Land: Best value! Close to parking, restaurants, and the dolphin area 🐬 (Highly recommend!) Palace Tower: Most luxurious Ocean Tower: Not worth it Price: ~$350/night (Sept) + $40/night parking 🍽️ Must-Eat in Kona 📍 Da Poke Shack – Famous poke bowl spot! 🛍️ Shopping KTA Supermarket – For snacks & essentials ABC Stores – Souvenirs & sun-tan Hello Kitty 🐱 🤿 Activities in Kona 1️⃣ Skydiving Only operator: Big Island Gravity Skydiving (Book via Skydive BIG) $375/person (includes video!) 2️⃣ Snorkeling at Captain Cook Location: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy Book on Viator: $138/person (includes food, water, gear) 🏡 Hilo Stay Airbnb: ~$250/night (for 3 people) 🌺 Hilo Highlights 1️⃣ Hilo Farmers Market – Tropical fruits (okay taste) 2️⃣ Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden – Lush greenery! 3️⃣ Mauna Kea – Cloud-sea sunset (must-see!) 4️⃣ Black Sand Beaches: Waipi'o (North) Punaluʻu (South) – We saw turtles here! 🐢 🌋 Missed Out: Volcano 😢 No eruption during our visit—next time! ✅ Final Verdict If you love adventure, raw nature & less commercialization, the Big Island is PERFECT! #HawaiiTravel #BigIsland #HawaiiGuide #RoadTrip #HiltonResort #IslandStyle 🌴