A Big Island Birthday Adventure: Celebrating 40 in Paradise
I am the travel planner in our little family. I spend hours researching and meticulously planning each detail of our trips and adventures. So it was with some trepidation that I packed for a 40th birthday trip I had not planned at all. Not a single bit. In fact, even the destination was unknown to me until we checked in for a flight to Kona with Hawaiian Airlines.
Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating, and my husband planned the ultimate getaway to mark the occasion. Despite the (alleged) difficulty I have letting others make decisions, I actually enjoyed letting someone else be in charge for once. Our week-long adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island was filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a day-by-day look at our Big Island itinerary, perfect for anyone looking to explore this diverse and magical destination.
Day 1: Arrival and Manta Ray Magic
We flew from PDX, arriving in Hawaii in the late afternoon. Flying Hawaiian Airlines is the ideal way to start a vacation, in my opinion with special touches like tropical cocktails and island treats. We arrived in Kona for one night at the stylish yet affordable PACIFIC 19. Hotels in Hawaii can be expensive, but this spot manages to balance budget and location - I mean check out these views. We kicked off our week by diving into our first activity—literally! After checking into our hotel we hurried to experience the famous manta ray night snorkel. Floating above these gentle giants under the moonlit sky was a surreal and awe-inspiring way to start our trip. I typcially don’t recommend planning a major activity on arrival day, but this is something you don’t want to miss.
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Hilo
The day began with delicious acai bowls from the Waimea Coffee Company truck conveniently parked at our hotel. Fueled up, we embarked on a scenic drive to Hilo, guided by the informative and entertaining GuideAlong audio tour. Along the way, we made several stops to soak in the island’s beauty and learn about Hawaii’s history. Once in Hilo, we checked into a charming rental cottage and enjoyed a leisurely dinner in town.
Day 3: Volcanoes and Tranquil Parks
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a highlight of the trip. We marveled at the otherworldly landscapes, from steaming vents to lava fields to the waves crashing against the rocky edge of the island. Later, we visited the serene Liliuokalani Park and Coconut Island back in Hilo, where we strolled through lush gardens and enjoyed the peaceful ocean views.
Day 4: Thrills and Waterfalls
Adventure was the theme of the day as we went zip lining with The Umauma Experience, soaring over lush valleys and waterfalls. Harrison was obsessed. We followed this with a visit to Akaka Falls, a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest. Other Hilo highlights included the Boiling Pots and Kaumana Caves, each offering unique glimpses into the island’s natural wonders.
Day 5: Coffee, Gardens, and the North Shore
We started the day with a coffee tasting at Big Island Coffee Roasters, where we savored some of the island’s finest brews. Next, we visited Rainbow Falls and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a lush paradise of exotic plants and flowers. All three of us somehow really enjoy a botanical garden and this was lovely. Driving around the north side of the island, we stopped at Waipio Valley for its breathtaking views and grabbed a refreshing treat at the Waipio Fruit Shack. That evening, we checked into the Hilton Waikoloa, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
Day 6: Birthday Bliss at the Resort
My birthday was all about relaxation and indulgence. We spent the day enjoying the Hilton Waikoloa’s incredible amenities, from its lagoon (snorkeling with sea turtles!!) to its many fun pools. My boys surprised me with a rejuvenating massage at the resort’s spa, and we capped off the day with a delicious dinner at Nui, the onsite Italian restaurant. It was a perfect day, one of the rare days when I was completely relaxed.
Day 7: Beaches, Shave Ice, and Scenic Drives
Although it is nice to have a carefree day, none of us like to stay still for too long. We ventured out the next day, spending the morning soaking up the sun at Waialea Beach, a pristine spot perfect for swimming and lounging. A visit to the Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. was a sweet treat. That evening we made reservations for an extra special birthday dinner at Merriman’s Waimea. The scenic drive to dinner included a stop at Pololu Valley, where we admired the dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. As my boys sang me happy birthday at the end of a literally perfect meal, my heart was full of love and gratitude for a perfect week celebrating this new decade of life.
Day 8: Aloha, Big Island
Our adventure ended with an early flight home. I’m never quite ready to leave Hawaii and always ready to return.
where we ate
You know we always try to find the best spots to eat and no trip to the Big Island is complete without indulging in its incredible culinary offerings. From fresh local flavors to indulgent treats, our journey was as much about the food as it was about the sights. Here’s a roundup of all the amazing places we dined during our adventure:
- Waimea Coffee Company: We started our morning in Kona right with their delicious acai bowls and perfectly brewed coffee. The food truck at our hotel made it super convenient to grab breakfast before heading out.
- Hano Hou Restaurant: A hidden gem we discovered along the way, serving up hearty, home-style meals that hit the spot after a day of exploring. The mac nut pie is a must.
- Punalu’u Bake Shop: Known as the southernmost bakery in the U.S., this spot was a sweet stop for their famous malasadas and other baked goods. The lilikoi malasada was my favorite.
- Pineapples Hilo: A lively spot in Hilo where we enjoyed fresh, tropical-inspired dishes and a fun, laid-back atmosphere. I can’t resist a cocktail that comes IN a pineapple.
- Kilauea General Store: A perfect pit stop for grabbing snacks and quick bites while exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This was one of the few spots open on a Sunday, but the sandwiches really hit the spot after a morning of hiking and exploring.
- Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill (Hilo): A standout dinner spot offering a mix of fresh seafood and local flavors in a warm, welcoming setting.
- The Booch Bar: A unique spot in Hilo where you can enjoy kombucha on tap and creative, health-conscious dishes. We were there for breakfast and the cold brew and acai bowl I had was the perfect combo.
- Big Island Birria Boss: A food truck serving up mouthwatering birria tacos that were packed with flavor—a must-try for taco lovers. Brandon liked this so much he got a second order of birria flautas to go so he could eat them later.
- Big Island Coffee Roasters: Not just a coffee tasting, but a full sensory experience. Their locally grown coffee was some of the best we’ve ever had.
- Waipio Fruit Shack: A refreshing stop for fresh fruit smoothies and tropical treats while exploring the north side of the island.
- Nui at Hilton Waikoloa: A delightful Italian menu, delicious wine, sunset views. This was a great option if you don’t want to leave the resort after a relaxing day.
- Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.: The perfect way to cool down after a morning at the beach, with their finely shaved ice and creative flavor combinations.
- Merriman’s Waimea: Our grand finale dinner was a true farm-to-table experience, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and impeccable service. One of my all time favorite meals.
From casual food trucks to fine dining, the Big Island’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Each meal added a special flavor to our journey, making the trip even more unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The Big Island offers an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a milestone celebration. Whether you’re zip lining over waterfalls, exploring volcanic landscapes, or simply enjoying a sunset on the beach, the Big Island has something for everyone. If you’re planning a special trip, I hope this itinerary inspires you to create your own unforgettable adventure.