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Hello Beautiful Soul!
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to hit the reset button. You need a place where the air smells like salt and volcanic earth, where the pace slows down, and where you can truly feel grounded. For me, that place is the Big Island of Hawaii. I lived there for 12 years, and trust me, it’s not just a destination—it’s a whole mood.
This itinerary is designed specifically for you: the solo female traveler (or the BFF duo!) looking for a restorative week with just the right amount of light adventure. We’re skipping the frantic rush and focusing on curated experiences that you can book right now using my favorite affiliate partners. Think of this as your personal, stress-free guide to the island I call home.
Ready to trade your to-do list for a lei? Let’s dive in!
The Big Island Vibe: Kona vs. Hilo
The Big Island is massive, so we’re splitting our time between the sunny, dry Kona side (perfect for ocean activities and coffee) and the lush, wet Hilo side (home to the waterfalls and the volcano).
- Kona (Nights 1-3): Sunsets, snorkeling, and boutique stays near Ali‘i Drive.
- Waikoloa (Nights 4-5): Upscale resorts and beautiful beaches for pure relaxation.
- Hilo (Nights 6-7): Nature immersion, rainforests, and Volcanoes National Park access.
Accommodation Options (Your Home Away From Home)
I’ve hand-picked options for each area, ranging from charming mid-range spots to luxurious splurges. Click the links below to check availability and book your stay directly:
| Nights | Location | Budget/Style | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Kona / Ali‘i Drive | Mid-range comfortable hotel or boutique B&B near oceanfront. | Aston Kona By the Sea | Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa | Wyndham Mauna Loa Village | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua Kona IHG | Kona Tiki Hotel | Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel | Pacific 19 Kona | Sea Village |
| 4–5 | Waikoloa / Mauna Lani | Upscale option included; mid-range available (use Kona options for mid-range). | Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai |
| 6–7 | Hilo-side | Eco-lodge or charming inn (nature + waterfall + Volcano National Park access). | Hilo Options |
Ground Transfers (Getting Around)
The Big Island requires some driving! You can book a rental car or use private transfers for a stress-free experience.
- Car Rentals (Self-Drive Option)
- Private Arrival Transfer KOA to Kailua-Kona
- Private Departure Transfer Kona to KOA
- General Transfers & Ground Transport
Day-by-Day Itinerary: Activities & Adventures
Days 1–3: Kona / Ali‘i Drive Area
| Day | Activity Mix | Logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival & Kona Exploration | Private Arrival Transfer KOA to Kona | Optional Evening: Kona Walking Food Tour |
| Day 2 | Coffee & Culture | Coffee Farm Tour Options: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Experience | Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks |
| Lūʻau Options: Hawaii Loa Luau | Island Breeze Luau | ||
| Day 3 | Ocean Activity & Restorative Afternoon | Snorkel/Sail Options: Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Sail Adventure | Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel |
| Optional Manta Ray Snorkel: Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Days 4–5: Waikoloa / Mauna Lani Area
| Day | Activity Mix | Logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Day 4 | Transfer & Waterfall Hike | Kohala Waterfalls Small Group Adventure Tour |
| Optional Sunset Cruise: Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail | ||
| Day 5 | Luxury & Exploration | Optional Luxury Upgrade: Luxury Private Boat Charter |
| Optional Scenic Tour: Helicopter Kona Coast Tour |
Days 6–7: Hilo-side
| Day | Activity Mix | Logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Day 6 | Transfer & Volcanoes National Park | Volcanoes National Park Guided Day Options: Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour | Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History |
| Day 7 | Nature & Departure | Optional Upgrade: Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour |
| Departure Transfer (Hilo to KOA): Use Car Rentals or General Transfers. |
This itinerary is truly a piece of my heart, designed to give you the best of the Big Island without the stress of planning. Whether you choose the luxury resort or the charming B&B, the island is waiting to welcome you.
Have you ever traveled solo to Hawaii, or are you planning your first trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any questions you have about the Big Island in the comments below!
Stay stylish, stay adventurous, and keep chasing those sunsets.