4-Day Big Island, Hawaii Itinerary

🚗 Day 1: Arrival + Ocean Adventures Flight: LAX → Kona (arrive 12 PM local time). Car Rental: Hawaii Lifted Jeep Rentals ($89/day, 4WD recommended—way better than airport rentals!). Stay: PACIFIC 19 Kona. Activities: 📍Manta Ray Night Dive (Manta Ray Dives of Hawai‘i). 📍Dolphin/Whale Watching (Hawaiian Adventures Kona). 📍Snorkeling (Kona Glassbottom Boat). 📍Shopping: Caramel Hello Kitty at ABC Stores #71. 🌴 Day 2: Southernmost Point + Volcano Views Early Start: Drove to South Point (U.S. southernmost tip—cliff diving spot!). Scenic Route 11: Lush rainforest views. Highlights: 📍Magic Sands Beach Park (emerald waters). 📍Kahalu’u Beach Park (snorkeling). 📍Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (turtle sightings!). 📍Volcano Overlook (Uekahuna—steaming craters). 📍Nāhuku Lava Tube (walk through a lava cave!). Stay: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. 🌋 Day 3: Beaches + Mauna Kea Stargazing Morning: Relax at nearby beaches: Moku Ola (Coconut Island). Carlsmith Beach Park (tidal pools). Afternoon: Rainbow Falls + Boiling Pots (swirling river pools). Mauna Kea Visitor Center (must have 4WD! Use *4L+D uphill, 4L+M2/M3 downhill* to avoid brakes.). Stay: Same in Hilo. 🏞️ Day 4: Waterfalls + Coastal Drive to Kona Akaka Falls State Park ($5 entry, fresh coconuts sold nearby!). Scenic Stops: The Umauma Experience (ziplining—pricey, skipped). Paniolo Adventures (horseback riding—also skipped). Laupāhoehoe Point (cliffside ocean views). Kua Bay ("jellyfish" blue waters). Shopping: Queens' Marketplace (more caramel Hello Kitty + luxury hotels like Hilton). #BigIsland #Hawaii #Volcano #Stargazing #BlackSandBeach 🌺