Going to Hawaii (Big Island) for a week. Recommendations?

Most people mostly do Kona that's where most of the resorts are located. Not a ton to do in Hilo as far as normal "tourism". Its been many many years since I've been there to be fair, but there's quite a bit of underated nature on the big island.

You got the National Park, I'd hit that up personally I loved it but it seems to not get a lot of love.

We night Snorkeled with the Manta Rays and it was a top 3 excursion we've ever done.

I dont remember which company we used but its the one with a Sailing catamaran.

Most of the other tour companies use smaller boats but the larger cat was very comfortable.

I've stayed in Kailua-Kona twice. Had a condo just south of Kailua. For snorkeling I agree the manta ray night snorkel and Two Step. Ask anyone in town and they can direct you there. Literally, 2 steps and you are swimming over the coral reef.

It is not difficult to drive the island. The big island isn't known for it's surfing, but it is known for it's varied beaches. Typical "shite" and black, but also a green beach.

Hilo the bigger city and offers better zip-lining and easy access to the tour company to take you into the Valley of the Kings. Between these 2 cities, you may have the opportunity to star gaze up on one of the dormant volcanoes which are in the middle of the island.

Spend a night in Volcano. Kilauea may still be spewing and is quite a sight. I recommend the Thai restaurant in Volcano. Hopefully, they are having IN dining by now (lack of workers in April). Some of the best . if not the best, I have had.

Other "touristy" things are: Kona coffee tour, Sea Salt tour and tasting, and a Vanillerie tour and tasting. These are on the Kona side.

The Big Island is really separated into two halves by the giant volcanoes in the middle. The Western side is very dry, with pretty beaches and lots of resorts. The Eastern side gets lots more rain and so has sights such as Akaka Falls. And the Eastern side also has Kilauea and the national park.

You are correct to think of the two sides of the island as practically separate destinations.

I'm a fan of the funky 1920s feel of Honoka'a, on the north coast.

I also highly recommend doing a lava tube cave tour. The short tube in the national park doesn't compare to the private ones. I think that I did this one, but my understanding is that there are a couple of others that are equally good.

Ik you didn’t mention it in the OP but some food recs

Randy’s huli huli chicken
Lava Lava beach club
Black rock pizza
Coffee shack

If you get to coffee shack about 15-20 minutes before they open you can get the best seat in place, which is an amazing view of the mountains and the ocean while you eat breakfast. I highly recommend

Not to hijack but any favorite things on Kauai? Going in 12 weeks.

On the big island I love the Waipio Valley lookout. Green sand beach at the south part of the island. Hapuna may be one of my favorite beaches. Go look at the stars at the Mauna Kea visitor center. Those are cool things in addition to what others have said.

If you stay down by Volcano there aren't a ton of restaurants, but you really need to try Tuk Tuk Thai Food truck! It is amazing! LINK

The Punaluu Black Sand Beach is really easy to get to when going to Volcano as well. Usually can see Sea Turtles on the beach.

Punalu'u Bake Shop is the southern most bakery in the US and is on the way to Volcano. Really good.

If on the Hilo side this is a great place that locals go to swim. Carlsmith Beach Park. We saw a bunch of turtles as well. Its good because it has a break that stops the waves if it is rough.

As someone mentioned, do the night swim with Manta Rays. It was aweseome. The night we went the water was a little rough but still amazing. It really doesn't matter who you book with, they all go to the same location.

Night snorkel with mantas is must do. Its amazing. We went to Green Sand Beach and South Point. South Point is southern most part of US. Jump off the cliff into ocean at South Point. Climb back up the ladder.

For Big Island, I recommend the resort area north of Kona for most of the trip, and one or two nights on the wet side if volcano is active.

I like the Waikoloa Beach area. It has multiple resorts and plenty of good food. Plus is pretty centrally located being near the Saddle Road. Lava Lava Beach Club is located there as is Roy’s, Kuleana Rum Shack, and soon a Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar. Great hikes along the coast starting south from the Fish Ponds at Mauna Lani where you see a black sand beach and archaeological remains. For viewing marine creatures., the lagoon at the Hilton is excellent. The South Kohala resort area is also the driest spot on the island.

Between Kona and Waikoloa Beach are many great secluded beaches. Buy the book “Hawaii The Big Island Revealed .” It is a great resource, especially for learning how to access cool, secluded beaches.

One the wet side be sure to visit the volcano as it is active. Akaka Falls and the falls in Hilo are worth the visit. If you like plants, visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. My favorite Big Island restaurant is Pineapples in downtown Hilo. Great lunch plate places in Hilo too.

For Huli Huli chicken, there is Randy’s in Captain Cook (see Facebook for days it is open, typically mid-late week) and GJ’s at the parking lot in Waimea on Saturdays.

Other neat things to do are a coffee tour, I like Greenwell Farms, and the chocolate tour at Original Hawaiian Chocolate. Both south of Kona. Driving to the top of Mauna Kea is a neat thing to do as well. Just a very short hike at the top to the 13,802 foot summit.

For your drives around the island download the Shaka guide. It links to your GPS position and as you drive the island it tells you all about the area and directs you to landmarks/ sights.

SHAKA GUIDE