Uh.. no. That would not be enough time to do all of those things. In fact, it wouldn’t really even be enough time to see and do everything just in Volcanoes NP.

They call it the Big Island for a reason. It’s HUGE… at least in terms of Hawaii. We go primarily to Kauai where everything is within an easy day’s drive. Not so on the Big Island. We spent three nights staying in Hilo, two in Volcano, and then seven in Kona and still didn’t have time to see and do everything we would have liked and we were on the go almost constantly. I think we spent only two days at the beach and one of those included an hour of four-wheel-drive each way to get where we were going.

If you really want to see the island, you’re going to have to make it your primary destination (if not on this trip, then some other time). Otherwise, prioritize the things you really want to see, take a good look at a map, and set some realistic expectations. (If you fly into Kona, it’s a LONG drive to the other side of the island where Hilo and Volcano are.)

The most important thing about any trip to Hawaii, in my opinion, is that you not do it like a race to see things. Slow down your pace and really enjoy the relaxed pace of the islands.

Aloha!

Definately not enough time to see the island! You can’t pass up Volcanos NP or Waipio Valley, so I would say to makes those top on ur to do list!
Hawai’i is a place to take your time on so keep that in mind and have fun!!!!!

You can see everything in that amount of time, but you won’t be able to do everything in depth.

My mom and I went to the Big Island for a weekend…about the same amount of time you’re spending. On our first day, we drove up to Volcano National Park and spent most of the day there, then went down to the black sand beach for a small portion of the afternoon, and enjoyed dinner in Hilo.

The next day, we drove from Hilo to Kona (three hours). We had lunch in Kona and walked around. Then, we drove back, around the other side of the island, (3 hours).

It’s possible to see the entire island in that amount of time by taking a day to drive the highway that circles the island. Stop frequently for pictures, stay the night in Kona or Hilo, and do more driving. You won’t be able to swim or hike, but you’ll be able to see everything.

And trust me, if two days is all you can spare, just do it. A circle tour of the island offers you breathtaking views and is well worth the little amount of time you have.

I’d suggest you focus on one side of the island if that’s all the time you have. We did the Hilo side, including Volcanoes NP in 3 days; then we did Kona aide in 2 days. As it was, we felt like we were rushed. One highlight for us was the helicopter ride from Hilo over Volcanoes NP. We had already stayed at the park and explored during night and day. But the helicopter tour gives you a great perspective you wouldn’t otherwise have.

It’s a great trip going from Kailua Kona Hilo on the other side of the island. You cross from the hot side to the cooler more tropic side of the island and drive across the ridge from where the views are spectacular. Driving East in the morning, lunch in Hilo and back in the afternoon. It will allow you to see two totally different climates and vegetation and catch a glimpse of the observatories on Mouna Kea.