You can visit the Big Island of Hawaii many times and still only scratch the surface of the plethora of things to see and do. A short visit by necessity requires some selection, but here are some sample itineraries to consider.

One-Day Itineraries

Like any of the Hawaiian Islands, it's possible to get a vague sense of the Big Island in a day, but it really would be rushed given the island's size and variety. Polynesian Adventure Tours (S329-8008) and Roberts Hawaii (S329-1688) offer one-day circle-island or volcano tours that will allow you to experience some of the highlights.

You can also try going for a drive around the island on your own. Expect such a journey to take most of the day, with only brief stops at a few of the marked attractions. More realistically, you might choose to take on just a section of the island near your point of entry at Kona or Hilo.

If you're at Hilo, explore the town, visit Akaka Falls, Nani Mau Gardens ( 959-3500), and the Macadamia Nut Factory ( 966-8618), or drive up north for a view of spectacular Waipi'o Valley. You're also relatively close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (985-6000), and a blitz south will allow you to take a brief look at geological phenomena in progress.

In Kona, take a walk through town on Ali'i Dr., and perhaps take a look at such interesting historical sites as the Hulihe'e Palace (329-1877) or the nearby Moku'aikaua Church.

Three-Day Itinerary

Day One: Explore your greater neighborhood. If you're in Hilo, take a walk around town and visit the gardens or other attractions. If you're in Kona, enjoy a casual day walking around town or visiting a local beach. In either place, you'll find many good choices for some tasty meals.

Day Two: Volcano day! You owe it to yourself to visit the natural marvels that continue to expand Hawaii's real estate. If you're in Hilo, it's a relatively short drive south down Hwy. 11 to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ( 985-6000). You can have a nice breakfast in town or at your hotel and still have plenty of time for a meaningful visit. If you're coming from Kona, you're either going to have to drive first to Hilo via Waimea/Kamuela (Hwy. 19) or take the infamous Saddle Road (Highway 200) or circle south around the island to the park. Going by way of Hilo is perhaps a bit shorter, but you can still expect it to take between two and three hours.

An interesting but long drive is the circle-island tour to and from Kona with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as the focus and a brief stop in Hilo coming or going. Have lunch at the Volcano House ( 967-7321) and visit Volcano Village. Stop in at the Volcano Winery ( 967-7479), too, if that is of interest.

Day Three: Pick out a nice activity. Go fishing, play a game of golf, or visit some cultural sites, such as the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau City of Refuge ( 328-2288). The northern ranch country of Waimea/Kamuela is a lovely trip from either Hilo or Kona. It's a charming part of the island, and you'll find some interesting places to eat and shop. If you're in Kona, enjoy the sun as it sets in the west.

Five-Day Itinerary

Day One: Relax, and enjoy a casual day exploring the sights of Kona or Hilo.

Day Two: Take on a local activity. Try some snuba, golf, visit local gardens, waterfalls, and historical sites, or perhaps take a ride on a sailing or fishing boat. Those staying in Kona might like a drive south down the coast to the City of Refuge, with a stop to sample some Kona coffee along the way.

Day Three: Volcano day! (See the description of Day Two in the three-day itinerary, above.) Once in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, do a loop around Crater Rim Drive and check out the Kilauea Visitors Center and the Jaggar Museum.

Day Four: Whether you're in Kona or Hilo, you can have a delightful day investigating the northern part of the island. From Kona, take Hwys. 19 and 270 north along the coast to the little town of Hawi and beyond. There are several sections of interesting little shops at both Hawi and nearby Kapa'au. Catch Hwy. 250 south for a charming drive to Waimea/Kamuela and then back to Kona. If you feel that you have plenty of time and energy, head east on Hwy. 19 from Waimea and then north on Hwy. 240 to the Waipi'o overlook for a spectacular view of this magnificent valley. A similar journey can be made from Hilo, though somewhat in reverse. You can also make a good, somewhat leisurely day's project out of a visit to Waipi'o by taking a tour down into the majestic valley itself with such companies as the Waipio Valley Shuttle ( 775-7121).

Day Five: Do whatever you like! Revisit a favorite shop, play some golf, or ride in a submarine. Take a helicopter or plane ride if you feel the need for more volcanic perspectives. Make reservations for a luau—the Big Island has some of the best at such venues as Kona Village (S325-5555) and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel (329-2911).

Kauai

Poipu, Kauai — East

Poipu, Kauai — West

East Kauai — Kapaa

East Kauai — Wailua

North Kauai — West

North Kauai — East