Definitely recommend Hapuna beach. If you want to go around the rock that kinda secludes the hotel, you can and hang out there. You can use the hotel pool and bar/restaurant.
Definitely do the green beach. Like said, it’s a little under 3 miles but it’s breathtaking. Can’t believe how green it actually is. If you don’t want to walk, they have guys that drive you to and from it. It’s $20 a person but they don’t take you until they have a full load, 10 people. We walked down but caught a ride back as the day was getting towards the end and they were looking for extra money. Cost us $10 for the ride back.
Pololu valley is a great place to see the sunrise. Unless you’re arriving late, it’s perfect to go the first morning there. Your body clock won’t be adjusted yet. From where you are staying it’s about a 1-1/2 drive but you can stop at Hapuna beach on the way back. The thing I’ve found is yes the island is large, but try and plan things together.
If you like some adventure, try zip lining at the Umauma Experience. Was an awesome experience and you can squeeze in Hilo if you want to see it. Hilo had some of the ferocious surfs I’ve ever seen the day we went.
Since you’re staying in captain cook, it’s a short drive to two step for awesome snorkeling and you can also visit the Pu?uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. They are next to one another. It’s a cool place with its history.
Of course, you need to go to the volcano. It’s has many trails for hiking and you can go into lava tubes. Also you can pair it with a black sand beach on the way back.
We are going back in January and plan on hitting Mauna Kea and waipio valley because we just didn’t have enough time. We took a couple of days to relax.
It really is an amazing island. There is so much to do and see. We actually did the road to the sea. I misread and thought is was only a few miles, turned out it was 6. Took forever to get down the road but it was worth it. Had the beach to ourselves. It’s a tough ride but worth it if your rental vehicle allows it

There is a YouTube channel that has a couple that lives in Maui and travels to the other island to provide guides. It called the Hawaii vacation guide. They are very informative. Also get the Big Island revealed book.

This post was edited on 5/5/24 at 5:37 pm