After almost 2 years of no traveling, we were finally able to book a family vacation to Hawaii. We booked a trip well in advance in April 2021 for travel in November 2021. We used Costco Travel to book one set of travelers from Arizona and then book plane tickets separately for travelers from Washington. Costco was extremely convenient as flights, hotel, and rental car were booked together. There were also additional perks such as gifts at the hotel, waived fees, and free parking. If you like an action packed vacation, try my itinerary and see my related posts!
Day 1 – Arrival Day:
Arrive in Kona
Dinner at Umeke’s Fish House (hot tip: get on the yelp waitlist in advance)
Walk to Keauhou Bay Beach Park
mai tai 
fries from umeke’s 
sunset view 
nature walk at the outrigger resort
Day 2 – Kona Exploring:
Breakfast at hotel
Hooulu Community Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair
Lunch of fruits at the Kona Farmer’s Market
Snacks at Hawaii McDonald’s
Explore downtown Kona
dole whip 
dinner at the luau 
fruits galore at kona farmer’s market 
beach view from downtown kona 
mcdonald’s saimin 
luau
Day 3 – Big Hike Day:
Breakfast at L&L Hawaiian BBQ
Hike Green Sand Beach/Papakōlea
Lunch at Punalu’u Bake Shop
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube
Dinner at Ono Home Kitchen
guava malasada, mac nut sticky bun, lilikoi cheesecake – punalu’u bakery 
honey walnut shrimp, chicken chow fun, garlic string beans – ono home kitchen 
green sand beach 
lava lake – hawaii volcanoes national park 
musubi, loco moco, bento – l&l 
black sand beach
Day 4 – Big Snorkel Day:
Breakfast at hotel
Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tour
Snorkeling at Two Step Beach
Lunch at Big Jake’s BBQ and Honaunau Poke Shop
Hike and snorkel at Captain Cook National Monument
Dinner at Food Truck Friday in Kona
breakfast – outrigger resort 
view at captain cook 
turtle friend – two step 
poke – honaunau 
ribs, chicken, sausage, brisket – jake’s bbq 
coffee plant – heavenly hawaiian
Day 5 – Hilo Exploring:
Breakfast at 808 Grindz Cafe
Explore Kaumana Caves and Rainbow Falls
Fruit at the Kona Farmer’s Market
Lunch at Pineapples Restaurant Hilo
Check out the Waipio Valley Lookout
Dinner at Foster’s Kitchen
mai tai flight 
kaumana caves 
lilinoe fruit stand 
waipio valley lookout 
hilo farmer’s market 
rainbow falls
Day 6 – Relaxation Day:
Brunch at Teshima Restaurant
Activities at the hotel – paddle boarding, yoga, lei koko making
Dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club
pancake – teshima restaurant 
lei koko making class 
ube-bae, mango margarita – lava lava beach club
Day 7 – Departure Day:
Brunch at Island Lava Java
Explored Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center
Depart Kona
guava ribs – island lava java 
short walk from mauna kea visitor center
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