Hawaii One Day Tours & Travel Guides

Holoholo: Day Trips

In the Hawaiian language, “holoholo“ means to go strolling or driving to see what you can see. That’s a great way to explore the Big Island, and you’re guaranteed to discover interesting places and people. To get you started, here are two itineraries for East and West Hawaii Island.

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Ka Lae and South Point

Courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

The drive from Volcano to South Point crosses dramatic terrain. Mauna Loa rises gently from fields of rough aa lava. Young ohia seedlings and tree ferns have sprung up through the lichen-covered lava rock. Verdant pasturelands spread across Mauna Loa’s generous shoulders, and orchards of macadamia nut trees line the road. The sea stretches into eternity on the left. Turn off the air conditioning and breathe in the crisp, clean salt air, and stop for the black sand beach at Punaluu.

Hulihee Palace. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau

Travelers coming to West Hawaii fly into Kona International Airport. Whether you turn your rental car right or left out of the airport is entirely up to personal preference. Turn right, and you’ll head south towards the bustling seaside town of Kailua-Kona and the magnificent Keauhou Resort area, with its numerous historical sites and excellent snorkeling opportunities.