Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the United States of Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific. This island is home to all tallest sea mountain and the largest volcano in the world.
After visiting this island, I can only say “Nature never ceases to amaze”. We planned a 7 days trip to this island. We booked the flight tickets by our own and booked Hotels and rental car from Costco. We stayed in Royal Kona Resort, and Hilo Hawaiian Resort and both were just beautiful. We spent 3 days in Kona and 3 days in Hilo. I think if you are planning to explore this island 7 days are very less to understand this nature’s beauty.
We took flight from San Diego, CA to Big Island, Hawaii, After landing we went to get our rental car and then reached hotel, it was around 7 PM in the evening. Our first stop was Kona and we stayed in Royal Kona Resort. We checkedIn then had our dinner and was all set for new exciting Hawaiian Morning.
Day 1 : ALOHA!!! It’s a beautiful day, we decided to go around and walk into the local stores, meet people and explore Kona. In just 0.5 miles from resort there is local market on one side and ocean on the other side, it was just an amazing view. There were many restaurants around. People were dancing, enjoying and was cherishing the moment.
Then we did booking for some adventures activity slots for the next day. At that moment I spotted shave ice cream store : I can say its a hidden treasure of Hawaii, we bought that and was just amazing. They have so many flavors you can mix match and create your own. We explored Kona and talked to many people and under their tradition and culture.
Day 2 : Ready for some adventure… Today we did parasailing for the first time, we took “Out of This World” package from UFO parasailing, in this package the line length is 1200 ft. I can say one of the most exciting things to do in Kona, you get to see panoramic view of the volcanic coastline and it’s just wow.
After a short break we went for underwater sailing, it was an another amazing experience. Under a water there is different world, it is as beautiful as above the water. If you know swimming then you should try the Manta Ray Diving, it is one of the most memorable things you can do on the Big Island!
We took Atlantis Sabmarines tour to watch the underwater world, I can say it was our unforgettable 45 minutes at depth upto 120ft below the sea level.
Then back to hotel, relaxed for sometime then went to watch their famous show – Royal Kona Luau with a breathtaking sunset.
Day 3 : We drive from Kona to Hilo, it is around 3 hours drive. That day it was raining because of that slow traffic was there, So it took 5 hours to reach Hilo Hawaiian resort. It was a scenic drive because you have an ocean, at one side and on other side it is all covered with coconut trees. If your are truly a Nature lover you will definitely love it. We reached at evening time around 4:00 PM. The resort was all surrounded by banyan trees, it was looking so beautiful.
Hawaii Village 
Hilo Hawaii Resort
Day 4 : We woke up early and ready to explore Hawaii Volcano National Park. One of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen. You can take your vehicle inside there is an entry charge that is $25 per car. First go to visitors center take map and all the information. You can drive to the points and see the views and there are some beautiful view which requires a short hike. The Crater Rim drive is breathtaking though a rain forest and then a lava destructed land that opens into a huge valley.
Beautiful Carter 
Trail for Tunnel view
The last point to see is Arch, it is 40 minutes drive but this sea Arch at the end is a must see place. There is also a 20 miles hike from arch to see where you can see the lava flowing into the sea only if you are lucky. We decided not to go hiking, but to go with….. will tell you later.
At the evening time while coming back from Arch we decide to see Kilauea, an active volcano in the park. It was beautiful, just a pleasure to your eyes.
Day 5 : For the initial half day we relaxed at resort then went out for lunch and explored the local market. Then an adventurous evening begins. We took a tour to visit the Mauna Kea.
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Its peak is 13,803 ft above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring over 33,000 ft in height. I was almost like walking above the clouds.
Beautiful sunset from 13,800 ft above the sea level We also did stargazing at Mauna Kea, it was like you are wrapped in the sheet of stars.
Day 6 : Another day of doing something exciting, you know what??? Oh it’s time to watch a lava flowing into sea. So watch this lava flowing you can either take helicopters tour, ship tour and boat tour. Boat tour is risky because they ride only 4 people and it goes almost very close to lava flowing but it’s worth taking that risk and watching flowing of lava into a sea. It’s once in a lifetime experience. Words are less to define the view we have experienced while watching the lava flow.
We are all set to watch lava flowing into a sea. We were stunned after watching the lava flowing into a Sea.
Caution : your skin will become dark because of gases coming out from lava so wear cloths which covers full body.
After this unforgettable moment we went to a famous black beach of Hawaii and relaxed there thinking of volcano only 😉
Day 7 : Sad moment came, our adventures trip comes to an end with lots and lots of amazing and unforgettable memories. We drove back to Kona dropped our rental car and flied back to San Diego.
Hawaii, must visit place once in a lifetime.
Zesty Soul 