Our Honeymoon Road Trip Around the Big Island, Hawai'i

On the road

We landed in Kona and started our adventure by heading northeast. Our first major stop was ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a lush rainforest filled with breathtaking waterfalls, creeks, and incredible greenery. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and get immersed in the Big Island’s natural beauty.

Hilo & sweet treats

Next, we made our way to Hilo, the largest town on the east side of the island. In the heart of downtown, we found a fun little spot called Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack. They serve colorful and delicious treats—think ube unicorn ice cream, fresh fruit bowls, sandwiches, and tropical smoothies. It’s a quirky must-stop if you’re in the area!

Volcanoes at night

The main reason we took the long way around the island? Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It was at the top of our list, and for good reason. We timed our visit to catch the lava flow at night, when the glow is most visible—such a surreal and awe-inspiring experience. Exploring the park during the day is an amazing combination of tropical paradise and otherworldly landscapes created by the active volcanos. Trails take you up to volcano rims were you can look down to the solidified lava-flow lake trail. Staying nearby in the Mountain View area made it easy to visit the park over a couple of days without the long drive back at night.

Black sand, hidden gems

On our way south from the park, we visited Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. This beach was truly something else—jet-black sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, it wasn’t crowded at all. It felt like a hidden gem, even though it’s famous in its own right.

Snorkeling & sea turtles

Before wrapping up our road trip, we took a snorkeling tour off the Kona coast. The water was crystal clear, the coral was vibrant, and we even spotted sea turtles swimming near the marina. Watching massive fish being hauled in by fishing boats as we boarded our catamaran gave us a real taste of local island life.

Final stop: Kekaha Kai State Beach

On our way back to the resort, we wanted to make sure we checked out Kekaha Kai State Park, a gorgeous beach spot that ended up being one of the best surprises of the trip. This beach was quiet, unspoiled, and absolutely stunning—everything you dream of when imagining a tropical paradise. We arrived just in time to catch the sunset, and it truly felt dreamy. Out of all the beaches we visited, Kekaha Kai was our favorite. It wasn’t too crowded, the sand was soft, and the water was perfect. When we come back to the Big Island, this is the first place we’ll return to.

Back on the west coast, we had two standout food experiences.

Right after landing, we grabbed a bite at Pine Tree Café near the airport, a no-frills local favorite with big portions, great prices, and authentic island comfort food.

But our favorite meal? Without a doubt, Broke Da Mouth Grindz in Kona. The food was incredible, the portions were massive, and we honestly wished we could have eaten there twice.